Aboriginal Power Cup

The 2009 Aboriginal Power Cup (APC) was contested over a 15 week period amongst 10 schools throughout South Australia. 

The APC focuses on curriculum activities based around Australian Rules football, and concludes with a football carnival and workshops held at Alberton oval before the finalists’ play-off for the APC on AAMI Stadium as a curtain raiser to a Port Adelaide Football Club (Power) match.

After a long day of matches (52 games played in one day) at Alberton oval on Friday 28th August, the participants enjoyed dinner at the Power Club before enjoying a Blue Light Disco at Fort Largs Police Academy. Saturday morning all teams enjoyed breakfast at the Governors house in the city before returning to Alberton to complete a day of workshops. During the afternoon, teams to compete in the finals were announced. Wiltja and Port Lincoln would play in the boys and Kaurna Plains and John Pirie in the girls.

All teams arrived at AAMI Stadium full of enthusiasm and excitement. Both games were played in fantastic spirit. Port Lincoln were crowned the 2009 boys champions and John Pirie the 2009 girls champions.

Final scores:
Boys
Port Lincoln 9-12-66 defeated
Wiltja 5-3-33

Girls
John Pirie 4-6-30 defeated
Kaurna Plains 3-1-19

More information can be found here: www.aboriginalpowercup.com.au 


Cavan Training Centre

During March and April of 2009 the SANFL Indigenous department coordinated football clinics and modified games at the Cavan Training Centre.

Both the boys from the Cavan Training Centre and the SANFL staff really enjoyed the 6 week program in which 17 youths participated in, gaining valuable skills for later in their lives.

Although space was a limiting factor it did not decrease the enthusiasm and gusto of the boys in games of handball basketball and ‘no tackle’ football.

The SANFL really looks forward to getting back to the Training Centre as much as possible and wishes the boys all the best for the future. 


Rio Tinto Indigenous lands Challenge Cup

It was overdue, but worth the wait.

The 2009 Rio Tinto Indigenous Lands Challenge Cup was won by an inspired Maralinga Tjarutja (MT) side whom led from start to finish in a tremendous display of football to beat the APY Thunder by 36 points.

The MT Lands, who departed from the west coast for Adelaide early on the Thursday morning, arrived in Adelaide eager to play on AAMI Stadium, and win their first Rio Tinto Cup.

Meanwhile, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands had endured a 14 hour bus ride through the night to arrive early Thursday morning. In the afternoon, the APY Thunder headed off to Max Basheer reserve, the home training venue of the Adelaide Football Club (Crows), to fine tune their desert skills on the lush lawns around AAMI Stadium. Their skills were sharp and silky smooth.

Without doubt, a highlight of the Thunders’ trip, was enjoying a BBQ dinner supplied by the Crows supporters group, with arguably one of the greatest, if not, the greatest indigenous player to have played the game, Andrew ‘Bunji’ McLeod. It was a great opportunity for the team to have a talk and photos with such an inspiring person in the lead up to his record breaking 313th AFL match.

To add to the Thunders’ excitement, the AFC allowed them the honour to train with the Crows on AAMI Stadium. A privilege and experience that will stay with the men forever and full credit to the Crows side and Neil Craig. They made every member of the APY side welcome and comfortable around such an elite group of sporting talent.

As the Adelaide Football Club is involved with the APY Lands through the AFL Fostership Program, the Port Adelaide Football Club is involved with the MT Lands and they accommodated as best they could while preparing for an away clash with Sydney.

Maralinga visited Alberton oval to watch the Port Adelaide Football Club train and to meet players in the lead up to their match against the Swans. The team then joined APY Thunder at the Fort Largs Police Academy for the Guernsey presentations which was attended by sponsors, supporters and Indigenous Adelaide Crows players, Jonathon Griffin and Tony Armstrong.

Both teams displayed a huge amount of respect for each other, as player after player collected their jumper to the applause of his team-mates and opposition. To top off a special night, and in a great show of Anangu camaraderie, both teams pulled their jumpers on to pose for photos, together as one.

Saturday morning came and there was a buzz in the air; players were nervous and excited as they arrived at the gates to the change rooms. Within the hour they would be doing battle at the home of SA football.

The change rooms under the Members stand echoed the voices of Joseph Tapaya, APY coach and Paul Crombie the man in charge of Maralinga as they demanded for their teams to play hard and play fair, for themselves, their families, their communities and for their home lands.

