ON WEDNESDAY, Melbourne launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at Koorie Heritage Trust, Federation Square. The process to get a RAP in place has been significant – it has required detailed consideration, planning and action by the club. Neville Jetta, a proud Noongar man and much-admired Melbourne player, has been a key part in getting the RAP to this stage. He has become an instrumental person at Melbourne – on and off the field – and this is just another example of his ability to make a difference at Melbourne and in the community. He spoke with Matt Burgan about the RAP and his outstanding 2017 form …

The importance of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

THE implementation of the Melbourne’s Reconciliation Action Plan has required significant time and effort – and rightly so. It needs to be authentic and adhered to with genuine purpose.

Several people from the club have dedicated their time and energy to make it happen, including Indigenous projects officer Matthew Whelan, who played 150 games for Melbourne and was a much-loved figure among the red and blue faithful. 

As mentioned in the intro, Neville Jetta has been instrumental in the process.

The 27-year-old said the RAP had been in the making for quite some time.

“It’s a start and it’s something that we’ve worked on over the few years. It was something Aaron Davey talked about a while ago, when he was playing here,” he said.

“It probably started at a corporate level and most AFL clubs have got it in place now. As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous people, we’re coming from a long way back, so [we need] to keep finding opportunities within the AFL. The AFL has done an awesome job in being able to find ways to include.

“As a player, to have something like this in the club is pretty special, because it’s something that’s going to be around the club for a long time, even when I’m gone.”

Jetta said the RAP was not only a legacy he would now leave behind, when his playing career finishes, but it could be attributed to the likes of Davey and a host of Indigenous players to represent Melbourne.

“The past players … had input as well for our future brothers and now sisters, with the AFL Women’s team, who are coming through. It’s something they can look at and carry forward as well,” he said.

This Saturday against Port Adelaide, the RAP will also form a key part of the day’s proceedings, with several past Indigenous Melbourne players in attendance.

“It’ll be great to get them back to the football club,” Jetta said.

“I’ve formed some great relationships with some of the players and I refer to them as my brothers. They left [the club] probably not on good terms, but they’re just as excited as we are for having them back.

“I can’t wait to have them back this weekend and to have them back at the MCG and to the football club that they still call their football club is pretty special.”

Jetta said the opportunity to chat with past Indigenous Melbourne players and gather their views on the RAP was important.

“I’m looking forward to catching up and having a bit of a yarn with them to see how they’re going, and asking them their thoughts on the RAP. [It would be good to hear] some of their ideas that they might put forward as past players – and something they might’ve wanted to do when they were a player that could’ve helped,” he said.

“I’m just looking forward to having them back and enjoying the day, and celebrating a small step and something we can say was a start.”

The Indigenous jumper on the MCG

Melbourne will wear its Indigenous guernsey, designed by artist Mandy Nicholson, for the first time on the ‘G this weekend.

The jumper represents and acknowledges the Wurundjeri people and its timeline and connection to the traditional lands (MCG and Yarra Park) and Birrarung (Yarra River).

Jetta said it was significant that Melbourne was wearing the guernsey at the home of football.

“Wearing the jumper at the MCG for the first time is pretty special. I remember speaking to [chief executive] Peter Jackson last year and he said ‘what’s the next step’?’” he said.

“I said the first step was to wear the jumper at home – it represents Melbourne and the artwork depicts the land that the MCG is on and the people that walked here many years ago.

“I’m looking forward to running out on the MCG and having that proud, special moment – all of the boys will. To represent what the jumper means in front of its traditional owners [is special].”

A proud Noongar man

The Noongar people are from the south-west corner of Western Australia.

It’s Jetta’s heart and home.

“It’s something I hold [dearly]. It’s me, it’s my identity and it’s who I am. To be able to represent my people at the highest level in this nation for footy is something I hold pretty highly,” he said.

“To make them proud is something I’ll continue to do – not only in my community, but my family and everyone that looks up to me.

“I’ll just be another trailblazer like past players were to me – Nicky Winmar, other family members, the Kicketts and Ugles, who led the way and were my heroes. To be able to be that person for the next generation is something that I’m pretty proud to be able to do.”

Family man

One thing that stands out about Jetta – he is a proud family man.

With wife Samantha, daughter Nalani and son Kyree, Jetta says his family means the world to him – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“As a father, the rides to the game are always fun – having those two in the back [of the car] singing songs. I’m just thankful that they’re able to enjoy the ride with me whilst I’m still playing,” he said.

