Singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd was the special guest at the AFL Players’ Association’s 2014 Season Launch last week, wowing the crowd with rousing renditions of some of his biggest songs and speaking about the influence sport can have in helping promote unity within communities.

Rudd discussed the importance and value of the Players’ Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which was released at the Season Launch.

“I think I’m going to barrack for Goodesy” – Xavier Rudd

“I was excited to come down and be part of this today, because football’s such a great avenue for change,” Rudd said.

“These kind of action programs are really important because it can put the beauty of our Indigenous culture into the lounge-rooms of people… There’s so much beauty and so much wisdom in our Aboriginal culture – it needs to be promoted.

“It’s about breaking down barriers and celebrating a culture that’s been going for thousands of years that breeds all these beautiful athletes and artists.”

Speaking on stage with ‘PA Board member Dan Jackson, Rudd also revealed he had grown up as a “Plugger supporter” and “didn’t really know what to do when he retired.”

Having formed a relationship with Adam Goodes – the Chairman of the Players’ Association’s Indigenous Advisory Board, and Australian of the Year for 2014 – Rudd has decided who he’ll support in the future.

“Now I think I’m going to barrack for Goodesy,” he said.

Rudd’s performance, and his full interview with Dan Jackson can be viewed below.