In the weeks during Sir Doug Nicholls round celebrating Indigenous people's contribution to football, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has spoken about the record-low number of Indigenous players across the league and why they're vital to clubs.
The AFL has been hit with its lowest number of Indigenous players in the competition (62), and are working through ways to bump the lowly numbers up.
"I think the AFL's push to bring more Indigenous players into the game is coming. Better late than never," Mitchell said. "It would have been great if we had been a bit more consistent over this last generation."
In response, the AFL has launched the First Nations Impact Fund, dedicated to growing First Nations representations across the industry. The fund has roughly $300,000 annually which will be invested in partnership with the clubs. Additionally, the league is considering giving the clubs an extra list spot which will be reserved for First Nations players.
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"We know that Indigenous talent has been vital to success in most clubs. And it's great for the communities when you see Indigenous people here."
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has acknowledged the issue, ensuring fans that the AFL is working to increase inclusivity.
"The players are there. Would we like there to be more? Absolutely, and that's why we are doing that work," Dillon said earlier in the week.
"It's not only just about identifying. It's then, when the players are on a list, how can we make sure that the Indigenous player stays on the list as long as any other player."
There's no denying the impact Indigenous players have on the game.
"I look back over my career and all the great Aboriginal players that I've played with, very proud of my relationships with those guys and the exciting things I got to see in those periods," Mitchell said.
"I hope that continues for many generations ahead."
Indigenous statesman and St Kilda veteran Brad Hill has called on the AFL to broaden its search for First Nation voices, and noted community pillar Uncle Colin Hunter Jr as one who could assist the league.
Hill, a teammate of Mitchell's during the Hawks' golden era in the 2010s, acknowledged the leaders at the club who supported him during his early days, and how significant it was for his career.
"When I first got to Hawthorn, I had a big group of Indigenous players (around me)," Hill said.
"Cyril (Rioli), "Shauny" Burgoyne, Buddy (Franklin), Chance Bateman when I first got there. I had a lot of good leaders around.
"We're always going to have challenges, (but) I think everyone's learning more, and getting educated. It's obviously something we want to keep improving.
"For me personally, we've got a lot of Indigenous boys at our club. Being that support for them, and making it a safe environment for them so they can be happy and and come to training and be able to be themselves - that's how I look at myself and my role at the club, being that older head."
