Indigenous Australians & Sport: Origins and Achievements

Lecture FormatLecture Format Will take a broad brush approach by looking Will take a broad brush approach by looking

at Indigenous contribution to sport in at Indigenous contribution to sport in Australia. Australia.

Examine some of the key barriers that Examine some of the key barriers that prevented Indigenous people gaining equality prevented Indigenous people gaining equality in sport.in sport.

Look at what’s happening today at the local Look at what’s happening today at the local level to bring about better understanding level to bring about better understanding and opportunities for Indigenous and opportunities for Indigenous sportspeople.sportspeople.

Background of Sporting Background of Sporting AchievementsAchievements

It is true to say that Australia is a sports loving country in It is true to say that Australia is a sports loving country in which Indigenous Australians have made a major which Indigenous Australians have made a major contribution-running, boxing, tennis, cricket, AFL,NFL, contribution-running, boxing, tennis, cricket, AFL,NFL, soccer, basketball, hockey, horse racing. soccer, basketball, hockey, horse racing.

Considering Indigenous Australians are just over 2% of Considering Indigenous Australians are just over 2% of the general population (22 Million) their contribution to the general population (22 Million) their contribution to sport & Australian culture needs to be acknowledged-will sport & Australian culture needs to be acknowledged-will examine this in the Murray Goulburn Region examine this in the Murray Goulburn Region ((Australian Bureau of Australian Bureau of Statistics,Statistics, 2010). 2010).

Important to note that despite the continuing gap Important to note that despite the continuing gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous equality, between Indigenous and non Indigenous equality, Indigenous Australians have achieved sporting success Indigenous Australians have achieved sporting success disproportionate to their population.disproportionate to their population.

In 2010 an estimated 83 Indigenous players were playing In 2010 an estimated 83 Indigenous players were playing footy in AFL about 16% of AFL-will come back to this.footy in AFL about 16% of AFL-will come back to this.

Opportunities for the FutureOpportunities for the Future History shows that until the 1970s, History shows that until the 1970s,

Aborigines found it just as hard to gain Aborigines found it just as hard to gain equality in sport as they did in life generally.equality in sport as they did in life generally.

For those who did make it in sport however, For those who did make it in sport however, a voice was found from which they could a voice was found from which they could then push for the rights of their people in then push for the rights of their people in the broader society. the broader society.

And for that, sport must be acknowledged And for that, sport must be acknowledged as having provided an opportunity for as having provided an opportunity for Aborigines to push for greater equality and Aborigines to push for greater equality and the enjoyment of those fundamental rights the enjoyment of those fundamental rights that belong to all peoples. that belong to all peoples.

Indigenous Struggle for Indigenous Struggle for EqualityEquality

For those who have chosen sport For those who have chosen sport as a pathway to recognition & as a pathway to recognition & greater equality, it has also greater equality, it has also provided inspiration for fellow provided inspiration for fellow Indigenous Australians.Indigenous Australians.

We’ll show them were just as good- if We’ll show them were just as good- if not better approach.not better approach.

Role modeling, for younger Role modeling, for younger generations.generations.

Overview of Indigenous

Sportspeople & their achievements across

a broad range of sports on the

National & International level.

Aboriginal Cricket Team, Aboriginal Cricket Team, 18681868

In 1868 very first In 1868 very first Australian cricket Australian cricket team to visit team to visit England was England was Aboriginal. They Aboriginal. They played a match at played a match at North Shields, North Shields, enthralling crowds enthralling crowds with displays of with displays of boomerang throwing boomerang throwing as well as cricket.as well as cricket.

Eddie GilbertEddie Gilbert Eddie Gilbert is widely acknowledged as the unluckiest Eddie Gilbert is widely acknowledged as the unluckiest

Aboriginal sportsmen of that era. He received high praise Aboriginal sportsmen of that era. He received high praise from Sir Donald Bradman and could have gone on to play for from Sir Donald Bradman and could have gone on to play for Australia. Australia.

Instead, his career was cut short when the Queensland Instead, his career was cut short when the Queensland Cricket Association told Gilbert his services were no longer Cricket Association told Gilbert his services were no longer required.’ Little doubt remains as to the motivations behind required.’ Little doubt remains as to the motivations behind the association’s decision.the association’s decision.

