Q. What is the attraction to flying?
A. My father lives on Melville Island and flies on a single engine plane to get home - it is only a 20 minute fly. I thought one day I would like to fly and maybe set up a business in Darwin - fishing tours etc. I am looking to hopefully do this in the future. I also paint as well and wouldn't mind setting up some art tours through Alcaston Gallery with Beverly Knight. She has been involved with aboriginal people for over 20 years and she has a great and honest understanding of aboriginal people and she really works on the strength side of a lot of people because she sees that talent in them. The arts have been an important part of my learning because it has opened up another world to me.
Q. When did you get into art - is it something you have just taken up?
A. Well I painted my house last year. I have been painting off and on for the past three years. Most of the artists I have dealt with through the Alcaston Gallery have been my relatives as well. I have probably gathered more information about my family and history through the artists and their paintings - which is why I have learnt. I think I have tapped into something that was always there and part of my culture as well and it is something I enjoy. It has never been a money making thing, it is something I have learned and I have learned a lot about myself and where I am from and my culture as well.
Q. Have you ever tried doing the three things together - fly, paint and play the guitar?
A. I haven't tried it but I am willing to give it a go.
Q. When you look at the game now, you must be proud of all the aboriginal players in the competition?
A. There is certainly a growing number in the competition. I think it is going to be harder because of where the game is going and where it is improving. I think there needs to be a fair bit of development with the younger kids.
Q. Is Melbourne home now or would you consider heading back to Darwin?
A. I have been in Melbourne for 12 years and it has been a big part of my life. I still love Darwin and I always will. I see the most important thing for my kids is education and that is probably an area I have really focussed on getting them a good start in life. I just wish I had have had that as a kid growing up and if I can give that to my kids. Melbourne is a place where I have made a lot of good friends. It is home to me now and I can thank the club enough for giving me the opportunity.
Q. Have you got used to the cold - when you first arrived you used to jump into the sauna before training and at half-time of matches - is that a true story?
A. Yes, well Sheeds wouldn't let me take the heater out to training. That was the hardest part for me, the weather. It was probably one of the wettest years 1989, when I first came down. It was a culture shock training in that weather - it was all new to me. Sometimes you would think, I don't want to be here - it was a big transition, but it was a learning curve. They actually ripped the sauna out because I spent too much time in there. I suppose it is one of the things you have to deal with - there are so many things you have to deal with coming from a different environment.
Q. The Testimonial is coming up - we are all looking forward to it at the Melbourne Concert Hall on Sunday 4 August.
A. It is fantastic the club has given me a Testimonial year. It is going to be a good night - the player skit and the panel consisting of Simon Madden, Dean Wallis, my brother and Kevin Sheedy. Pentleigh and Essendon Grammar are involved as well and there will be a few other surprise guests as well. It is more for me to say thank you to the supporters and why I wanted to have it at the Concert Hall so kids can come along as well.
