Recent revelations around the early retirement of Cyril Rioli have reminded us that the AFL industry still has some way to go in its treatment of indigenous players. In this, perhaps, the AFL is just a reflection of our wider society. Last year, the AFL announced it had mandated the appointment of an Indigenous Player Development Manager (IPDM) at each AFL Club to ensure that the development of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander players is supported through culturally informed practices. The role of an IPDM also includes building cultural capability for all players and those across AFL and AFLW football departments. On May 31, we are fortunate to have a panel of three Indigenous Player Development Managers who will share something of their work.
They will reflect on the unique contribution so many indigenous players have made to the game, the challenges many face in adapting to life at AFL clubs and what issues the AFL and wider community still need to address in this space.
Robbie Ahmat played 67 AFL games for Collingwood and the Sydney Swans. Robbie is currently the Indigenous Player Development Manager for the North Melbourne Football Club and is the Indigenous Program Manager at Melbourne Grammar School. Matthew Whelan played 150 games for the Melbourne Football Club and is now the IDPM there. Jethro Calma-Holt was until recently the IDPM and is now the Indigenous Liaison Lead at the Carlton Football Club.
