Cast of AFL play 37 get Gold Coast Suns tips for show exploring racism, hate

The racism and hate row sparked after Adam Goodes war cry dance are being explored on stage - and the Gold Coast Suns have been helping prep the actors. SEE THE VIDEO

Two worlds of football collided this week as Gold Coast Suns players took the field with the cast of a hit all-Australian play about the game.

Titled 37, the play tells the story of a small-town footy team’s journey to winning their local premiership, exploring themes of racism in the sport and incorporating dance.

Ngali Shaw, lead in all-Australian AFL play, at Carrara Stadium practicing with Gold Coast Sun's before the big show in Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

2024 AACTA Brian Walsh Award winner Ngali Shaw was among the cast members to take the field with the Suns stars on Friday.

“[The play] is about the Adam Goodes war cry dance back in the Indigenous round in 2015 ... when he did the dance, he got a lot of a lot of racism and hate,” Mr Shaw said.

“It’s just about you know, sharing that story and just sharing awareness about the things that happened in this country.”

Cast of all-Australian AFL play met the real deal on Friday, coming face-to-face with Gold Coast Sun's footy stars. Picture: Supplied

Suns defender Jy Farrar said he was looking forward to seeing the play.

“I think footy is a game where everyone comes together and everyone has that right to have that sense of belonging so I think it’s good to have a play that outlines all the issues.” he said.

37 is playing in Brisbane’s Billie Brown Theatre until May 4.