At 12:05pm the siren rang to signal the start of the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Lands Challenge Cup for 2009 and within minutes the team from the west had opened up a handy 3 goal lead. There were some nervous mistakes being made in the finals like atmosphere, as adrenaline pumped through players from both sides. By the end of the first quarter Maralinga were looking strong with a 3 goal lead.

Throughout the second term, the Thunder fought hard to get back into the match but each goal they kicked was answered with another by the MT Lands. As the nerves calmed, the skill level lifted and the spectators became more and more interested. The cheering crowds were finding it hard to believe the athletic ability of the men as Leroy Boland flew high over the top of his APY opponent, he was lucky not to suffer any ‘altitude poisoning’. Boland’s amazing leap was matched by the speed of the Thunders Jacob Tiger who was gaining possessions at will and then taking multiple bounces to put his team into attack.

At the long break, Joseph Tapaya asked for more out of his men, once again demanding they use their speed and kick long to their deadly forward targets. At the Maralinga huddle, Paul Crombie was just as vocal in voicing his views of the game, he urged his team not to stop now and emphasised the fact that the job was only half done, he had seen in previous years how quickly the Thunder could pile on 5 or 6 goals.

In the premiership quarter, the senior players led by Waylon Johncock and Trevor Ware from the MT Lands propelled their team into attack again and again with incredibly accurate kicking they extended their lead and grip on the Cup. APY would not give in, and again through the ruckwork of Justin Shilling, and the run of Kieran Roberts on the wing the Thunder kept their chances alive at the last change.

But this was Maralinga’s day and they battled hard to put the game beyond APY’s reach before enjoying the last 5 minutes knowing they would soon be holding the coveted Rio Tinto Aboriginal Lands Challenge Cup high above their heads.

Gracious in defeat, the Thunder met Maralinga in the centre of AAMI Stadium, circling up with arms locked to show a sign of respect among these two lands.

The victorious and excited Maralinga coach, Paul Crombie was presented the cup by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Jay Weatherill who was enthralled by the game.

The teams celebrated in the game in the change rooms before having the privilege of performing a guard of honour for Andrew McLeod as he ran out onto AAMI Stadium in his testimonial match, Bunji’s 313th in the AFL, making him the most experienced indigenous player of all time.

As Maralinga and APY enjoyed watching Adelaide defeat Chris Judd and Carlton, the selectors put together a combined side to travel to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and play Yuendumu, the Central AFL’s reining premiers from the Northern Territory. Twelve players from each side were given the opportunity to represent the ‘Anangu All-stars’, a privilege that would not have been possible without the continued support of our long term sponsors, Rio Tinto and the Commonwealth Government.


Final scores 

MT 21-4-130
APY 14-10-94

Best Players 

MT: Trevor Ware
APY: Kieren Roberts







Spirit of the Desert Cup

As fellow team mates boarded buses to head back to their respective lands, 24 of the 44 players that graced the immaculate AAMI Stadium were in a race against time to bond together, form a team and learn each other’s attributes.

The team slept soundly at Fort Largs Police Academy after a big day of footy, and Sunday enjoyed some time to relax before a fun night out ten-pin bowling. The following day the team had a light recovery session before quite an interesting round of Par 3 golf. There was definitely no Tiger Woods among the side!

Tuesday morning the team travelled to Sacred Heart College where the Adelaide Football Club were conducting a training session, again all members of the team were amazed with the skills and size of the AFL players. From there the All-stars headed into Victoria Square for National Sorry Day Celebrations before an opportunity to do some shopping in Rundle mall.

Port Adelaide Football Club was kind enough to host the Anangu All-stars for the official jumper presentation at their club headquarters which was attended by the Minister Weatherill. All enjoyed a very filling meal in the bistro before being presented their commemorative guernseys for the big match on the MCG.

During the sides last day in Adelaide, they enjoyed watching the Power train and again meeting players before having their own training session on AAMI Stadium. By this stage the team was united, and there was a real feeling among the men that they could take it up to the more highly fancied Yuendumu Magpies. Led by the voice and leadership of Captain Malcolm Miller, the All-stars completed their session full of voice and excitement. This was shown by huge smiles on everyone’s face, and synchronized back flips by Amos Frank and Jacob Tiger.

