Sturt’s Byron Sumner proud of impact of Indigenous players in SANFL football
STURT defender Byron Sumner has extra motivation for the battle against Norwood at Unley Oval.
THE blockbuster clash between Sturt and Norwood at Unley Oval on Saturday means more than just two premiership points for Double Blues’ Byron Sumner.
For the running defender, the game is a prime opportunity to highlight the influence Indigenous players have had on Australian football.
The game belongs to the SANFL’s Indigenous Round and Sumner, just as he did for the corresponding round last year, has designed the Double Blues’ jumper.
“It was great fun doing the jumper,” Sumner said. “This weekend is definitely special and what I’d like to take away from this week, and for everyone to take away, is the opportunity to celebrate the impact Indigenous players have had on the game.”
North Adelaide forward Robbie Young has designed the Roosters jumper for the battle against Woodville-West Torrens at Prospect Oval on Saturday, while Marlon Motlop has had a heavy influence in the Glenelg jumper for the contest with South Adelaide at the Bay.
“Football is very much like our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, when you are part of a club you are part of its culture,” Motlop said.
Former Panthers player Rigby Barnes has helped design the club’s jumper.
The Eagles will wear a gold, green and blue version of the APY Lands guernsey. The APY lands is in their zone.
Sumner will return to the Double Blues line-up after missing the win over the Roosters last weekend because of hamstring soreness.
While the Double Blues are gaining momentum, the Redlegs have won their past eight games to establish themselves as a serious premiership threat.
“Norwood is up and about,” Sumner said. “If the boys can play the same as they did against North and bring that heat and pressure around the ball it will be a really good game.”
The season goes on the line for West Adelaide and Central District when they meet at Richmond Oval with the loser almost certainly dropping out of the race for a finals berth.