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The majority of AFL clubs have responded to Australia Day and what it means to many Indigenous Australians with social media posts that “acknowledge today signifies a day of pain and survival for First Nations Peoples.”
While clearly some fans thought clubs had overreached there was also significant support for the teams that posted an Australia Day message on Wednesday.
Some – notably Carlton FC – were accused of fence-sitting with their statements, while, at the time of writing – Sydney, Geelong, Fremantle and West Coast were the only clubs not to post on Australia Day and its impact in a sport renown for a strong base of cohort of Indigenous players.
Port Adelaide provided the longest statement on their Twitter account and website.
“The Port Adelaide Football Club acknowledges that today represents a day of sadness and sorrow for many within our community.
“As a club, Port Adelaide values the legacy of its 66 past and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, and contribution of its First Nations staff, directors and volunteers. We are committed to reconciliation and to developing relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians built on trust, unity and mutual prosperity.
“Through our Aboriginal programs, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people and working together as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians towards a better future for everyone.
We look forward to a time when all Australians can celebrate our nation on a day everyone can feel proud, included and unified.”
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) January 25, 2022
Here’s how other clubs reacted.
Carlton
The Club acknowledges that today causes distress for many.
We support a continuing discussion. pic.twitter.com/O6XzgPyI7x
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) January 25, 2022
Adelaide
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) January 26, 2022
Brisbane
Recognise. Respect. Educate. #NotADayToCelebrate pic.twitter.com/dnGnssybum
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) January 25, 2022
North Melbourne
— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) January 25, 2022
Gold Coast
Today and every day we stand with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, staff and communities, to recognise the outstanding contribution they make to our game and city, both on and off the field #FreedTheFlag #alwayswasalwayswillbe
— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) January 25, 2022
Melbourne
As a club, we acknowledge that today signifies a day of pain + survival for First Nations Peoples.
With respect, we reflect on + celebrate the strength of the world’s oldest living cultures. pic.twitter.com/Bbxb8ZUO1H
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) January 25, 2022
Hawthorn
???? ???? ❤️ pic.twitter.com/30IiGDQ2nM
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) January 25, 2022
Richmond
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognise that deep listening is key to learning and growth.
Deep listening requires slowing down, connecting to Country, making time to reflect and asking questions of ourselves and others. pic.twitter.com/YW8IY4PMqe
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) January 25, 2022
The Richmond Football Club believes that if we listen deeply, we can start to build a more understanding and united community.
Today, rather than debate, we invite you to listen, question and think about the bigger issues.
Join us https://t.co/CxGlDkTRpX pic.twitter.com/4XW4K26p0C
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) January 25, 2022
Essendon
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) January 25, 2022
GWS
Always was, always will be. pic.twitter.com/6IdvOyO3Ka
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) January 25, 2022
St Kilda
Always was, always will be.
Today, and every day, we stand with our Indigenous brothers and sisters in acknowledgement of the past and in hope of the future we’re building, together. pic.twitter.com/B9toslIUex
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) January 25, 2022
Western Bulldogs
A day for reflection, understanding and truth telling.#AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe pic.twitter.com/N1HYsIhmCP
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) January 25, 2022
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