Countdown to Australia’s Premier Indigenous Football Championships
The group draw of the 2018 Australian Indigenous Football Championships was live streamed on Thursday 25 October with Tournament Co-Director Ramone Close present and Tournament Operations Manager Rhonda Purcell on hand to draw the numbers from the bowl as the countdown begun to Queensland's inaugural indigenous football tournament. Football Brisbane, General Manager Craig Morris is urging people to own their own piece of history by attending the Australian Indigenous Football Championships starting November 8th. Morris said of the Championships to be held at Logan Football Complex between November 8 and 10, “It’s a great opportunity to see quality football and meet up with family and friends”. “Football Brisbane is proud to invest in an event that brings communities together, with Indigenous communities travelling from New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory..” Morris added. Football Brisbane has been working in partnership with Tournament Co-Directors Lawrence Gilbert and Ramone Close to establish a first class tournament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the nation. Co-Director Lawrence Gilbert said, “This year’s event will no doubt set the foundation for Indigenous football as Australia’s premier footballing event and to host this event in the City of Logan, Brisbane, is a great achievement”. Co-Director Ramone Close said, “This year’s tournament format will showcase 26 men and women teams making up over 60-70 Indigenous communities across the nation”. A special addition to the event will see the QLD Police v Indigenous All-stars team in the spirit of reconciliation. The Johnny Warren Football Foundation Reconciliation Match on Saturday 10th is an example of how the Aboriginal community and the Queensland Police can work together. Other partners supporting the premier Indigenous footballing event, Football Federation Australia, Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar have all played there part to ensure the event reaches it full potential. “Football Brisbane is excited to support the Australian Indigenous Football Championships and to be part of the official launch at the City of Logan next week.” said Morris. Close said, “The partnerships to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities together from across the nation is an unbelievable achievement.” He added, “The tournament is a great vehicle for Aboriginal football players to display their talent on a national stage and hopefully on career pathways to W-League, A-League and national honours.” Mr Gilbert also said, “The Australian Indigenous Football Championships will also be an important cultural gathering for Aboriginal people.” For the duration of the Championships, there will be stalls, entertainment, activities for kids and coaching clinics. Here's how the draw looks for both the men's and women's groups, as well as where all the teams competing in this year’s Australian Indigenous Football Championships and the regions/nations they represent.
Brisbane Warrigals (QLD) Brisbane. Men representing - Bundjalung, Gubbi Gubbi, Munandanji, Wiradjuri, Kamilaroo, Undumbi. Bundjalung Warriors (NSW) Lismore/Casino areas. Men & Women representing - Bundjalung nation, Kamilaroi, Wailwan, Wiradjuri. NQ Brolgas (QLD) Townsville. Men & Women representing - Townsville and Ingham District these girls are representing the Townsville Tribal area of Bindal also players representing there own areas of Wiradjuri, Quandamooka, Putta Pitta, Kalkadoon, Wangkamahdla. CQ Spirit (QLD) Rockhampton. Men & Women representing - Waka Waka, Lama Lama, Wangan Jagalingou, Gangulu/Bundjalung, Darumbal, Gooreng Gooreng, Goongooloo, Nghally ghungalu thoonieda. QLD Ladu (QLD) Capeyork. Women representing – Old Mapoon - Tjungundji, Yupungathi, Taepadhighi, Mbakwithi, Thankakwithi and Anathangay. Eora Allblacks (NSW) Sydney Men & Women representing – Wiradjuri, Dunghutti, Kamilaroi, Murray Island, Durak, Biripi, Mjununjali. South Coast Jummalungs (NSW) Shoalhaven. Men & Women representing – Yuin, Walbanga, Djiringanj, Dharawal, Walbanga, Djiringanj and Katungal. Newcastle Allstars (NSW) Newcastle. Boys and girls representing - Kamilaroi, Awabakel, Dharug, Wanaruah, Kamilaroi, Worimi, Murrawarri, Biripi, Bakindji. Jiinda Magic FC (QLD) Brisbane. Brisbane based Women's team with girls representing from Bundjalung Nation, Gumbaynggirr, Moa, Mabuiag Island, Island of Torres Strait, Butchulla, Wakka Wakka, Kalkadoon, Wiradjuri, Birri Gubba, Kullilli. North Coast United (NSW). Men representing - Bundjalung Nation, Dunghutti, Ngemba. Dhibu Dinawans (NSW) Dubbo area. Men & Women representing - Wiradjuri, Kuku yilanji, wayilwan. Nothern Territory Wha Whas (Brothers) & Northern Territory Yapas (Sisters) (NT) Northern Territory Men & Women representing - Tiwi Islands, Wiradjuri, Alyawarr Eastern Arrernt, Yamitji, Dannek. NWQ Spinifex Dragons – (QLD) Mt Isa. Men & Women representing – Mitakoodi, Gungalida, Lardil. Australian Defense Force - (QLD) Men representing – From all over QLD that have joined the ADF. Wallamba Wundarras (NSW) Forster. Men representing – Worimi, Biripi, Yuin, Minang, Ngemba. Northern Nations (NSW) Armadale. Men & Women representing – Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Kamilaroi, Worimi, Kaegl.
