Inaugurated in 2007, Indigenous Round was established to acknowledge the individuals, moments and stories woven into the rich tapestry of the game.
12 Indigenous players have donned the Black and White throughout the club’s 111-year history, with Wally Lovett holding the honour of being the first native Australian to represent the club, playing 15 VFL games in 1982.
It was previously believed that Norm Le Brun, who featured in 19 games for the Black and White between 1933 and 1934, held that particular distinction.
However, research by the grand-daughter of Le Brun’s first cousin established his heritage to differ greatly from that previously assumed, with the investigation uncovering a diverse background, featuring familial links to Cape Verde, Jamaica, Scotland and Jersey.
Indigenous players have played a more prominent role for the club since Lovett’s pioneering efforts, with Leon Davis becoming the first native Australian to play 200 games for the Magpies before his retirement in 2011.
Featuring in four AFL Grand Finals, including 2010’s drawn decider against St Kilda, Davis established himself among the upper echelons of the competition’s elite, twice earning All-Australian recognition as well as winning the Goal of the Year award in 2008.
Grand Final glory though ultimately eluded Davis, allowing Sharrod Wellingham to become the club’s first Indigenous Premiership player when he starred in Collingwood’s 2010 triumph, booting two goals in the Grand Final replay.
Recruited in 2010, Andrew Krakouer’s three goal performance in the 2011 Grand Final almost proved the catalyst to drive the Magpies to back-to-back Premierships, but the side’s last quarter fade out denied them the chance to claim a history equalling 16th flag.
Tony Armstrong and Peter Yagmoor are the two Indigenous players on the club's playing list in season 2014. The pair played in the senior side during the NAB Challenge series and among the most consistent performers at VFL level so far this year.
The Magpies will wear their first Indigenous guernsey against the Saints on Friday night.
Bearing the logo of the Collingwood Football Club (CFC) Foundation’s Barrawarn Program, designed by artist, Dixon Patton, the guernsey highlights the Magpies’ commitment to Australia’s first people.
Patton said: “It’s definitely exciting, rewarding and surreal to see my design adorn Collingwood’s guernsey for the AFL’s Indigenous Round next week.
“The Barrawarn Program is all about helping young Indigenous people break through barriers and building communities, a theme I tried to symbolise through the pair of hands reaching out, which is central to the logo.”
Barrawarn guernseys worn during the round 11 match against St Kilda will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, and Fitzroy Stars Football, organisations supporting Indigenous communities in Shepparton and Northern Melbourne respectively.
Established in 2012, the Barrawarn Program is an initiative of the CFC Foundation and AFL Sportsready, supporting young Indigenous people through education and employment opportunities, empowering youth by providing career pathways.
Barrawarn is a woi wurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people, word for Magpie.
Barrawarn Program participants develop vocational skills and attain nationally recognised qualifications, with trainees working within AFL Victoria’s regional development areas, making a significant impact on the elite development pathway for young Indigenous people.
School based participants are placed with a range of different organisations within the cities of Yarra and Darebin in areas such as sports and business administration, and hospitality.
Recently expanded after garnering the support of the Victorian Government, the Barrawarn Program has already placed 35 Indigenous jobseekers into full-time employment at partner organisations, including Linfox, Westpac and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, a figure poised to grow in the year ahead.
Head to the Collingwood Football Club Foundation's website to learn more about the Barrawarn Program.
Roll call of Indigenous footballers to have played for Collingwood
Wally Lovett (1982)
Robbie Ahmat (1995-1997)
Leon Davis (2000-2011)
Richard Cole (2002-2005)
Chris Egan (2005-2008)
Brad Dick (2007-2011)
Shannon Cox (2007-2009)
Sharrod Wellingham (2008-2011)
Anthony Corrie (2009)
Kirk Ugle (2011-2012)
Andrew Krakouer (2011-2013)
Peter Yagmoor (2012)
