SANFL players and coaches to stand united against racism

August 13, 2021

SANFL players and coaches will hold a moment of unity against racism before the start of Round 17 Statewide Super League matches this weekend.

SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig said that as a formal acknowledgement of recent events with regards to racial vilification, all clubs had agreed to stand united with their opposing team, arm in arm in solidarity, as a statement to put an end to all racism.

“Every club was united in taking a stance against all forms of racism and we hope this can be a step towards healing and a show of support for everyone in our football community affected by racism,” Mr Duldig said.

Initiated by Glenelg Indigenous premiership player Marlon Motlop, the gesture will see players and coaches from both sides come together around the centre circle and link arms for the one-minute reflection before play begins.

Leaders from both teams will address the players and coaches within the circle about taking a stance against racism and what it means to them.

Marlon Motlop today said:

“The SANFL anti-racism stance is to express our deep support for North Adelaide’s Robbie Young, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and officials of the Adelaide FC and any First Nations people affected by the recent event of racial vilification.

 “At its core, this is about the ongoing healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia, and the role you play in shifting your own beliefs, values and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to help eradicate racism in society.”

Glenelg Football Club CEO Justin Scripps said Marlon was such a strong role model for all players and a passionate ambassador for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have Marlon, not only as a leader of our Club but our broader community in general,” Mr Scripps said.

“The Glenelg Football Club, together with the SANFL and all SANFL Clubs, is committed and determined to play a key leadership role in establishing and maintaining a framework to help further educate the South Australian football community and eradicate racism from our society.”

SANFL Statewide Super League – Round 17 match details

Friday August 13

Norwood v West Adelaide | Coopers Stadium | 7:40pm

Saturday August 14

South Adelaide v North Adelaide | Flinders University Stadium | 2:35pm (Channel 7 broadcast match)

Glenelg v Central District | ACH Group Stadium | 2:10pm

Sturt v Port Adelaide | Unley Oval | 2:30pm

Sunday August 15

Eagles v Adelaide | Maughan Thiem Kia Oval | 2:10pm