AFL adds its weight to push for recognition

THE AFL will declare its backing for the Recognise campaign to ­acknowledge indigenous Australians in the Constitution.

THE AFL will declare its backing for the Recognise campaign to ­acknowledge indigenous Australians in the Constitution and promise to promote it through every game in round 11 of the premiership season.

The AFL’s move, which will bring the campaign into mainstream view, has been inspired by the leadership of its indigenous greats including Michael Long, Gavin Wanganeen, Andrew McLeod, David Wirrpanda, Mich­ael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes, who have all spoken about wanting to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians included in the Constitution.

The players have been backed by others in the AFL, including the Port Adelaide and Adelaide clubs, which are now also official Recognise supporters.

The AFL’s incoming chief executive, Gillon McLachlan, said the AFL’s partnership with Recognise honoured the close links between indigenous communities and the AFL.

Fans will see the big R for Recognise at the grounds, and in advertising in television broadcasts of the games — with partners at Telstra behind this.

Jason Mifsud, a Gunditjmara man and the AFL’s head of diversity, said he was proud to have helped to bring about the Recognise partnership. Recognise spokeswoman Tanya Hosch said the AFL deserved huge credit for being role models on recognition.