The AFL is pleased to announce a three-year partnership extension with National Indigenous Television (NITV) to celebrate the return of its much-loved program, Yokayi Footy for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
The announcement marks the first multi-year partnership between the two organisations that will see the production of Yokayi Footy until at least 2025.
Airing episode two of Season Four on Wednesday, Yokayi Footy has returned with its trademark mix of fun and footy, as it continues to cover everything Australians love about AFL through bold yarns, powerful monologues, compelling community stories and exclusive interviews with prominent Indigenous players.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said, “The AFL is thrilled to extend its partnership with NITV and celebrate the return of the fourth installment of Yokayi Footy that is set to be bigger and better than ever before.
"Yokayi Footy continues to be an important platform to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices on a national scale and we’re proud to play a role in creating a safe space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to discuss important topics that matter both on and off the field,” Ms Rogers said.
SBS Director of Indigenous Content, and Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman Tanya Denning-Orman said:
“We know that AFL is more than a game for our mob and Yokayi Footy is an important part of our line-up at NITV, connecting communities through their love of footy and proudly celebrating First Nations talent. It’s a show that goes to the core of our commitment to audiences and we’re thrilled that through this ongoing partnership with the AFL, we’ll continue to showcase Black excellence, elevate elite community players, and invest in opportunities for talent in front of and behind the camera.
“We’re excited to have Andrew and Megan back hosting in 2023, alongside former legends of the game in Darryl and Gilly, and our new Executive Producer, Tony Briggs. We’re also grateful for those who have played a part in the growth and evolution of this special show since it launched,” Ms Denning-Orman said.
Headlining the show is Mineng and Yinggarda man and former Richmond and Collingwood AFL player Andrew Krakouer and Warumungu/Yawuru woman and rising media star Megan Waters, while proud Arrente man and former triple premiership Brisbane Lions player Darryl White and Arrente/Gidja man and former AFL champion Gilbert McAdam will return as regular panelists.
Season Four of Yokayi Footy will see the introduction of a new set, new segments and will welcome proud Yorta Yorta/Wurundjeri man, Tony Briggs as its new Executive Producer.
Best known for creating the hit film ‘The Sapphires’, Tony brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Yokayi Footy having been in the film and television industry for more than 30 years.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Yokayi Footy team this season. It’s become a trusted source of footy news for many fans across the country and I’m proud to be able to contribute to it as the show’s new executive producer,” Mr Briggs said.
“We have some of the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent working on the show both on and off the screen, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a big year of footy and having some fun along the way.”
The name Yokayi, a Noongar phrase meaning ‘a shout of victory’, highlights the importance of culture and community, both of which are core aspects of the program.
Yokayi Footy will continue to film between its Melbourne studio and on Country, with segments exploring participation around Australia and the untold stories from communities.
Yokayi Footy airs weekly at 8:30pm on Wednesday and is available to watch on NITV, SBS On Demand, AFL.com.au and the AFL Live app
