The curly mane of Chris Lewis bouncing in the breeze as he twists one way and then the other, dancing into space and leaving a would-be tackler clutching at air.
The scything pace of Peter Matera, bouncing down the members wing at the MCG as he sets sail for home in the 1992 Grand Final.
The remarkable spring in the feet of Ashley Sampi as he stands on the shoulders of Melbourne’s Adem Yze to take mark of the year; his calm on several occasions when kicking to win or save a game.
The closing speed of Phillip Matera and ensuing straitjacket tackle, the prototype for what is now universally known as a ‘pressure small forward.’
The ridiculous nonchalance of David Wirrpanda, sliding a hand under the football at full tilt like a Dyson sucking a peanut off the carpet.
Latterly the aerial feats and vision of Liam Ryan, the sheer wizardry of Willie Rioli who sees the game in slow motion and executes his skills with bewildering precision. The West Coast faithful have been blessed over the last 35 years to regularly witness the mesmerising talents of its Indigenous stars.
Before the AFL we had three of the greatest – if not the three greatest – exponents of our game in this State through Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, Barry Cable and Stephen Michael.
Each has owned a unique trait; an instinct and flair that sets their football IQ at a level beyond the realm of many others who play at the elite level.
Today, as we enter the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, fans around the country will take a moment to reflect; to recapture in their mind’s eye some of those unforgettable exploits of Indigenous players who have represented their club.
Be it Michael Long (Essendon), Jeff Farmer (Melbourne/Fremantle), Shaun Burgoyne (Port/Hawthorn), Chris Johnson (Brisbane), Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) or myriad others. Their contribution to our game has been stunning.
Before each of the nine matches played at various venues in various cities around our great country there will be pre-game ceremonies. The wonderous, haunting sound of the didgeridoo will echo around eerily quiet stadia.
Tribal elders from the respective lands on which the games are played will perform ‘welcome to country.’ At Optus Stadium this evening it will be professor Simon Forrest who carries out the ritual.
A proud Wadjuk Balardong Nyoongar man who so eloquently speaks of his people’s connection to country. He delivered a similar message to players and staff at Eagles headquarters during the week. It was compelling. Thought provoking.
While this round shines a light on the spectacular contribution of First Nations People to Australian football there is clearly a bigger picture. Hopefully our game that has been so privileged to showcase the artistry of players like Nicky Winmar, Adam Goodes, Maurice Rioli Sr, Jim and Phil Krakouer, Eddie Betts and so many others can play a role in facilitating reconciliation.
Sadly, so many of those great players have had to deal with racism. And still are.
One by one we can take responsibility and change it. Change it so that Liam Ryan’s beautiful children are not subjected to the abhorrent remarks that have circulated on social media in recent times.
We have come a long way since Sir Doug Nicholls, who is honoured by this round, was rejected by two VFL clubs in the lead up to the 1927 season on the basis of his skin colour.
He played five seasons with VFA club Northcote before being wooed by Fitzroy where he was befriended by Haydn Bunton Sr.
Having Bunton, who won three Brownlow and three Sandover medals, in his corner broke down racial barriers to some extent and he went on to play 54 games for the Roys and four State games for Victoria before returning to finish his career at the suburban club.
He was a pioneer in every sense and as each club wears a specially-designed jumper to commemorate Indigenous stars past and present, it is poignant to celebrate and reflect on the wonderful contribution they have made.
Be brave. Make change.