“A lot of people see my children running around behind the TV cameras [post-match]. Hopefully when they get a bit older they’ll be able to remember some of the stuff they used to do with me.

“Footy doesn’t last forever, so for them to be able to enjoy this with me is something I’ll hold dearly and be able to look back on. [I’ll] be able to tell stories and they’ll be able to tell stories too when they get a bit older.”

Jetta said his family drove him to become a better person and player.

“I just love having them around – they definitely inspire me to do bigger and better things every day. They definitely help me make decisions going forward with whatever I do,” he said.

“I always will put them first and I think that’s been passed on through my community and my family. Family always comes first and it’s no different with my children and my wife as well.

“I love having them (the kids) at the game. The smile they bring – not only to me, but the boys in the team as well – is something I love. So, to see them in the rooms after the game, enjoying themselves and laughing, and enjoying the footy club, is something that I love.”

A leader

Although Jetta isn’t officially in Melbourne’s leadership group, he sits just outside of the group. He is sometimes canvassed for views and has sat in leadership group meetings.

Not a big speaker – although when he does, people listen – Jetta epitomises the ‘lead by example’ motto.

Having learned from the likes of Whelan and Davey, Jetta is now guiding the way for other Indigenous players – not just Jeffy Garlett, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Dion Johnstone at Melbourne – but across the competition.

“[I was] hiding to an extent behind ‘Wheels’ (Whelan) and ‘Flash’ (Davey) when I first came in. I didn’t really say too much, but to be in a position now where the boys look up to me is definitely a good feeling,” he said.

“I try not to change too much with the way I go about it. I’ve always been one who tries to lead by example and actions, so it’s had a flow on effect and the boys are now starting to see me in that role.”

As much as Jetta is revered for his on-field leadership – highlighted by his courageous style of play – he is a fine example away from the game. 

“I try to do as much as I can to help the community, and get out and inspire, and use my profile as an AFL player. I know a lot of AFL players do that, so to give back is something I’m happy to do and will continue to do.

“As a role model in the community, especially my community back home, it’s something I don’t take for granted. I want to be able to inspire the next generation coming through – and the next generation in our footy club as well.

“I want to help them and fast track them as quickly as possible, because we want to get back to where we want to pretty quickly.”  

In top form

Now in his ninth AFL season, Jetta’s journey at Melbourne hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

Having dealt with his share of injuries and unable to cement a spot in the side, Jetta went from senior list to rookie at the end of the 2013 season. But having found a new lease of life under Paul Roos and now Simon Goodwin, Jetta has reinvigorated his career to become one of the best small defenders in the game.

With 110 AFL matches to his name, including 69 since round five, 2014, Jetta has become an integral part of the Melbourne 22. This year, he has continued his fine form, with some media chatter calling for his inclusion in this year’s All-Australian team.

“My form has been pretty good this year, but I feel like it’s on the back of a whole team performance – we definitely improved. I’m just thankful for what the team has been able to do this year,” Jetta said.  

“I feel that when everyone else is playing their role, I’m able to do mine and chip in with the team. I feel like it’s off the back of some good work up the field and … it’s also pretty handy having some pretty good players around me.

“Hibbo (Michael Hibberd) has been amazing since he’s come in, Frosty (Sam Frost) is improving game-by-game, and Oscar [McDonald], Hunty (Jayden Hunt) and [Christian] Salem have been unbelievable.

“I’ve got massive confidence in doing my part in that collective group. Those boys are helping me out – I’m just trying to be consistent and keeping it simple, and trying to beat my man or win the ball. It’s something I pride myself on.”

Exciting times

With Jetta selected at No.51 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft – he was later redrafted at No.50 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft, held in November 2013 – he has experienced some tough times at the club.

But having gone through it, Jetta now appreciates the exciting times emerging at the club.

“2009 was pretty exciting when I first rocked up. Being a first-year player, you’re just happy to play, but as a team, we weren’t going so great,” he said.

“It was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but to get to where we are now and for me to still be here is something I don’t take for granted. I’m very excited about where we’re heading and I just want to be along for the ride.

“I want to do as much as I can – and control as much as I can – within my own footy and stay around for longer, and enjoy the success when it comes.”

Having spent all or most of his career with the likes of Nathan Jones, Jack Watts, Max Gawn, Colin Garland, Jack Trengove and Jake Spencer, Jetta said it would be worth the wait to share success with his long-serving teammates.

“I just can’t wait to be able to share that special moment when it comes … and to look back on where we started – all of the hard work that we’ve put in to get where we are now,” he said.

“I’ll just really enjoy that moment when it comes.”