The stark reality is that many others suffered discrimination The stark reality is that many others suffered discrimination similar to Gilbert’s. True, the barriers were breaking down similar to Gilbert’s. True, the barriers were breaking down during the interwar years, but they were breaking slowly. In during the interwar years, but they were breaking slowly. In fact, during that period, Aborigines probably achieved no fact, during that period, Aborigines probably achieved no more in their push for equality in sport than they did in their more in their push for equality in sport than they did in their push for equality in general Australian society. push for equality in general Australian society.

However, for those who did manage to break through the However, for those who did manage to break through the barriers and forge successful sporting, careers, sport did barriers and forge successful sporting, careers, sport did provide a launching pad for bigger and better things. provide a launching pad for bigger and better things.

Achievements in late 1800sAchievements in late 1800s Possibly the most remarkable achievement against the barriers to Possibly the most remarkable achievement against the barriers to

equality in sport was the selection of Frank Ivory to play rugby union for equality in sport was the selection of Frank Ivory to play rugby union for Queensland in 1893.Queensland in 1893.

Also noteworthy is the little known fact that the winner of the 1876 Also noteworthy is the little known fact that the winner of the 1876 Melbourne Cup was a 13-year-old Aboriginal jockey named Peter St Melbourne Cup was a 13-year-old Aboriginal jockey named Peter St Albans. Peter St Albans wagged school to ride the Melbourne Cup Albans. Peter St Albans wagged school to ride the Melbourne Cup winner of 1876.winner of 1876.

year winneryear winner Jockey Jockey trainertrainer18761876 BRISEIS Peter St Albans J WilsonBRISEIS Peter St Albans J Wilson

Other famous Aboriginal Jockey- Darby McCarthy whose Other famous Aboriginal Jockey- Darby McCarthy whose record record includes three Stradbrokes, the Brisbane Cup and Doomben includes three Stradbrokes, the Brisbane Cup and Doomben 10,000, and the 1969 AJC Derby and Epsom Stakes on the 10,000, and the 1969 AJC Derby and Epsom Stakes on the same day. same day.

McCarthy was dynamic and for his group 1 double at Randwick McCarthy was dynamic and for his group 1 double at Randwick he jousted with George Moore.he jousted with George Moore.

http://www.melbournecup.com.au/previous.php

Sporting achievements at the local level

Lynch Cooper, 1927Lynch Cooper, 1927Sport and EmpowermentSport and Empowerment

Historian Colin Tatz points out, Historian Colin Tatz points out, Lynch Cooper’s victories brought Lynch Cooper’s victories brought him money (from gambling on him money (from gambling on himself) that helped him and his himself) that helped him and his family to survive the depression family to survive the depression years with relative dignity. years with relative dignity.

Example of Local Talent in Running

Eddy Briggs- Professional, Stawell Gift Finalist Donny Briggs-Professional Runner George Nelson-Professional Runner, Trainer of

Stawell Gift winner, Noel Hussey, 1968 Paul Briggs- Stawell Gift finalist Stan Charles- Stawell Gift finalist Geoff Cooper, professional running Jimmy Murray, professional runner Bobby McDonald created crouch start in running Leo Muir, Runner up in Wangaratta Gift Sir Doug Nichols won Warracknabeal Gift

Multi Talented Sportspeople

Many local sportsmen were multi skilled combining running, football and boxing- Doug Nichols, Jimmy Murray, and many more ran, played footy, and fought in boxing tents-Jimmy Sharman's travelling boxing tent of 1950s.

Evonne GoolagongEvonne Goolagong

Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, who beat fellow Australian Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, who beat fellow Australian Margaret Court to win Wimbledon in 1971, has made a Margaret Court to win Wimbledon in 1971, has made a name for herself as an Aboriginal activist. name for herself as an Aboriginal activist.

The attitude of paternalism that the media displayed The attitude of paternalism that the media displayed towards her in her younger days probably provided towards her in her younger days probably provided much of the motivation for her entry into the world of much of the motivation for her entry into the world of activism. activism.

Although times had changed enough to ensure that she Although times had changed enough to ensure that she never suffered deliberate racial exclusion like Eddie never suffered deliberate racial exclusion like Eddie Gilbert did half a century earlier, Goolagong-Cawley Gilbert did half a century earlier, Goolagong-Cawley was still forced to deal with the media constantly was still forced to deal with the media constantly highlighting her differences. Words used to describe highlighting her differences. Words used to describe her included ‘picaninny’, ‘dusky’ and ‘tawny’. her included ‘picaninny’, ‘dusky’ and ‘tawny’.

