‘Embarrassing, lacking credibility’: Indigenous greats slam AFL
Indigenous AFL legends including Shaun Burgoyne, Michael O’Loughlin, and Michael Walters have criticized the AFL's newly formed subcommittee aimed at addressing declining Indigenous player numbers. They argue the 16-member panel lacks sufficient Indigenous representation and regional diversity, particularly from the Northern Territory, NSW, and Queensland. The exclusion of senior Indigenous staffer Paul Vandenbergh has further undermined the panel's credibility, according to the group.
- ▪Shaun Burgoyne, Michael O’Loughlin, and Michael Walters are among the Indigenous AFL greats criticizing the new AFL subcommittee.
- ▪The 16-member panel includes only three First Nations Australians and lacks representation from the Northern Territory, NSW, and Queensland.
- ▪Senior AFL Indigenous talent diversity manager Paul Vandenbergh was excluded from the panel, drawing strong criticism.
- ▪The panel is led by Greg Swann and has been described as 'embarrassing' and 'lacking credibility' by former players.
- ▪Indigenous player numbers in the AFL and AFLW have been declining, prompting the need for targeted intervention.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.