- Sam Newman has slammed the idea of an Aboriginal Players’ Association
- Indigenous ex-players are attempting to break away from the current structure
- The group has listed a number of grievances to the AFL in recent weeks
Former AFL star Sam Newman has slammed the idea of an Aboriginal Players’ Association.
His comments came after news surfaced that a number of Indigenous ex-players were attempting to break away from the current Players’ Association structure and form a separate group.
‘This on the surface of it looks like a pretty clumsy attempt to extort money out of the AFL, who provide a reasonable opportunity for everyone to succeed in a football life, not just certain sections of the community,’ Newman said on the Footy Show.
Former AFL star Sam Newman has slammed the idea of an Aboriginal Players Association
His comments came after news surfaced that a number of Indigenous ex-players were attempting to break away from the current Players Association structure and form a separate group
‘I reckon this is a pretty shallow attempt to go for a money grab.’
The group is led by Derek Kickett, Des Headland and former Swans great Michael O’Loughlin, according to AFL reporter Damian Barrett.
They are reportedly preparing to form a ‘breakaway Indigenous Players’ Association’.
Barrett said the group has listed a number of grievances to the AFL in recent weeks.
‘Central to the cause of this group is that there is a perception that the AFL industry is not equipped to deal with all aspects of life for an Indigenous footballer, particularly the transitioning out of the game of an Indigenous footballer,’ he said.
The group is not yet set up, but meetings regarding the resurrecting of the association are expected in the coming weeks.
The group is led by Derek Kickett (right), Des Headland and former Swans great Michael O’Loughlin (left), according to AFL reporter Damian Barrett
Swans great Michael O’Loughlin is reportedly part of a group pushing for an Indigenous Players’ Association
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