Lionel Rose Reception Lionel Rose Reception 19681968

250,000 strong crowd 250,000 strong crowd turned up in Melbourne in turned up in Melbourne in 1968 to celebrate the 1968 to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal achievements of Aboriginal boxer Lionel Rose, who had boxer Lionel Rose, who had just become world just become world bantamweight boxing bantamweight boxing champion-who did he beat champion-who did he beat and where?and where?

Rose’s reception was the Rose’s reception was the perfect example of the perfect example of the changing times. While changing times. While Aboriginal sportspeople Aboriginal sportspeople who succeeded at sport who succeeded at sport were just as equally lauded were just as equally lauded by the press and adored by by the press and adored by the people as their non- the people as their non- Indigenous counterparts, Indigenous counterparts, racism coupled by racism coupled by ignorance remained just ignorance remained just below the surface.below the surface.

Lionel & Kosta, 1998

Jacksons Track

Cathy Freeman, 2000Cathy Freeman, 2000 Challenged Challenged

misconceptions of misconceptions of Indigenous Australia by Indigenous Australia by using flag as a symbol using flag as a symbol of Indigenous of Indigenous Australian nationhood Australian nationhood and identity. and identity.

Inspired other Inspired other Indigenous Indigenous sportspeople & sportspeople & younger generation to younger generation to set their sights high in set their sights high in sporting achievements sporting achievements

Olympic Games, Sydney 2000

FOOTBALL AS A PATH TO FOOTBALL AS A PATH TO EQUALITY & EQUALITY & ACCEPTANCEACCEPTANCE

SOME EXAMPLES SOME EXAMPLES

Joe Johnson 1904-1906Joe Johnson 1904-1906

Regarded as one if not the first Regarded as one if not the first Indigenous footballer to play in the Indigenous footballer to play in the Victorian Football League, VFL (Joe Victorian Football League, VFL (Joe Johnson played 55 games and won Johnson played 55 games and won two premierships with Fitzroy from two premierships with Fitzroy from 1904 to 1906)1904 to 1906)

He then went to Northcote to coach a He then went to Northcote to coach a young lad named Doug Nichols. young lad named Doug Nichols.

Marn-GrookMarn-Grookn.n. Gunditjmara. Gunditjmara. Eng.Eng. "Game "Game

Ball“Ball“http://www.aboriginalfootball.com.au/marngrook.htmlhttp://www.aboriginalfootball.com.au/marngrook.html

It is believed this very It is believed this very game, played for game, played for millennia, provided the millennia, provided the lawmakers of Australian lawmakers of Australian football with some of the football with some of the fundamentals of the game fundamentals of the game we know and play today.we know and play today.

It was a mass game of It was a mass game of keepings off with a round keepings off with a round ball about the size of an ball about the size of an orange, which was a orange, which was a possum skin stuffed with possum skin stuffed with charcoal and bound by charcoal and bound by kangaroo tail sinews kangaroo tail sinews (Poulter, (Poulter, Sharing Heritage in Kulin Country, 2011: Sharing Heritage in Kulin Country, 2011: 37),37),

Origins of Australian Rules Origins of Australian Rules FootyFooty

Origins of Australian Rules are claimed Origins of Australian Rules are claimed to be Marngrook with influence of to be Marngrook with influence of Gaelic football first played by the Irish Gaelic football first played by the Irish in Australia in 1843 which coincided in Australia in 1843 which coincided with St Patricks Day.with St Patricks Day.

However, some aspects of Australian However, some aspects of Australian

football, such as high marking, were football, such as high marking, were undoubtedly influenced by the undoubtedly influenced by the Aboriginal gameAboriginal game-will discuss other -will discuss other attributes that Indigenous people attributes that Indigenous people have brought to the game shortly.have brought to the game shortly.

RISE OF INDIGENOUS RISE OF INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS in 21 Century FOOTBALLERS in 21 Century

AustraliaAustralia In 1982 to when the Krakouer brothers In 1982 to when the Krakouer brothers

arrived at North Melbourne there were 5 arrived at North Melbourne there were 5 Indigenous players in what was then the VFL Indigenous players in what was then the VFL (Age, June 18, 2005).(Age, June 18, 2005).

In (2005), there are 51 Indigenous footballers In (2005), there are 51 Indigenous footballers in the AFL making up 8% of the competition.in the AFL making up 8% of the competition.

