AFL Cape York Boys House boarders have started training for the new season with newfound inspiration after a visit from the Gold Coast Suns. Photo: Supplied.
The boys at AFL Cape York are fired up for a new footy season after a passion-igniting visit from the Gold Coast Suns.
Star players Daniel Rioli, Ben Long and Caleb Graham left their mark on boarders at AFL Cape York Boys House earlier this month, showing young Indigenous students from remote communities that they too could dream and achieve big.
AFL Cape York game development officer Matt Mellahn said hearing from pros – whom the young players could see themselves in – inspired them as they began training for the new season.
“They sort of had similar stories and pathways to the boys, as far as the challenges they had in remote living and then trying to chase their dreams,” he said.
“It was really, really cool and inspiring to be able to hear the older ones that have gotten to the highest level, now talking to our young boys.
“It was a bit about footy, and also sharing some stories about their challenges, and how the boys can overcome that as well.”
Mellahn said the Suns players also opened themselves up to experience the culture of the students, helping them connect further.
“They did a bit of spear fishing, and then they went out to Wangetti Beach to do a cultural evening with our marine program officer,” he said.
“They fully immersed themselves in our program for quite a bit of time on the day when they came down.
“It definitely didn’t feel like they were just ticking a box. They spoke one-on-one to a lot of the boys, and they were here for all the right reasons.”
For the boarders, who have left their families and communities behind in pursuit of a strong future, Mellahn said the message from Daniel Rioli, an Indigenous player from the Northern Territory and three-time premiership player, resonated the most with the boys.
“He shared some of the advice he’s had from his own family about the fact that home’s always going to be there, so just go after any opportunity you get, and grab it with both hands,” he said.
“Family’s going to support you and be proud of you when you go back after you’ve achieved your goals.
“You could see it really resonated with the house boys; they were nodding along, and it made sense more from an external voice that has walked in their shoes, and is currently doing what they want to do.”
To top off the session, five boys the AFL Cape York team had noticed as the biggest footy lovers were chosen to take part in a video chat with 2025 Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell.
“We identified them as the ones that could get to the next level if they really lock in and have a go,” Mellahn said.
“We’ve got a big cohort of younger boys now that have come into the house, and the five boys will probably have that leadership to encourage the new students, which will be massive.
“It was good timing having the Suns here for our leaders to then push the younger boys through, so they can become leaders within their own rights down the track.”
Suns superstar Daniel Rioli connects with the boarders’ cultures as he tries his hand at spear throwing. Photo: Supplied.
