“Because of my nan, Cavell, standing up for what she knew was right when she was younger, I can now stand as a proud Aboriginal man and take on my journey.”
This, from North Melbourne youngster Jy Simpkin, is just one example of the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on the current group of Indigenous footballers.
National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.
This year’s campaign theme is Because of her, we can, which celebrates the contributions, strength and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across Australia.
The video above, done in conjunction with the AFL Players’ Association and partner The Line, promotes the voices and experiences of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander AFL Players and the inspirational women in their lives.
Simpkin teamed up with teammate Jed Anderson, Geelong’s Tim Kelly and Nakia Cockatoo, Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey and Melbourne’s Neville Jetta to celebrate an important woman in their life and encourage positive stories of women in influential positions.