Some of Western Australia’s best indigenous football players recently travelled to Bunbury to make themselves known.
Teams ran out onto Hands Oval and Kelly Park for the annual GWABA Make Smoking History Football Carnival on Saturday, October 20.
Over the past 18 years, the carnival has provided the chance to bring indigenous people together and showcase footballers from across the state.
Ten teams – Raiders, BrothaBoyz, Mustangs, Saints, Suns, Maali Swans, Bunbury, Bulldogs, Koolbardis, and Bunbury Warriors – clashed for the Syd Jackson Cup, named after the Carlton, East Perth, and South Bunbury legend.
Jackson watched on as the group of ten was whittled down to two.
The grand final showdown saw Maali Swans defeat the Saints.
“The level of talent is quite incredible, the teams have shown off their skills and there’s plenty of skill out there,” Jackson said.
“The games are so fast...the games showcase the level of competition.
“I think the players look forward to it every year. They have it in the back of their minds to make the trip and deliver in front of the crowds.”
The young guys get to showcase their skills – it was something I always looked forward to as a player, I couldn’t sleep the night before.
- GWABA Football Carnival coordinator Graham Wallam
The carnival had valuable support from coordinators Roger Pickett, Les Wallam, Paul Bennell, and Graham Wallam.
Organisers thanked Aboriginal Evangelical Corporation’s Wendy and Clive Hayden for their efforts on the day.
Graham Wallam said the event united elders, family members, friends, and players for a worthy cause.
“It’s important to watch these players, the games are always played in a good spirit,” he said.
“Last year we took a break, and we got a lot of feedback saying we needed to keep it going.
“The young guys get to showcase their skills – it was something I always looked forward to as a player, I couldn’t sleep the night before.”
He added sporting events helped to establish connections between indigenous communities.
“It’s an event that everybody looks forward to across all regions, from the country areas through to Perth,” Mr Wallam said.
“We get comments saying it’s an important event, even our umpires are quite excited about it every year.
“Everyone likes to get away and catch up with family members, so it’s always a really good day.”
The best players in the carnival were chosen for the 2018 GWABA All-stars side, set to play against the Perth Metro All-stars team at the eighth annual Maali Football Carnival at Lathlain Oval on Saturday, October 27.
The festival will feature Under 15s, women’s, and all-stars matches.
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