Before long the men surfaced from their sleep at 3am to catch the Tiger Airways flight to Melbourne. By 8am eastern standard time, the side was stunned again by the size of Tullamarine airport and Melbourne city as the bus took a few detours on the way to the accommodation.

This began a great day of sightseeing for all, as players took a map each and explored the city and its many shopping precincts and exotic foods.

On Friday the team boarded a bus and together with Yuendumu travelled to Phillip Island for lunch and a visit to the beach. A first for many and a rare opportunity for all players and officials from both sides. Late Friday afternoon the Anangu All-stars had a guided tour through the new developments of Whitten Oval, before a light training session on the field at the home of the Western Bulldogs.

Thanks to the Collingwood Industrial Magpies, both teams came together for the official launch of the inaugural Spirit of the Desert Cup at the Lexus Centre. Players were greeted by members of the Collingwood football team, and it’s most famous supporter, ‘Joffa’ and his golden jacket. Speeches were made by the Collingwood Vice President and the Industrial Magpies President before Gavin Peel, the All-stars team manager from Maralinga, amazed all present with his perfect presentation of what this event means to the men involved and thanked all sponsors that made it possible. After dinner and a chance to talk with opposition players, the team enjoyed a free night as many either played pool or took it in turns to play a tune on the guitar.

The day before the big match was busy. After breakfast the side watched Collingwood train, while having a casual kick of their own, and received an inside look at how rugby sides prepare for big matches as the Queensland state of origin side trained on the adjacent field.

From there, Yuendumu again joined their rivals to watch North Melbourne and Brisbane do battle inside Etihad Stadium. Another first for the majority of the touring party was being inside Docklands. The teams enjoyed dining out in Carlton before getting some much needed rest before match day.

The All-stars awoke full of adrenaline, butterflies and excitement. Coach, Paul Crombie had his team up and about after breakfast for a walk through the city streets, united as one. With a brief team meeting and some inspirational words coming from amongst the playing group and staff, it was clear that the All-stars had become more than just a football team in their short time together. They displayed the passion, determination and willingness to run and fight, not for themselves, but for their newly found brothers.

As the first bounce drew closer and the side arrived at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the nerves became more apparent. Ipod’s were working overtime to relax player’s as they walked the halls of the MCG underground, passing years of Australian football history with every step.

Malcolm Miller again had his men’s minds on the game as footy’s were passed around the change rooms with ease. Don McSweeny, the SANFL Indigenous Ambassador stepped into the middle of the group and produced a speech that had everybody in the rooms feeling tingles down their spines and had all wanting to get out there for a game. Lastly, Coach Crombie urged his players to not pass up this opportunity, to come away winners, now not just for their home lands, but for their state.

During the first quarter the smaller, faster and very skillful All-stars side had many chances to stamp their authority on the game but were unable to convert, kicking 2-7-19 for the term to Yuendumu’s 2-1-13. These were chances that would not come easily in the next half an hour of football.

The Yuendumu Magpies began to show why they are the current AFL Central Australia Premiers with some clever football in the second quarter, slowing the run of the Anangu All-Stars and making the most of the tall men to kick away to a 2 goal lead at the long break. Their opposition had stopped running, weren’t manning up and were looking a beaten team.

The half time break gave the All-stars time to take the weight of their feet and regroup. They had drifted away from the team plan of keeping the forward line open, pushing back into defence and playing man on man football. Many words were spoken during the change over and they needed to listen.

“You’re being lazy, where’s the run and discipline gone? The team plan was to keep the forward line open, too many players are getting forward and not pushing back! If you want to be lazy, get to the back lines and clogged up their forward fifty, not ours! This is our time now, the third quarter on the biggest stage in football. It is now up to you men pick your heads up and decide, how much do you want this? How much do you want to take this cup back home and say, yeh we played on the MCG and yeh, we won?”

The start to the premiership quarter did not go as hoped for the team from outback SA, as the Magpies kicked the first goal and held what looked to be a match winning lead of 21 points halfway through the term.

The men kept battling hard and finally put a goal on the board, before another set shot had the team back within two straight kicks. Then something must have clicked, they had the sniff they needed and within the last 5 minutes of the term they piled on 4 goals to lead Yuendumu at the last change by a couple of goals.

