Indigenous Round a time to reflect on contribution of indigenous players to AFL, society

THE excitement of young Richmond pair Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton has TRENT COTCHIN reflecting on the the power of the AFL’s indigenous connections.

Daniel Rioli in action against GWS last weekend. Picture: Phil Hillyard

IN his debut last weekend against the Giants, there was an instance in which Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli combined on the boundary line and you could see the start of hopefully a very special partnership beginning to blossom before my eyes.

I remember thinking “the brothers are at work here”.

It was a very special and fun moment for me and I look forward to lots more to come. That is one aspect of indigenous Australians I am in awe of. Their power for connection.

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The other aspect of this culture I am in awe of is the power of storytelling.

On Thursday the Richmond players had lunch at the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) with all the Indigenous kids and I was sitting next to a young girl, Shaniya, who was very shy and wasn’t eating any food.

I wasn’t really connecting with her, possibly because she didn’t barrack for us, or possibly because she was shy or missing home.

Shai Bolton at Richmond training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Daniel Rioli in action for Richmond against Fremantle.

Either way she reminded me a lot of my own little daughter and suddenly I started playing “here comes the aeroplane” with her food and not only did she start smiling and connecting, she started to eat her food and we enjoyed a little more time together.

As I drove away from MITS I couldn’t help but think about this little girl and the simple art of storytelling, which in fact her indigenous culture teaches us and is something that I hope the Dreamtime game connects us all to.

It’s always a great week for me and the nation to celebrate the contribution indigenous players have made not only to our great game, but also our country as a whole.

When I first began my AFL career in 2008, the importance of that contribution was something I probably didn’t fully understand or appreciate.

Shane Edwards, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli walk to the coin toss before Dreamtime at the ‘G last night. Picture: Getty Images

But over the years at Richmond we have learnt a lot about the indigenous culture, their triumphs and challenges, and the power of storytelling and the way they use it to connect with each other.

There is something unique and powerful about the way indigenous Australians sit around a fire and tell Dreamtime stories from thousands of years ago, passing them down to the next generation.

However, young indigenous people continue to face significant challenges in today’s society and we see that in football as well, even though it is a great vehicle for all players to grow and learn and express themselves.

Before Shai Bolton even arrived at Richmond, you knew watching his clips on the internet that he had some serious speed and goal kicking flair.

Shai Bolton has inherited Kevin Bartlett’s legendary No.29. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Even now at training he does things that catch everyone’s attention. Just when I think he has run too far under the ball, he suddenly appears out of nowhere to mark or gather the footy.

But like a lot of young footballers, I think he missed home in his first few months at the club. It was a testing time.

The transition to the AFL is tough for everyone, and it’s important not to underestimate how difficult that can be for indigenous players from all over Australia.

Especially those who have not experienced a lot of routine or structure in their lives. All of a sudden they come into a club and are immediately expected to gobble it all up.

Some of these kids have grown up playing footy with their mates without shoes. There is a certain rawness about the way indigenous players play footy. And it’s something I’ve always loved.

But there is always a steep learning curve entering the AFL.

At an AFL club, there is lots of data, information, education and all the meetings can stack up one after another. And you have to be on time. Something that sounds so simple can trip you up pretty easily.

Plus, you are suddenly expected to live like an elite athlete in all facets of your life as part of this new-full time job.

Richmond players watch a performance by the club's Korin Gamadji Institute.

There is an adjustment period no doubt, and as a club, Richmond has come a long way helping the indigenous players settle in and develop.

For a long time Shane Edwards was the only indigenous player at the club, but now we have Daniel Rioli, Nathan Drummond and rookie Tyson Stengle as well.

It brings everyone a lot of joy at the club to see the friendship and boys these guys are developing with everyone. Their personalities are really shining through.

Rioli was so impressive when he first arrived at the club because he wanted to make his own mark, rather than rely on his family name.

And this year he has been crucial really taking Shai and Tyson under his wing, and helping those guys really come out of their shell and feel confident and welcome at the club.

Daniel has shown so much maturity and leadership at the club.

He lives with our coach Damien Hardwick and they have a wonderful and unique relationship.

Daniel has even begun taking the mickey out of ‘Dimma’, calling him ‘Dad’ one time in a meeting. You don’t often see that from the younger guys but the fellas loved it.

Xavier Clarke with Richmond’s indigenous players (from left) Shane Edwards, Daniel Rioli, Nathan Drummond, Tyson Stengle and Shai Bolton. Picture: Ian Currie

But there is a serious side to the work to the guys do with the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) at the football club.

It’s an education facility for kids from communities all across Australia and that gives them another incredible opportunity.

Players at the club go and share their stories and experiences with the young people who come to the KGI and try to help them focus on their and education and sport and friendships.

Some of the kids have experienced some tough times and are looking for a fresh start in life. Drug and alcohol abuse is one issue in the communities.

It’s difficult to imagine some of the stuff some kids have seen and been through. Being part of the KGI can be a pretty humbling experience.

The fact that we can do something small but something special to help some of these kids is a really rewarding part of our role at the footy club.