West Coast premiership player Lewis Jetta says the AFL cops a lot of blame for the declining Indigenous numbers in the competition, but the onus isn't just on the league.
The 2025-2026 number sits at 62 Indigenous players in the men's competition, down from 87 in 2020, and is the lowest figure in two decades.
"So to me, it comes down to the boys and girls that want to be on an AFL list. They have to want to do it themselves but the AFL is doing a great job," Jetta told Zero Hanger.
"And sometimes get a lot of the blame.
"But I believe the AFL is already doing heaps. And one is with the Eddie Betts foundation, and that's the only footy program all over Australia.
"In my point of view, it all comes down to the young kids that whoever wants to do it, and whoever is committed and try get to the AFL, there the ones that'll make it.
"It showed with a couple boys. One of them was from Swan Districts and he committed, and he ended up on a Fremantle list (Leon Kickett)."
The AFL is taking measures to increase the number of Indigenous players in the competition to 10 per cent, which could include dedicated list spots, increased employment opportunities and the continual work to eliminate racism and discrimination experiences.
In working with the league, Jetta said clubs still need to play their part.
"There's always an onus on the club," he added.
"Because some Indigenous boys come from a real remote area and don't speak English.
"So it's on the club to make sure the environment is safe, they can feel safe and happy and do what they do best and play footy."
The Indigenous All Stars exhibition match against Fremantle at the beginning of 2025 was a raging success, returning after a 10-year hiatus.
Some of the game's best Indigenous players downed the Dockers by 43 points in front of a packed Optus Stadium crowd (37,865).
"(Indigenous All Stars) game was a massive step," Jetta said.
"The turnout here in WA was amazing. To have more games like that, exhibition ones that we can keep doing (will continue to help). I understand the schedule and the players' bodies and what they need to do to get their bodies right.
"But it will be amazing to do more games like that. Not just that, but events as well. It doesn't always need to be about footy. It can be working forces as well trying to get players involved, to help through the communities. There's lot of things we can improve on.
"There's enough there for young boys and girls, but also need to keep pushing a little bit more so we can help them. Not just Indigenous, but young kids all over."
Jetta is participating in the fifth Carlton Draft, and will play against premiership teammate, Josh Kennedy. Teams will be selected on May 7.
