Geelong sensation Lawson Humphries hopeful Indigenous All-Stars game can instil pride amid declining numbers
Indigenous representation is waning in the AFL and Geelong sensation Lawson Humphries feels the All-Stars clash can help change that. Plus, he reflects on how to curb racist abuse.
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Geelong sensation Lawson Humphries is hopeful the Indigenous All-Stars game can instil pride in First Nations football amid a sharp decline in AFL representation and help educate the community about Indigenous culture.
The number of Indigenous players on AFL lists has plummeted from 71 in 2024 into the low 60s – compared to 87 four years ago – after 11 either retired or delisted in 2024.
Next Generation Academy graduates Cody Anderson (Hawthorn), Malakai Champion (West Coast) and Ricky Mentha (Melbourne) were the only First Nations players picked up in last year’s draft intake.
Humphries, a proud Nyul Nyul, Oomiday and Worrora man from the Kimberley and Pilbara in northern Western Australia, was among the 31 players selected in the Indigenous All-Stars squad that will face Fremantle on February 15.
The 21-year-old experienced first-hand the lack of access that some First Nations people in remote communities face, which forced him to move to Hale School in Perth for greater opportunity.
Humphries says investment at grassroots level is important and that the All-Stars clash can encourage more Indigenous AFL hopefuls to follow in their footsteps.
“I know growing up there was so many talented kids in the Pilbara and the Kimberley and they just don’t have the access that so many kids over here do,” Humphries said.
“Hopefully we can get those numbers up but yeah, it’s going to start from the ground up.
“I hope (the Indigenous All-Stars match) just instils a bit of pride in Indigenous footy. I think it’s been a little bit hard, I guess obviously some of the dwindling numbers.
“So hopefully you just get kids that want to come down and watch, Indigenous kids come down and watch, or watch it on TV wherever they are, and they see it and they want to be that one day. And they really want to work hard and get to the level because 100 per cent some of the Indigenous players we have in the comp are the most exciting.
“So I think the more the better, obviously, but I think it should be a good showcase for Indigenous talent – and culture hopefully as well.
“Hopefully it’s not all just footy, we can share a bit of culture and help educate people on different social issues in the communities and stuff. Because I think equally that’s just as important.”
The 11-game Cat, who is mature beyond his years, believes education is critical in curbing racist abuse towards AFL players and racial division in society overall.
Adelaide livewire Izak Rankine was one of several Indigenous star to be hit with racial abuse on social media last season.
Humphries’ anthropology studies at university have underlined the importance of learning about different cultures.
His sister also works with the Waalitj Foundation that aims to assist First Nations people with education, employment and business.
“It’s really hard, I think it’s really important for people to just get educated,” Humphries said.
“A lot of Welcome to Country’s you hear a bit of stuff about that, and it’s really important, I think, for people just to understand the significance of it. Because although their background or their beliefs are different, it doesn’t mean other people’s beliefs are wrong.
“And I think that’s probably the one thing I’ve learnt a lot from my studies, that’s it’s just really important that we are all respectful of one another and hopefully the game can kind of outline that a the game can kind of outline that a little bit.
“It’s not about dividing, it’s just about bringing people together and celebrating culture. So hopefully that is the message that gets run through.”
Originally published as Geelong sensation Lawson Humphries hopeful Indigenous All-Stars game can instil pride amid declining numbers
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