SUNS Indigenous Stars travel north

Gold Coast SUNS indigenous stars Harley Bennell, Steven May and Jarrod Harbrow will get their first taste of AFL action this year when the Indigenous All Stars take on Richmond this Friday night.

The trio were joined by youngster Timmy Sumner in travelling to Alice Springs yesterday to take part in the annual AFL Player’s Association Indigenous Camp.

Liam Patrick, Brandon Matera and highly-touted 18 year old Jack Martin chose not attend the camp this year, opting to remain with the main training group at Metricon Stadium to focus on rehabilitation and pre-season training respectively.

The three-day camp will bring the four GC SUNS players together with 60 Indigenous AFL players from across all 18 AFL Clubs and will include an Indigenous leadership program along with various community visits, before the All Stars take on Richmond in an exhibition match on Friday at Traeger Park.

GC SUNS Player Development Manager Simon Fletcher said that the camp was a great opportunity for the boys to learn from some of the AFL’s greatest indigenous stars.

“For first-year players like Timmy (Sumner), it’s a chance to hear from the older Indigenous players that have been in the league, and hear about some of the social issues they faced early on in their playing careers,” said Fletcher.

“The boys also get a chance to taste the only form of representative footy in Australia, with State of Origin no longer being played in AFL fixture.”

In addition to participating in the program’s workshops and training sessions this week, GC SUNS lively defender Jarrod Harbrow will also serve on the AFLPA Indigenous Player’s Advisory Board alongside Chairman Adam Goodes.

Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au AFL Talent and Engagement Coordinator – Chris Johnson, said that the national indigenous program had become an important part of the AFL’s yearly calendar.

“This is one of the only indigenous camps in the world where past and present players can come together and share their stories and life journeys,” said Johnson.

“For these players to be able to learn from the (Adam) Goodes’, the (Michael) O’Loughlin’s and the (Aaron) Davey’s will be an experience that follows them for the rest of their football careers, and hopefully beyond.”