In 2007 there are now 71 and increase of 20 In 2007 there are now 71 and increase of 20 Indigenous players in the space of years? Indigenous players in the space of years? What does that represent What does that represent (Koori Mail, 18 March, 2005).(Koori Mail, 18 March, 2005).

Cummeragunja: 1888-2007Cummeragunja: 1888-2007

Given the size of Given the size of its population its population (500 at its peak) (500 at its peak) its contribution its contribution to sport and to sport and particularly particularly football has been football has been outstanding.outstanding.

Sir Doug Nicholls 1932-37Sir Doug Nicholls 1932-37

Nicholls initially joined Carlton, but faced by Nicholls initially joined Carlton, but faced by constant racist taunts from his own team mates he constant racist taunts from his own team mates he moved to Fitzroy, where he played from 1932-37. moved to Fitzroy, where he played from 1932-37. (story)(story)

What makes Nicholls story so special is that he went What makes Nicholls story so special is that he went on to become an activist with the Aboriginal on to become an activist with the Aboriginal Advancement League and was later knighted - a Advancement League and was later knighted - a rarity for an Indigenous Australian. rarity for an Indigenous Australian.

In 1976, Nicholls became the Governor of South In 1976, Nicholls became the Governor of South Australia, an incredible achievement given that Australia, an incredible achievement given that Aborigines were only granted voting rights in l962’ Aborigines were only granted voting rights in l962’ and only won the right to be included in the census and only won the right to be included in the census in 1967.’in 1967.’

Sir Doug Nicholls on AssimilationSir Doug Nicholls on Assimilation

'Let us enter 'Let us enter your society on your society on our terms, living our terms, living side by side with side by side with you but you but remaining at all remaining at all times a cultural times a cultural group with our group with our own identity' own identity' (speech by Sir Doug Nicholls (speech by Sir Doug Nicholls 1969, in Peterson and 1969, in Peterson and Langton, 1983:253). Langton, 1983:253).

Winner of Warracknabeal Gift, 1929

Eddy Jackson & Norm Eddy Jackson & Norm McDonald, 1947-1952McDonald, 1947-1952

Two of the first Indigenous Two of the first Indigenous Australians to succeed at Australians to succeed at Australian football's Australian football's highest level between highest level between 1947 and 1952.  1947 and 1952. 

Both continued to play Both continued to play country football for many country football for many years after their years after their retirement from the 'big retirement from the 'big time'.time'.

Jackson Coached ThorntonJackson Coached Thornton(story)(story)

McDonald played with McDonald played with Golden Square in Bendigo Golden Square in Bendigo League.League.

Indigenous equality & recognition Indigenous equality & recognition through sport: Pathways to the through sport: Pathways to the

FutureFuture

Presented to Academy of Sport Health & Education Program, University Presented to Academy of Sport Health & Education Program, University of Melbourne, 20 January 2011of Melbourne, 20 January 2011

Dr Wayne Atkinson-Senior LecturerDr Wayne Atkinson-Senior LecturerSchool of Social & Political ScienceSchool of Social & Political Science

University of MelbourneUniversity of Melbourne

Back Row: Ian Charles, Frank Abrahams, Paul Briggs, Terry Hood (d.), Jim Berg, Joe Swindle, Ian Charles Robert Muir, Geoff Clark, Robert Lowe, Gary Murray.

Middle: Dowie Bux, Billy Muir (d.), Wayne Briggs, Alick Jackomas (d.)Team Manager, Alec Smith, Des James, Gary Nelson.

Sitting Lionel McGee, John Murray Bert Williams (d.).

Key Events that bought Key Events that bought about equality in about equality in

Indigenous Indigenous participation in Sportparticipation in Sport

&&Greater Awareness of Greater Awareness of Racism on and off the Racism on and off the

FieldField

Racial VilificationRacial Vilification

Winmar's courageous act led to a push by former Essendon player Michael Long to create a racial vilification policy adopted by the AFL (Age, 10 March, 2005).

April 17, 1993, Victoria Park, Melbourne. Nicky Winmar has just completed a best-on-ground performance to help St. Kilda to a memorable victory over Collingwood in round four of the Australian Football League (AFL) season.

Winmar Incident (cont)Winmar Incident (cont) If Winmar was the player that brought the issue of racism to If Winmar was the player that brought the issue of racism to

the media, an incident involving Michael Long was almost the media, an incident involving Michael Long was almost certainly the instigator for the creation of the AFL’s anti-certainly the instigator for the creation of the AFL’s anti-racism program. In 1995, the Essendon champion racism program. In 1995, the Essendon champion complained of suffering racist abuse from Collingwood complained of suffering racist abuse from Collingwood ruckman Damian Monkhorst. ruckman Damian Monkhorst.

