Mathoura's Indigenous round tomorrow will be a chance of reflection and celebration for both aboriginal and non-aboriginal players and supporters.
With the Picola and District Football and Netball League resuming games this weekend following a COVID-19 enforced hiatus, the Timbercutters will finally host its second-ever Indigenous round during its clash against Deni Rovers.
Mathoura player Clinton Atkinson said the day was about bringing everyone together, no matter their backgrounds.
“It's about aboriginals and non-aboriginals coming together and playing as one,” Atkinson said.
For netballer Merinda Slater, she has been looking forward to this round in particular all season.
“I'm really glad it's going ahead,” Slater said.
“We didn't have Indigenous round last year because there was no footy and netball.
“Looking back on the event in 2019, it was a huge success and non-aboriginal people are enjoying it as well.
“I'm inundated with my teammates telling me how amazing it is. To see that, it makes me feel a part of the team.”
Slater, who has been playing for the Timbercutters for just a few months, said making sure there was a strong Indigenous presence at the club had been an important factor to her joining the red and blue.
“I wasn't that keen on playing netball, but there are several aboriginal players at the club and it's important to be surrounded by family,” she said.
“It's about family, and it's about the importance of small country towns acknowledging the people and the land we live and play on.”
With many national leagues now celebrating Indigenous rounds, Slater said it was great to see the same celebrations occur at the community level.
“There is no difference for us,” she said.
“We play the same game, the game we love, so we're going to celebrate that.”
Every Mathoura footballer and netballer will sport a one-of-a-kind Indigenous jumper or dress tomorrow, designed by Uncle Raymond Walker from Moonahcullah Mission.
“I'm part Moonahcullah Mission, so it's good to have our design which is a long-neck turtle, that's our totem,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson, who is one of the major sponsors at the club, also believes it is critical to include the entire playing contingent in the celebrations.
“This year, we've put a lot of money towards the juniors and getting their new jumpers as well,” he said.
“It sets a strong foundation from the start.”
Senior coach Darcy Robinson said he was proud to see how the round had taken off within the club, but believes there is still a way to go in eliminating racism across Australia.
“We pick up the paper still and see indigenous people trying to stamp it (racism) out,” he said.
“And as much as it happens in the AFL, it happens in the country footy leagues too.
“This is a chance to not only to showcase our Indigenous talent, but to say, we stamp it out as much as any club in Australia.”
With several examples of racism called out by Indigenous footballers and netballers in recent weeks, Sharpe said it was important for her to know her club and teammates had her back.
“It's important to have Mathoura's support, and also the league as a whole,” Sharpe said.
“Mathoura released a statement saying they wouldn't stand for racism on or off the court.
“I don't know if it's happened before, but I do see Mathoura doing something about it if it was to happen.
“It's happening everywhere, and I don't want it to go higher. I want the clubs to deal with it or else we're not going to play the game we love.”
Supporters will have a chance to get their hands on one of Mathoura's Indigenous jumpers which will be auctioned off after the game. The round will also double as Mathoura's Sponsors Day.
● For more on Mathoura's upcoming clash with Deni Rover, turn to page 30.