RED & WHITE ARCHIVES: THE INDIGENOUS GAME

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

When the flood gates opened for Indigenous footballers in WA, Souths were very much part of the change in attitude that set the standard for most other Aboriginal footballers and provided the inspiration for others to follow.

In relatively quick succession over the next decade some of the greatest names in club history arrived. And it didn’t stop there as further members of the Rioli, Matera, Campbell, Michael, Collard, McGrath & Ah Chee families soon left their mark on Fremantle Oval and fans.

More than eighty Aboriginal footballers have played WAFL League 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.

In 2009 South Fremantle selected its Indigenous Team of the Century:

Ashley McGrath, Shannon Cox, Roger Hayden, Willie Roe, Basil Campbell, Toby McGrath, Nicky Winmar, 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 and Jesse Motlop.

As a footballer and then an administrator, Club Hall of Famer Brian Ciccotosto’s work for Indigenous recognition cannot ever be underestimated.

Along with Todd Shimmon who was then CEO at Claremont, and past players and respected figures Brad Collard and Richard Walley, “Cicco” was instrumental in organising the first NAIDOC Week match in 2007 which featured South Fremantle and Claremont playing for the Jimmy Melbourne Cup in art-inspired Guernseys. The game remains a premier fixture to this day.

The WAFL subsequently became the first major competition in Australia to officially use Indigenous-designed jumpers. The AFL followed suit, replicating the initiative along with other codes such as basketball, netball and baseball.

To explore more of South Fremantle’s rich history, including the establishment of female footy at Freo Oval, head HERE to purchase the club’s official history books.