AFL organised mediation between the two players failed to AFL organised mediation between the two players failed to resolve the issue, and left with no choice, the AFL moved resolve the issue, and left with no choice, the AFL moved quickly to introduce its Code of Conduct. quickly to introduce its Code of Conduct.

Under the new rules, players could be fined or suspended Under the new rules, players could be fined or suspended for on-field racist language. It is also significant that the for on-field racist language. It is also significant that the Code of Conduct was introduced in the same year as the Code of Conduct was introduced in the same year as the Federal Government’s Federal Government’s Racial Hatred Act 1995. Racial Hatred Act 1995.

The efforts of Winmar and Long should not be The efforts of Winmar and Long should not be underestimated. As sportspeople, they brought racism to underestimated. As sportspeople, they brought racism to the fore of public debate, and helped to pave the way for the fore of public debate, and helped to pave the way for legislation that would have been unthinkable only a decade legislation that would have been unthinkable only a decade earlier.earlier.

Cultural Continuity through Sport, Cultural Continuity through Sport,

Health & EducationHealth & Education

Rumbalara Football & Netball Club, SheppartonAcademy of Sport Health & Education, Shepparton, 2005(University of Melbourne)

Oncountry Learning: Indigenous Studies visit to RFNC Uni of Melb,2005.

CummeraFootyTeam,1927

Cummeragunja Football Team Premiers, c.1927. Cummeragunja Football Team Premiers, c.1927. : Henry Charles, Rupert Cooper, Gordon Aultern, George Burns, : Henry Charles, Rupert Cooper, Gordon Aultern, George Burns,

Bill Atkinson, Gingo Morgan, Micky McDonald, Selwyn Briggs, Frank Bill Atkinson, Gingo Morgan, Micky McDonald, Selwyn Briggs, Frank Atkinson, Jacky Cooper, Tim Ross,Atkinson, Jacky Cooper, Tim Ross,

Mick Morgan, Aaron Briggs, Henry Charles, Maurice Charles. Mick Morgan, Aaron Briggs, Henry Charles, Maurice Charles. Front: Bob Nelson, Tom Dunolly Snr, Dowie Nicholls, Tom Dunolly Jnr.Front: Bob Nelson, Tom Dunolly Snr, Dowie Nicholls, Tom Dunolly Jnr.

Statistics on Indigenous Players in AFL, 2010Statistics on Indigenous Players in AFL, 2010

1982=5 1982=5 2005=512005=51 2007=712007=71 2010=832010=83 1982-2005= 90% increase 1982-2005= 90% increase

in 23 yearsin 23 years

2005-2010= 50% increase 2005-2010= 50% increase in last 2 years.in last 2 years.

2% of Aust Pop but over 2% of Aust Pop but over 15% of AFL, 201015% of AFL, 2010

0102030405060708090

100

198220052010

Indigenous AFL UmpiresIndigenous AFL Umpires

Sport and Indigenous Sport and Indigenous Recognition: Conclusions Recognition: Conclusions

It is true that sport has given Aborigines It is true that sport has given Aborigines more recognition and collective pride, than more recognition and collective pride, than any other single activity both from within any other single activity both from within their own community and from the broader their own community and from the broader Australian community.Australian community.

Indigenous Australians still have a long Indigenous Australians still have a long struggle ahead of them if they are to struggle ahead of them if they are to achieve equality. They are still in a achieve equality. They are still in a disadvantaged position. Even in sport, disadvantaged position. Even in sport, where so much progress has been made, where so much progress has been made, there is much that still needs to be done there is much that still needs to be done (Colin Tatz, Aborigines and Sport, 1987). (Colin Tatz, Aborigines and Sport, 1987).

Opportunities through Opportunities through Sport Health & Education Sport Health & Education

is pathway to Futureis pathway to Future

Grab the ball & use it to Grab the ball & use it to your teams advantageyour teams advantage

Pride

Integrity

Respect

Shared Identity

Solidarity

Rumbalara Football & Netball Club: A Holistic Approach to the

Future

A Holistic Worldview of Sport, Health, Education &

Community

Questions for Discussion

Why do Indigenous Australians perform so well in sport?

Why are they so good at footy?

Is Indigenous achievement in sport innate or a learned, cultural trait or is it driven by social and economic factors?