School students from Darwin’s Anula Primary School and remote town Borroloola from the Michael Long Learning Centre have taken part in a NAB AFL Auskick clinic they will never forget, with a surprise visit from AFL champion, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

The two-time AFL premiership player, eight-time All Australian and 354-gamer was in Darwin today as part of the AFL’s celebrations for its annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which officially commences on Thursday May 16 when the Gold Coast SUNS take on the Geelong Cats at TIO Stadium

AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said it was fantastic to have an inspirational role model in Buddy Franklin on hand to support the next generation of football talent.  

“Buddy’s contribution to our game for almost two decades has been extraordinary, so we are thrilled to have him in Darwin as part of our Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations to engage the next generation of football talent,” Ms Hosch said.  

“Our sport has been enriched by the positive impact and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the game’s history, and we are excited to see this legacy built upon in the future. 

“The AFL is committed to creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in our game, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring or administrating, and ensure the pathway for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants can continue to grow from the grassroots up. 

“Seeing the excitement of the children while learning from Buddy has been beautiful, and we hope that they walk away from the experience feeling that they can one day walk in his shoes if they choose to do so.”

With the total number of First Nations NAB AFL Auskick participants up seven per cent nationally compared to this time last year, and a 43 per cent increase in First Nations Auskick participants in the Northern Territory between 2022 and 2023, Head of AFL Northern Territory Sam Gibson said it was great to see the growth of the sport continue in the Top End.

“It’s a privilege to have Buddy here in the Top End on the eve of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. We know the impact the game and legends of the game such as Buddy can have here on a local level,” Gibson said.

“The role football plays across the Northern Territory is well known, as is the long list of Territory champions who have gone on to pave the way for future generations. Indigenous participation in competitions and programs across the Territory sits over 50 per cent and if we factor in all the remote football, we know this stat is significantly higher.
 
“The future of the game across the Territory is bright and we’re excited to see everyone out celebrating the game tomorrow night at TIO Stadium, and showcasing our spirit to the rest of the nation.”