AFL Statement

The AFL is pleased to announce that the countdown to the first bounce at the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be broadcast in traditional Noongar language for the first time.

With excitement building around the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar, the sixty-second before the bounce countdown is iconic with football fans. The AFL with Toyota is proud to be sharing this moment for the first in history by dedicating the final ten seconds to traditional Noongar language.

Traditional Noongar language numbers:

  • one - keyen
  • two - koodjal
  • three - dambart
  • four - koodjal koodjal
  • five - maar
  • six - maar-keyen
  • seven - maar-koodjal
  • eight - maar-dambart
  • nine - maar-koodjal koodjal
  • ten - maar-maar / Maara

AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch said that this inclusion was another great opportunity to highlight the longstanding connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Australian Football.
 
"I'm thrilled to see Toyota include traditional Noongar language as part of the countdown at this year's Toyota AFL Grand Final," Ms Hosch said.

Kamsani (Kambarni) Bin Salleh, a local Noongar artist, with a mural he painted for the AFL in Yagan Square in the lead-up to the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Picture: AFL Photos

"It has been a wonderful 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series and to see the final piece come together on Saturday with representation of traditional Noongar language is a special occasion for Noongar communities. This gesture is a great way to connect more Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander voices towards our game," Ms Hosch said.

The countdown will feature as part of the broadcast as well as around Optus Stadium in LED for fans around Australia to enjoy.

The 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be held at Optus Stadium on Saturday, September 25 at 5:15pm AWST (7:15pm AEST).