NAIDOC ROUND: THE INDIGENOUS GAME

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains images and names of people who have passed away.

Few clubs in Australia can boast having so many talented Aboriginal footballers pass through its ranks. The first family to make an impact on the football scene were the Hayward brothers Bill, Eric and Maley in the 1936-1937 seasons. Eminent relation Colleen Hayward, a passionate South Fremantle member, is the current Vice President of the Fremantle Football Club.

But the man to open the floodgates that heralded a new era of Aboriginal influence at the club came down from Darwin in 1972, Sebastian Rioli.

The Rioli name is one of the most iconic in Australian football, and its deep connection to South Fremantle remains one of the Club’s most fascinating stories. Since 1972, 12 Riolis have proudly worn the red and white, leaving an enduring legacy of skill, passion, and excellence.

In relatively quick succession over the next decade some of the greatest names in the club’s history arrived including Basil Campbell, Mr Magic Maurice Rioli, dual Sandover Medallist Stephen Michael, the talented Benny Vigona, Wally Matera, Willy Roe and Brad Collard.

And it didn’t stop there as further members of the Rioli, Matera, Campbell, Michael and Collard families soon left their mark as the McGrath brothers are doing today.

More than ninety male & female aboriginal athletes have played League football for the Bulldogs. There have been four All Australians, winning between them two Sandover Medals, two Norm Smith Medals, four Simpson Medals, one Tassie Medal and numerous fairest and best awards.

Stephen Michael holds the record for playing 210 games in succession from 1975 to 1983, a rare feat. He also polled 37 Sandover Medal votes in 1981 beating South Fremantle’s Frank “Scranno’ Jenkins, record total of 34 in 1937.

In 2009 South Fremantle selected its Indigenous Team of the Century including the players Ashley McGrath, Roger Hayden, Willie Roe, Basil Campbell, Toby McGrath, Maurice Rioli, Peter Matera, Benny Vigona, Stevan Jackson, Dean Rioli, Jeff Farmer, Mark Williams, Phil Matera, Stephen Michael, Brad Collard, Wally Matera, Brad Hayward, Cliff Collard, Sebastian Rioli and Clem Michael.

Modern era South Fremantle Indigenous stars, many recognisable in football-loving loungerooms nationwide, include Tim Kelly, Marlion Pickett, Matty Parker, Ben Rioli, Brendon & Callum Ah Chee, Jesse Motlop & Jamaine Jones.