COACH Paul Roos has lauded a presentation given by Indigenous Melbourne trio Neville Jetta, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Dom Barry to the players and coaching staff in the lead-up to Indigenous Round.

Roos said Jetta, Kennedy-Harris and Barry gave a genuine insight into Indigenous culture to the rest of their teammates and mentors. 

“Nev [Jetta], Jay [Kennedy-Harris] and Dom [Barry] did a presentation the other day and it was fantastic,” he said on Dee TV’s Roos’ Views.

“It’s sad because we don’t get to see the heritage [enough] – and it’s our heritage as well. Nev brought along a girl named Belinda, who spoke really well about the history of Australia – and it’s our history.

“At the end of it, you felt a bit guilty that we don’t know enough – or more about the Indigenous heritage, who are the founders of the country. So it was quite inspirational to hear the boys talk about their families and where they’re from and what it means to them. I’m sure all of the boys felt the same way.”

Roos said it had been a big few weeks for Jetta, who was recently racially vilified during Melbourne’s clash against the Western Bulldogs in round eight – just one week after he played arguably his best game for the club against the Crows.

Jetta then missed Melbourne’s win over Richmond with gastro, but has returned for this round’s important clash against the Power.

“His Adelaide game was terrific – it was probably the best game of football he’s played for the club and best game of senior football,” Roos said.

“He missed against Richmond, which was a brave decision to pull himself out, which we talked about post game. He really put the team first and it would’ve been easy for him to say ‘I’m feeling OK, I want to play’.

“So it’s good to have him back playing and it’s really important to the three Indigenous boys that we have and I’m sure all over the AFL. I think it’s important for everyone to recognise the contribution and the history of this country.

“It’s also [important] for us to put a good step forward on the weekend.”