By Joe Murphy. Photo courtesy of NT News
The Mt Gravatt Vultures will this weekend host the Northern Territory Thunder as part of the first indigenous reconciliation game in the NEAFL competition.
Inspired by the success of the AFL’s ‘Indigenous Round’ and ‘Dreamtime at the G’, the landmark game aims to celebrate the contribution of indigenous players to the NEAFL competition.
Northern Territory CEO Jarred Ilett said the Thunder were excited to be part of the game.
“Approximately 55 per cent of our players are indigenous, so the issue of reconciliation is important to our football club,” Ilett said.
“We actively recruits indigenous boys from all over the (Northern) Territory and as a result have a significant number of indigenous players in our side
“Our club is happy to support any initiative that promotes reconciliation.”
The day features two teams with strong ties to indigenous players, with both clubs sharing a rich history of promoting indigenous footballers.
AFL Queensland Indigenous Co-ordinator and Vulture’s vice-captain Jesse Green says it is important to continue the reconciliation process.
“This process helps spread awareness about our culture and our people,” Green said.
“Using sport to further this development is perfect as it provides a place where people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures come together for the one purpose.”
Dittmer Park will have a special touch on Saturday, with the 50 metre line and posts decorated in the traditional colours of the Torres Straight and Aboriginal people.
The winning team will be awarded the reconciliation shield with a medal presented to the player adjudged to be best on ground.
The NEAFL reconciliation game is 1.30pm this Saturday at Mt Gravatt’s home ground, Dittmer Park.
