The AFL rarely apologises. It does boasting better, citing its big crowds and capital city TV ratings (minus the regional figures) as evidence of its national popularity, or its stand on gay marriage, humane treatment of refugees and women's football as demonstrating its commitment to social change.
Last weeks apology for the treatment of Swans player Adam Goodes, coming hours prior to the world premiere of the documentary, The Final Quarter, was a half decade too late. However, it was a significant mea culpa, considering the huge government grants the code has received for its promotion of social inclusiveness, including funds for support of Indigenous players and their culture.
Johnathan Thurston (left) and Justin Hodges, captains of the Cowboys and Broncos respectively in the 2015 NRL grand final.Credit:James Brickwood
But the time difference between the national booing of Goodes, a double Brownlow medallist, and the apology, together with past undelivered, or attempted ventures, invite questions on AFL motives for Indigenous support.
Somehow, the justified boast that Australian football is Australias indigenous (as in original) game has been insinuated into Australias Indigenous game, as evidenced by Mondays comment from Collingwood chairman, Eddie McGuire: “The treatment of Adam challenges us, and our right to be considered Australias Indigenous football code.”
Advertisement
Rugby league has always been a Koori sport but the AFL has always been better at using its false boast as a lever to gain public funding.
Compare the big noise AFL makes about support for First Nations people to the NRL reaction when Indigenous superstars refused to sing the national anthem at the State of Origin match. No big deal was made, aware it would be a breach of rugby leagues social contract with its Aboriginal players.
Consider the differences between the codes with the Clontarf Foundation, an organisation which uses sport to encourage young Aboriginal kids to attend school, funded a third each by state and federal governments and corporations.
The program was begun by Gerard Neesham, a teacher, shortly after he was sacked as inaugural coach of the Fremantle Dockers. It became so successful in Western Australia, the AFL sought to take it over and badge it as their own. However, Neesham knew the project would never gain traction in NSW where rugby league was dominant. He sought the assistance of the NSWRL, which cooperated without demanding acknowledgement.
Nor has the NSWRL interfered with the annual Koori knockout, a 50-year-old competition held in NSW and run exclusively by Indigenous leaders.
While both the AFL and NRL stage an annual Indigenous round in their respective competitions, rugby league can demonstrate commitment where it counts: appointing Indigenous people to leadership positions.
Rugby league legend Arthur Beetson, who passed away in 2011.Credit:Darren Pateman
It was the first football code in Australia to select an Aboriginal player in a national team when Lionel Morgan became a Kangaroo in 1960, eight years before he was counted in the population.
Arthur Beetson was appointed Australian captain five years after the constitutional change.
Until last year, the opposing coaches of the codes jewel, State of Origin, were Indigenous: NSWs Laurie Daley and Queenslands Mal Meninga.
Two Aboriginal captains led their teams in the NRL grand final in 2015 when Justin Hodges Broncos were defeated by Johnathan Thurstons Cowboys. On that same day the two captains of the curtain raiser game were Aboriginal.
Australian Breaking News Headlines
The AFL rarely apologises. It does boasting better, citing its big crowds and capital city TV ratings (minus the regional figures) as evidence of its national popularity, or its stand on gay marriage, humane treatment of refugees and women's football as demonstrating its commitment to social change.
Last weeks apology for the treatment of Swans player Adam Goodes, coming hours prior to the world premiere of the documentary, The Final Quarter, was a half decade too late. However, it was a significant mea culpa, considering the huge government grants the code has received for its promotion of social inclusiveness, including funds for support of Indigenous players and their culture.
Johnathan Thurston (left) and Justin Hodges, captains of the Cowboys and Broncos respectively in the 2015 NRL grand final.Credit:James Brickwood
But the time difference between the national booing of Goodes, a double Brownlow medallist, and the apology, together with past undelivered, or attempted ventures, invite questions on AFL motives for Indigenous support.
Somehow, the justified boast that Australian football is Australias indigenous (as in original) game has been insinuated into Australias Indigenous game, as evidenced by Mondays comment from Collingwood chairman, Eddie McGuire: “The treatment of Adam challenges us, and our right to be considered Australias Indigenous football code.”
Advertisement
Rugby league has always been a Koori sport but the AFL has always been better at using its false boast as a lever to gain public funding.
Compare the big noise AFL makes about support for First Nations people to the NRL reaction when Indigenous superstars refused to sing the national anthem at the State of Origin match. No big deal was made, aware it would be a breach of rugby leagues social contract with its Aboriginal players.
Consider the differences between the codes with the Clontarf Foundation, an organisation which uses sport to encourage young Aboriginal kids to attend school, funded a third each by state and federal governments and corporations.
The program was begun by Gerard Neesham, a teacher, shortly after he was sacked as inaugural coach of the Fremantle Dockers. It became so successful in Western Australia, the AFL sought to take it over and badge it as their own. However, Neesham knew the project would never gain traction in NSW where rugby league was dominant. He sought the assistance of the NSWRL, which cooperated without demanding acknowledgement.
Nor has the NSWRL interfered with the annual Koori knockout, a 50-year-old competition held in NSW and run exclusively by Indigenous leaders.
While both the AFL and NRL stage an annual Indigenous round in their respective competitions, rugby league can demonstrate commitment where it counts: appointing Indigenous people to leadership positions.
Rugby league legend Arthur Beetson, who passed away in 2011.Credit:Darren Pateman
It was the first football code in Australia to select an Aboriginal player in a national team when Lionel Morgan became a Kangaroo in 1960, eight years before he was counted in the population.
Arthur Beetson was appointed Australian captain five years after the constitutional change.
Until last year, the opposing coaches of the codes jewel, State of Origin, were Indigenous: NSWs Laurie Daley and Queenslands Mal Meninga.
Two Aboriginal captains led their teams in the NRL grand final in 2015 when Justin Hodges Broncos were defeated by Johnathan Thurstons Cowboys. On that same day the two captains of the curtain raiser game were Aboriginal.
