Indigenous Rookies ??

[fishmonger]

There has been a lot of changes to the draft system in the last few years, with the addition of Mature Aged Rookie and International Rookies to the system as well as the sponsored NSW/ACT academy system for the draft, but what about indigenous players ?

Everyone knows how good so many of them are, and the game is the lifeblood of many outback communities. But despite making up nearly 10% of all listed players, there is no draft system to promote a pathway into the AFL.

Look at the sheer number of talented indigenous player who are making their way through the rookie drafts into senior squads. Yet there are many guns in state leagues Alwyn Davey (Aaron's brother) playing in state leagues that may never get a look in because they are considered too short as an AFL Draft prospect. All the time they face stiff competition from cashed up metro league kids.

I propose that the AFL introduce a dedicated Indigenous Rookie spot on the list of every club (just like the mature aged or internationals) to be used solely for Indigenous players. It also should be sponsored. This will guarantee that we get to see the best indigenous talent reach AFL level.
Thoughts ?

 

[Smyth94]

Excellent idea - and if done properly would only benefit indigenous footballers and their families.

 

[Hap Hapablap]

if the kids are talented (ive seen some of em playing in the NTFL and they are absolutely powerhorses cotinually attacking the ball) then why not?

 

[Wizard]

More special considerations for aboriginals, just what we need.

 

[rooboy_88]

It's a good idea as long as there are certain restrictions maybe like the mature aged rookie position.

 

[jules101]

mature age or Indigenous maybe

 

[sross]

Or short

 

[fishmonger]

More special considerations for aboriginals, just what we need.

like the concession of blankets, knives, scissors and flour for a few million square kilometres of land ? like the concession of having your kids forcibly removed like the concession of not being able to vote until 1968 ? and as concession of some nice patches of pristine desert 200 years after you are forcibly made homeless ? Good on you w@nker.

seriously, this is not about concessions. it is about giving talent a pathway. If you do it for overseas players and Sydney kids, why not reward the indigenous talent that gives so much to our game.

I take it you'd rather see your team without the likes of Brett Peake, Troy Cook, Jeff Farmer, Des Headland, Antoni Grover, Roger Hayden and Michael Johnson

 

[Father Jack]

how about some kind of acadamy for a few weeks a year?

 

[Altum Volantes]

I'd say a large amount already make it to the AFL, in comparison to the make up of society. I don't really think it's needed. Maybe more relevant back in the mid 80s. They do have the Clontarf academy in WA already anyway.

Oh and I don't think Brett Peake is Aboriginal.

 

[fishmonger]

I'd say a large amount already make it to the AFL, in comparison to the make up of society. I don't really think it's needed.

I think it would be great to see more.

Maybe more relevant back in the mid 80s. They do have the Clontarf academy in WA already anyway.

They do some great work, but 60% of the indigenous population is in QLD and NSW and they don't have the same pathways.

Oh and I don't think Brett Peake is Aboriginal.

no worries. i did think this someone's blog was a rather dodgy source .lol
http://afl.lisaj.id.au/dockers.htm

 

[kookadog]

Not a good idea, Should be based on talent not on your race. The rookie list is fine for doing the job. There are quite a few Aboriginal players as has been mentioned, it's not like they are being overlooked, if they are good enough they get picked up.

 

[Sandola]

If it's not too late to get Ephram Tipungwuti into the AFL, I'm all for it. The man is a legend and has to be seen in action to be believed.

 

[Metallica_Man]

It's a good idea

 

[fishmonger]

If it's not too late to get Ephram Tipungwuti into the AFL, I'm all for it. The man is a legend and has to be seen in action to be believed.

Yes, him and big Norman Pangirimini.

 

[Partridge]

I propose that the AFL introduce a dedicated Indigenous Rookie spot on the list of every club (just like the mature aged or internationals) to be used solely for Indigenous players. It also should be sponsored. This will guarantee that we get to see the best indigenous talent reach AFL level.
Thoughts ?

Why? They should have to earn their spot on merit - just like everyone else.

 

[Murray]

Why? They should have to earn their spot on merit - just like everyone else.

Yeah just like the mature age rookies and Irish rookies ....... oh hang on, that doesn't make sense does it?

 

[Partridge]

Yeah just like the mature age rookies and Irish rookies ....... oh hang on, that doesn't make sense does it?

No it doesn't - and we shouldn't have that either. Thankfully Geelong haven't fallen for the trap of recruiting Irish guys who "might" become footballers.

Political correctness taken way too far.

 

[fishmonger]

Why? They should have to earn their spot on merit - just like everyone else.

It is just a pity that "earning" a spot these days requires $$$ and good connections, basically making AFL these days a rich city kids sport.

Look at Aaron Davey for example, overlooked by everyone in the draft and if it wasn't for an anonymous donator putting in $15,000 for his rookie list promotion, he'd be back playing in the NTFL now.

Thankfully he's not, because he is an out and out star who deserved every bit of his 2 appearances for his country, but think of all the kids (and older talents) just like him that never get the same opportunities.

 

[thylacine60]

More special considerations for aboriginals, just what we need.

And what a surprise, the racist is from WA!

 

[Altum Volantes]

And what a surprise, the racist is from WA!

No he's not..

 

[thylacine60]

Doh!

 

[woosh_era]

Any policy which affords one particular race special consideration that excludes all other races is by definition, racist.

Acknowledging this doesnt make someone a racist, just a realist.

There are lots of equally disadvantaged people from all racial backgrounds. How about calling for inclusive rather than divisive policy.

 

[Metallica_Man]

If you have ever been out in the desert and seen any of these communities, the kids are constantly playing in the desert bare footed kicking around cow dung or anything else they can find. If some of these kids were just given a chance on a rookie list I'm sure they could show the country how good they are, and recruiters will start looking further than Under 18 championships, state Under 18 leagues and other higher leagues.

 

[Rob]

If you have ever been out in the desert and seen any of these communities, the kids are constantly playing in the desert bare footed kicking around cow dung or anything else they can find. If some of these kids were just given a chance on a rookie list I'm sure they could show the country how good they are, and recruiters will start looking further than Under 18 championships, state Under 18 leagues and other higher leagues.

Why would the creation of an 'Indigenous list' mean clubs would go looking in the outback? They'd just recruit from the same places.

Like the original poster said, around 10% of AFL players are aboriginal, a remarkable result given they make up only 2-3% of the population. This wouldn't seem to indicate that aborigines are having too many problems getting noticed.