The excitement level of the team was at about 12 out of 10 as they made their way into the huddle. The thought of winning looked like a real possibility but the men were now playing on sheer adrenaline.

During the first 10 minutes of the last term, the All-stars managed to kick another 3 goals, but Yuendumu were not giving up and hit back with two of their own to keep the game alive, and with the Collingwood crowd growing ever so rapidly, they were in voice and urging their adopted side to rise to the occasion for a win. But as time ticked away, the All-stars showed so much guts and determination to hold off the Maggies attack and in the last 7 minutes enjoyed the winning feeling as they put on more goals to extend the margin to 47 points before the final siren sounded.

As was the case in Adelaide, celebrations were put on hold, to shake hands and congratulate their opposition in a real sign of respect among the teams. Gracious in defeat, Yuendumu were privileged for the opportunity to play in such a game, while the Anangu All-stars linked arms and circled up to sing their official team song, written by players during the week.

Presentations’ of medallions were made to both teams and the Spirit of the Desert Cup was proudly presented by a very excited and proud Minister, Jay Weatherill. Best on ground was awarded to the lightning quick Jacob Tiger who found space all day on his wing, delivering scintillating kicks into his forward line.

The singing didn’t stop as players enjoyed the atmosphere of the AFL game between Collingwood and Port Adelaide before heading back to the accommodation for celebrations, where the All-stars were joined by Yuendumu and their local AFL hero, Liam Jurrah of the Melbourne Demons. Both teams danced, sung and played pool until late into the night with more speeches from team managers, coaches, captains and Don McSweeny which really highlighted what the game meant to both teams and their families and communities back home and how it can help these young men become role models among their home lands.

Before the last leg of the journey, the teams enjoyed a tour of the national art gallery, a visit to the 88th floor of the Eureka tower, and a trip to the Melbourne Aquarium to see many species of animals that live under water.

As the Tiger Airlines flight took of back to Adelaide, the stories and laughter of players slowly faded as the exhausted bodies fell asleep, ending their journey to the home of football where they created their own piece of special history as many have done before them.

Final scores 

Anangu All-stars 14-16-100
Yuendumu Magpies 8-5-53

Best Player
Jacob Tiger – Amata community, APY Lands South Australia. 





Far North-West Sports League – Grand Finals 2009

On a warm, windy day at Ernabella Sports Complex in central Australia, two communities, Amata and Mimili, went into battle to compete for the FNWSL Football and Softball Premierships, Mimili and Amata.

Attended by more than 500 people, almost a quarter of the entire APY Lands population. The day provided fast, skilful football, colour and excitement with Adelaide Football Club player Aaron Kite making the journey north for the day’s matches. “It’s an amazing atmosphere, the surroundings are so different to what we know back in Adelaide, they play on dirt instead of grass and the oval is nestled amongst mountains instead of buildings, but the passion to play and win is still there, they love it!” Kite said of his first experience to the APY Lands.

Jason Mifsud, the AFL Indigenous Programs Manager also made the journey to the far north-west corner of South Australia with the SANFL’s Game Development General Manager, David Hutton. Both men commented on the high standard of football from both sides, and were impressed by the sportsmanlike attitudes of all players, officials and coaches. Mr Mifsud, who has seen many matches of community football throughout Australia, said the quality of the FNWSL was amongst, if not the best standard of community football, a statement that is backed up by statistics.

The APY Thunder representative side has won 4 out of 5 Rio Tinto Aboriginal Lands Challenge Cups held at AAMI Stadium each year, and also had 12 players in the successful Anangu All-stars side that defeated the Northern Territories Yuendumu Magpies, winning the Spirit of the Desert Cup on the MCG earlier this year.

This year the FWNSL comprised of 8 communities each fielding a football and softball team. The League involved a pre-season competition, two All-Star games, 7 rounds of the premiership season and 3 weeks of finals.

Reaching the football Grand Final for the third successive year was the Mimili Blues, with their challenger being the Amata Bombers. Likewise in the softball Grand Final, both communities were represented and evenly matched going into the games.

The softball match was low scoring with fielding standards set high. In a great effort by the Mimili women, they improved from runners up in 2008 to take out the 2009 Premiership with a gutsy 3-2 win over Amata.

