In recognition of this week’s AFL Indigenous Round, the Gabba will host a range of events prior to and during the Lions’ Round 9 clash with St Kilda.

Two indigenous curtain raiser matches will be played before the Lions game:

Indigenous Girls Invitational v Narangba Valley SHS Vipers
9:30am – 10:30am (10 minutes quarters)

Djarragun Indigenous College v St Peter’s Lutheran College
10:45am – 12:20pm (15 minute quarters)

The second curtain raiser match will be followed by a Welcome to the Country traditional Aboriginal ceremony where a representative of the local tribe welcomes teams to their traditional land – performed by Auntie Valda Coolwell.
Former St Kilda and Brisbane Bears player Gilbert McAdam will host the on-field event.

The Gabba’s half-time program will feature 96 AFL Indigenous Auskick participants from eight remote and rural Queensland regions including Cape York.

FAST FOOTY FACTS

The AFL investment in Indigenous programs and events is around $3.5 million annually.

The AFL’s Indigenous programs reach over 87,000 Indigenous people or 36% of Australia’s total Indigenous male population.

There are currently 24 Australian Football Indigenous Academies across the country and six AFL clubs engaged with six communities in the Club Fostership Program.

A total of 189 Indigenous players have played VFL/AFL football. There are currently 72 Indigenous players on AFL club lists; the most in a single season in VFL/AFL history. This number makes up 10% of the AFL competition.

7 Indigenous players have played more than 250 games including Vodafone Brisbane Lions Chris Johnson and Darryl White.

Since 1980, 156 Indigenous players have made their AFL/VFL debut. Prior to 1980, just 23 Indigenous players had played in the elite competition.