With the AFL celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within Australia during Multicultural Round, we thought it appropriate to recognize current Richmond players with a diverse cultural heritage.
Some of the nationalities represented in the Tigers’ 2011 playing list include Lebanese, Dutch, English, Czech, Irish, Maori (New Zealand) and Italian.
Will Thursfield was born in England and migrated to Australia at the age of five, where he soon fostered his love of footy.
Jamie O’Reilly is an International recruit from Ireland, where he grew up playing traditional Gaelic sports including hurling and Gaelic football.
Brett Deledio and Reece Conca have Italian heritage, with the Conca family having strong ties to the Italian community in Western Australia.
Dustin Martin has a Maori background on his father’s side, while Tyrone Vickery has Czech heritage on his maternal side.
Tom Derickx is of second generation Dutch decent, while Robin Nahas and Bachar Houli are first generation Lebanese. Bachar is the first and only practicing Muslim to play AFL football.