Over on Ernabella oval, both Mimili and Amata were going through their paces and listening to the final coaches’ address. It was to be a clash of two of the APY’s powerhouse sides, Mimili were premiers in 2007 and runners up in 2008, Amata runners up in 2007 and third in 2008. Whenever these sides have played, there have never been more than a few goals in the margin.

The first quarter saw both sides boot 4 goals in a dazzling display of running footy, through the ochre coloured dust. In the second, Mimili were doing most of the attacking but could only manage 5 behinds while Amata on the rebound made them pay dearly for their misses by putting through 2 majors to hold a 9 point lead at the main break; 6-2-38 to 4-5-29.

In the premiership quarter, Amata held off more Mimili attacks on goal and ran the ball brilliantly through Jacob Tiger to register another 2 goals and hold a handy 8-4-52 to 5-7-37 lead at the last change.

Richard Shilling, coach of the Mimili Blues urged his players to dig deep and run hard like they had all year as Reuben Burton, the first year coach of Amata demanded his players to keep up the pressure on Mimili’s ball carriers all over the ground. No-one could question the work rate and endeavour of all 36 players on the field in the last quarter, this was no different to any other Grand Final, these men were playing to win and the desperation and willingness to put their body on the line and to run themselves into the ground for each other was evident to the vocal crowd.

As the final siren sounded Amata were still ahead by 15 points and were now FNWSL Premiers. The final score reading 10-5-65 to Mimili’s 7-8-50.

Jacob Tiger was adjudged best on ground for the Bombers with his lightning quick speed and precise delivery to his teammates up forward, proving he is a big game player after winning the same award in the Spirit of the Desert Cup match at the MCG earlier this year.

Already teams are starting to plan for 2010, luring players to rival communities, naming coaches and designing new playing attire. This is the real deal, this is local footy. 

As part of the SANFL’s commitment to the APY Lands, school holiday coaching clinics are conducted throughout 10 communities. In 2009 featured sports have been football, softball, netball, cricket, basketball and athletics.

The children from the Lands thoroughly enjoy the clinics and specialist coaching of correct techniques that are helping to further developed the youth in multiple sports.

It is a great way for the children to listen and learn, developing skills that can be then adapted to the classroom for subjects that may not be as interesting to some as sport. 




QANTAS AFL Kickstart Camp – Melbourne

The 2009 QANTAS Kickstart camp was attended by eight U15 Indigenous Footballers from South Australia who spent a week in Melbourne undergoing fitness and skills testing, lifestyle and leadership workshops and tours capped of a memorable week with a curtain raiser match on the MCG.

The South Australian representatives were joined by a further 42 boys from around Australia who were split into two teams for the McLeod v Goodes all-stars match.

From the 50 participants, 25 have been chosen to represent the country by becoming the 2009/10 Flying Boomerangs side (Indigenous under 15 National side). They will tour South Africa in early 2010 and play 3 matches against a South African under 18 side.

Three boys from SA were unlucky not to gain selection in the side and they were Braden Allen (North Adelaide), Daryl Collinson (Glenelg) and Jahmarl Witchen (APY Lands).

Included in the extended Flying Boomerangs squad are Jake Harris (South Adelaide), Clayton Lewis (Port Adelaide Magpies), Garry Warren (North Adelaide), Brandon Rigney (Central Districts) and Terrence Curley (Fregon, APY Lands).

It is an amazing effort to gain selection for the QANTAS Kickstart camp to Melbourne, but to be selected for the Flying Boomerangs is a huge achievement and we wish you all the best for your two weeks in South Africa.

It is now hoped that these 8 boys will be closely watched and that many of them will be selected for State squad trainings over the next few years. 




Adelaide Football Club Partnership program APY Lands

The proposed three-year engagement strategy with assistance from indigenous players Graham Johncock and Andrew McLeod will build the capacity of the APY community by encouraging Indigenous people to reach their full potential. 

In keeping with our desire to be “the team for All South Australians” the club will partner with the APY lands communities in conjunction with the local schools and agencies to engage young people in school and sporting activities.

The “Adelaide Football Club APY Lands Partnership Program” provides a relevant and critical community presence where it is required most. This presence will enable the club to build a strong bond with the local Indigenous people.

The club is determined to “make a difference” through this program and use the profile of the club to provide some vital training ,football education and life skills to young indigenous people in the APY Lands through this partnership program. 




FNWSL Magazine

Click here for the 2009 Edition
Click here for the 2008 Edition