Carlton Academy prospect Jack Ison on his uncle rapper ‘Briggs’, draft rise and Blues uncertainty
Carlton Academy prospect Jack Ison’s uncle is a famous rapper, actor and activist. And Ison wants to emulate him as a role model – but first he has to get to the Blues.
Carlton Next Generation Academy talent Jack Ison is hoping to become the next member of his family to star at the MCG.
Ison’s uncle is rapper, record label owner, writer, actor, author and First Nations activist Adam Briggs, better known as Briggs or Senator Briggs.
Briggs lit up the hallowed turf this year, headlining the pre-game entertainment at Dreamtime at the ‘G, with Aussie music ison Paul Kelly joining him on stage.
The headline act of hip hop duo A.B. Original has given his proud nephew the VIP treatment.
“He definitely loves his rap, and I love going to his shows,” Ison told this masthead.
“He definitely loves sorting the family out with free tickets and stuff, so he’s a great artist and he’s worked really hard to get where he is now.”
With two ARIA nominees, an APRA award and five Indigenous music awards under his belt, Briggs was a writer on Netflix sitcom Disenchantment, starred in Netflix drama Boys Swallows Universe and nurtures First Nations artists through the Adam Briggs Foundation.
Briggs may be adding another title to his extensive resume in the future: AFL player agent.
The 39-year-old went through the process of becoming an accredited player agent last year and had taken a keen interest in his nephew’s journey, with Ison putting himself in first-round contention.
“He’s interested in the draft stuff. I think he might be wanting to do a bit of player managing stuff as well in the future,” Ison said.
“So future players might get a rapper as your manager.”
Just like his uncle, the Oakleigh Chargers product is passionate about Indigenous rights and wants to be a role model for the next generation.
A proud Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man, Ison is the grandson of Paul Briggs, who was heavily involved in Rumbalara Football Netball Club, an Aboriginal community led sporting club in Shepparton.
Ison watched on with pride as Sydney legend Adam Goodes blazed a trail for his people.
“I’d love to be a role model for the future generation of Indigenous kids coming up, and non-Indigenous kids as well,” Ison said.
“I loved Adam Goodes growing up. He was always a role model of mine, and I loved how he stood up for our people.
“And I’d love to be a role model for the future Indigenous kids coming up and show them if I can do it, why can’t they?”
The skilful 190cm utility, has been fortunate to have his own Indigenous role model at the Blues in forward Zac Williams.
“He’s definitely a bit of a role model of mine, being an Indigenous player and just seeing how hard he works and how he represents his people, the Indigenous people. An inspiration,” Ison said.
“He just says work as hard as you can and make the most of all my resources. That’s something I’m pretty good at and pride myself on, making the most of all my resources at Carlton, Oakleigh and Scotch.
“Because there is so many resources at my fingertips, so it’d be a disservice if I wasn’t to use them.”
Ison has taken on Williams’ advice, particularly at Carlton where he has trained with Blues father-son guns Harry Dean and Cody Walker at Ikon Park.
The Blues have helped Ison through several injury setbacks, including a shin complaint at the start of the season.
“There’s strength and conditioning coaches, there’s a physio, mainly for the Academy. So there’s a lot of resources for the Academy players. And for the future Indigenous kids coming up through the system, it’s definitely a great resource to have,” Ison said.
“I really tried to do as much as I can at Carlton – whether it’s training sessions or gym sessions or extra recovery.
“And more when I’m injured as well. I’ve been injured quite a bit the last two years, so they’ve been great supports with that, helping me get back on track.
“Without them really, I wouldn’t be in the situation I am right now. So I’m very grateful for them.”
The poised Parkside product has risen up draft boards since he was axed from the Vic Metro side during the national championships.
He played a starring role in the Cordner-Eggleston Cup clash between arch rivals Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar, booting three goals as an inside midfielder.
“Definitely the big games are the ones you want to play well in, so I set myself, ticked that one in the calendar from a while back, so wanted to play well,” Ison said.
“Didn’t probably perform how I wanted to in the carnival, but used that as a bit of fuel into the back end of the season, and worked pretty hard, and felt like I could find some form towards the back end.
“Felt like I finished strong for Oakleigh.”
It has been a waiting game for Ison since his strong finish to the season.
Carlton also has an early for Dean to contend with, which may come as early as West Coast’s pick two, as the Blues consider offers for picks nine and 11 to bank draft points.
Geelong, Adelaide and Fremantle, who hold selections at the back end of the first round, shape as potential bid threats for Ison.
Interviewed by more than half of clubs, Ison is eager to play alongside Dean at Carlton next year, but knows nothing is guaranteed.
“He’s a great fella, definitely a good mate of mine and he’s a gun player obviously as well. So I’d love to continue training with him in the future,” Ison said.
“But you never know what will happen on draft night, just fingers crossed.”
Originally published as Carlton Academy prospect Jack Ison on his uncle rapper ‘Briggs’, draft rise and Blues uncertainty
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