THIS week will mark another breakthrough in AFL Indigenous broadcasting with members of the National Indigenous Radio Service broadcast team commencing a Certificate 3 in Media (Radio) at AFL House.

With the support of the AFL, AFLQ and the Federal Government via the Department of Environment, Enterprise and Workplace Relations, the training course was developed in conjunction with the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association to allow participants to develop a wider cross section of skills in both on air and off air roles.

"Career pathways for the players is vital and the media is certainly one avenue that players can consider," said Jason Mifsud, Manager Community Engagement at the AFL.

"Presently there are no indigenous AFL coaches nor are there any indigenous people working in mainstream commercial media, something that we expect will change in the not too distant future."

Participants at the workshop this week include Chris Johnson, Darryl White, Ronnie Burns, Gilbert McAdam, Phil Egan and Glenn James.

Paying tribute to the program, Chris Johnson said, “After retiring from the Lions and working at the club for a number of years, my new role working with the AFL and this year on the NIRS Radio Broadcast has been really enjoyable."

"I am looking forward to doing the training with the other guys to further broaden my skills in the media. I hope that as time goes on, with the support of training programs such as this, it will encourage other indigenous players, past and present, that the media is a viable career after their playing days have finished.”

The National Indigenous Radio Service broadcasts a minimum of 3 games each week via its network of 200+ stations across Australia. It can be heard also via www.afl.com.au each week.