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Connecting AFL Indigenous players to their Country

31 May 2018
Culture and Capability
A red map of Australia with images of male and female Indigenous players surrounding it with lines connecting them to towns and communities they are from. Included are the words in the top left corner: AFL Players Indigenous map 2018.

The AFL Players Association Indigenous players’ map shows the geographic origins of each of the 2018 Indigenous players.

To coincide with the AFL Indigenous Round, the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) has launched its updated Indigenous players map.

The map was first produced in 2005 depicting the geographic origins of each of the 83 Indigenous players in the AFL.

One of the most interesting aspects of the map is the high contribution that regional and remote communities make to the Indigenous player pool.

It also shows the high number of players from the ‘non-AFL’ states such as NSW and Queensland.

Paul Marsh is the AFL Players’ Association Chief Executive Officer.

‘With roughly 10% of the current AFL playing group identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the map provides a source of connection for our Indigenous members in being able to learn of the cultural backgrounds of other players.’

The AFL Indigenous Round began on 27 May 2018. It is named in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls who played 54 games for Fitzroy and amongst other accomplishments served as Governor of South Australia.

Find out more

For more information, see AFL Players Launch 2018 Indigenous Map.