We can all appreciate the fantastic contribution that Aboriginal footballers have made to the game of AFL. In order to honor their contribution, the Marn Grook Exhibition is currently being held in the Windy Hill Hall of Fame. Marn Grook is an aboriginal term for “game ball” and the exhibition by that name is a tribute to the struggles and the triumphs of the Aboriginal players throughout the history of the AFL. With the official launch taking place yesterday morning at 11.30, the exhibition is now open to the public.

The Minister for Aboriginal affairs, Keith Hamilton, MP who officially opened the tribute said the impression that the aboriginal players of the past left on him personally was a great one. “I remember seeing Norm McDonald play on Bobby Davis out at Windy Hill, and it was amazing to watch, he had amazing speed and skills and he won that duel with Bobby nearly everytime” he said.

The contribution that Aboriginal players have made to the Essendon Football Club has also been significant, with the first ever Aboriginal Brownlow Medal winner, Gavin Wanganeen, hailing from Windy Hill.

Current player, Michael Long recognised this achievement in his speech and said he was proud to be associated with the exhibition which adds a whole new dimension to the history of the AFL.

Also in attendance was the under 18 Northern Territory team who are part of the AFL’s national development program. The boys, most of who are of Aboriginal descent took the opportunity to have their photos taken with heroes such as Michael Long, Dean Rioli, Norm McDonald and Cory McGrath.

Items included in the exhibition range from laminated newspaper articles right up to video displays and even the uniform Michael Long wore as he carried the torch in the lead up to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

The Marn Grook exhibition will be on show in the Windy Hill Hall of Fame until early October and is an excellent school holiday activity on these cold winter days.