The 2016 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program commences its second development program in Melbourne this week, led by coaches Aaron Davey and Barry Lawrence.

Each year theFooty Means Business program provides 50 Indigenous men, aged 18 to 24 years, with exposure to elite AFL programs and training, along with networking opportunities in corporate environments over two development programs.

The second program coincides with the 2016 Toyota AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round culminating in the Rio Tinto Cup which is the curtain-raiser match to Dreamtime at the G on Saturday, May 28. The program itinerary also includes a cultural walk, training sessions at Richmond and Essendon Football Clubs, an Amazing Race Challenge and a day at Channel 7 studios.

AFL Diversity Manager Ali Fahour said young Indigenous men from across Australia benefited from being part of the program, which focuses on development and talent opportunities.

“The AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Program is a stand out platform that recognises that Australian Football develops transferable skills that can be taken into the work place and back into the community,” Mr Fahour said.

“The participants have been selected based on football ability, engagement with their communities and their potential to serve as a positive role model.

“The first Footy Means Business Program held in Darwin at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre focused on developing these young men on and off the football field with Cultural Identity pillar being a focus. 

“The participants performed the team war cry as part of the pre-match entertainment to the NTFL Grand Final and to the Tiwi Community on their Grand Final which was a special moment in sharing culture.

“For many, the highlight of the week-long second program is the opportunity to play in the Rio Tinto Cup, the curtain raiser to the Richmond v Essendon Dreamtime at the G match, where the squad represents either the Davey or Lawrence teams.

“We thank our broadcast partner Channel 7 for their continued support of our Indigenous Programs as they air the Rio Tinto Cup on across their network,” he said.

To be selected for the AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Program, candidates must be:

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Not engaged in AFL or Second Tier competition
  • Employed (part time or apprenticeships accepted) or undertaking education/training or involved   in community programs
  • Aspirational
  • Display leadership qualities

Rio Tinto is one of the largest private sector employers of Indigenous men and women in Australia. Alongside the AFL, Rio Tinto is now in its sixth year of involvement in the leadership development program Footy Means Business.

2016 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Squad

Davey Team:

Jerome Newchurch (Ceduna SA), Wilfred Edwards (Ceduna, SA), Kendrick Albert (Elliot NT), Julian Hunt (Brisbane QLD), Harley Alec (Karratha WA), Daniel Farmer (Karratha WA), Alex McTaggart (Brisbane QLD), Robert Schindler-Taylor (New Castle NSW), Brodie Deverell (Devonport TAS), Amon Hudson (Werribee VIC), Wyndham Peachy (Sydney NSW), Dylan Riley (Westbury TAS), Ishmael Palmer (Larapinta NT), Peter Farmer (Perth WA), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (Jabiru NT), Tyrone Mitchell (Mildura VIC), Ezra Charlie (Thursday Island QLD), Heath Molloy (Cairns QLD), Rulla Kelly- Mansell (Deloraine TAS), Adam Young-Wanambi (Tiwi Islands NT), Marbo Mununggurritj (Gove NT), Jacob Austin (Melbourne VIC), Regan Jackson (Mooroopna VIC), Desmond Farrell (Perth WA), Isaiah Walley-Stack (Perth WA)

Lawrence Team:

Zane Brown (Launceston TAS), Jalen Oakley (Parmelia WA), Jaylen Marshall (Jabiru NT), Zane Litchfield (Narrandera NSW), Lochlan Dhurrkay (Elcho Island NT), Mark Flack (Wagga Wagga NSW), Nagawalli Rodney (Jabiru NT), Matt Doran (Hobart TAS), Dylan Indich (Newman WA), Dylan Alice (Santa Teresa NT), Justin Cooper (Jabiru NT), Terrence Binsaad (Port Headland WA), Jaden Parker (Tom Price WA), Koolyn Briggs (Melbourne VIC), Beau Alec (Karratha WA), Joshua Loo (Perth WA), Isaac Gallagher-Cheetham (Brisbane QLD), Jake Doran (Hobart TAS), Aaron Austin (Melbourne VIC), Lenny Christie (Brisbane QLD), Kelvin Lawrence (Perth WA), Mervin Bennell (Perth WA), Arnold Kirby (Swan Hill VIC)

RIO TINTO CUP
Saturday, May 28, MCG
Match commences 2.55pm
Match concludes 4.45pm
On field presentations 4.50pm
Delayed broadcast at 10.30pm via 7mate
Tickets available via www.afl.com.au/tickets