The AFL has dismissed critics saying it should stay out of social issues by strongly backing the yes vote in the coming referendum on a First Nations Voice.
The league’s commission met on Wednesday and its position was confirmed on Thursday morning, with headquarters firmly backing the push.
“The AFL is privileged to have a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in our game, from the grassroots in every state and territory, through to the AFL and AFLW competitions,” the league said in a statement.
“Over the past year we have had many discussions on the proposal to recognise a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in consultation with our clubs, our staff, our players, and the AFL’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players have long made a stellar contribution on the footy field. Their off-field contributions are equally valued for the impact they have made on our game and our community.”
First Nations players in their Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernseys (from left) Bobby Hill, Jarman Impey, Jayden Davey, Jesse Motlop, Maurice Rioli, Brandon Parfitt and Brad Hill. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
The league said while it encouraged “everyone to seek the information they need to form their own views on the referendum, the AFL proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament”.
Essendon and Geelong are the latest clubs to this week show their support for the Voice, joining West Coast, Collingwood and Richmond in releasing statements backing the yes vote.
Key figures including former prime minister John Howard have expressed their opposition to sporting organisations taking a political stance, but league chief executive Gillon McLachlan said this week that he would have considered it “odd” if the AFL – “as a community organisation” – opted not to express a view.
The Board of the Collingwood Football Club supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
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— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 29, 2023
“Generally I think that we don’t seek to lecture, we don’t wade into every topic, but for those that are relevant … to our supporter base, and to our people who work for the AFL, the people who are members of clubs, people who come to our games, and our playing group, I think it’s important that leadership actually says this is what we stand for, this is what we think,” McLachlan said.
“I also just hope that we don’t get away from the celebration – our Indigenous athletes are such a special part of the game, and what they bring brings people to their feet.”