Latest news with #CallumAhChee
Sydney Morning Herald
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Vitriol continues, numbers decline. A Lions star has called for change
Callum Ah Chee stares down at the Brisbane Lions' Indigenous guernsey proudly at the Gabba, knowing this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round will carry extra significance. His older brother, Jordan, designed the kit – highlighting his star sibling's journey to the heights of the AFL. But while the game has sought to highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes more prominently, the fight continues. There still is a lack of public understanding and cultural acceptance, Ah Chee says, which has left him and others exposed to vitriol, angst and racist taunts. 'I've experienced it, I think a lot of Indigenous boys around the league have experienced it, and I think with social media these days it's pretty hard to get around it,' Ah Chee says, before his side's clash with the Melbourne Demons on Sunday. Ah Chee – whose mother (Noongar) is of Indigenous and Dutch descent, and his father of Aboriginal (Nyikina and Yawuru) and Chinese heritage – credits his predecessors with stamping out racist comments made in the flesh at games. '[That] doesn't really happen any more, but you see a lot of stuff on social media, and you get messages here and there, which is really disappointing.' What's important, he adds, is that his club stands by him when he speaks out. 'I know who I am, and I'm really proud to be an Indigenous person and am proud of where I come from, and I'm excited to showcase that this weekend.' Loading Ah Chee's words follow the Willie Rioli saga in Port Adelaide, with Power football department boss Chris Davies highlighting his star had been subjected to racial vilification 'every day' on social media. Ah Chee, accepting he is now a role model for the next generation, wants education on First Nations culture to extend beyond Indigenous rounds, with more opportunities for school children and the public to 'ask about their stories, who they are, and their experiences'. 'I think for young Indigenous kids watching on TV, they see our faces and can relate to us. You look at someone like Charlie Cameron and Kiddy Coleman – they're superstars, and they came from similar backgrounds as young Indigenous kids,' Ah Chee says. 'It just makes it realistic for them. If you have a dream out there, if you're a young Indigenous kid, don't let anyone tell you that you can't get there. 'Adam Goodes, Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Eddie Betts. They were ... not just superstars of the game but what they did in the community and standing up for our people, they're idols to me and really got me wanting to play footy. 'Because I saw them on TV playing the game, I thought I'd be able to. If they're able to do that, why can't I?' This year, the AFL's 62 Indigenous players on squad lists marks a significant decline from the 87 who took the field in 2020. The University of Queensland's Dr Kai Wheeler believes there may be positives in that, alluding to more diverse role models now being tapped into by First Nations communities outside of sport. But there is still 'a significant amount of racism in sport and racist attitudes prevailing in society', says Wheeler, the director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy at the school of human movement and nutrition science. Wheeler said education on First Nations culture needed to extend beyond one round a season, especially given the feelings of exclusion that were voiced after the recent ANZAC Day and NRL Welcome to Country debacles. 'I think what you saw with the Melbourne Storm [cancelling their Welcome to Country] was an absolute mess, and resulted in a lot of pain, anguish and grief that didn't need to be caused,' he says. 'One of the things that brings up is feelings of not being welcomed in your own country. As an Aboriginal person, that tells me we're actually not welcome, and that's problematic in trying to get more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into sport.' Wheeler sees the result of the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to parliament as a sign that a 'vast majority of the Australian community' did not want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a voice. 'That has flow-on effects,' he says. 'That has an impact beyond just that vote.' He points to South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell, who faced a backlash for vocally condemning racism, to illustrate the risk young athletes take stepping into the public eye. 'As you become a role model, you're put on this pedestal, and you're that tall poppy everybody would like to cut down,' he says. 'It's pretty vicious, and I guess that's the risk is that if you become an elite sportsperson, and you become that role model everybody looks up to, then it's a pretty heavy fall if they start tearing you down on social media.' Loading For Wheeler, awareness of the risks of social media is as important for elite athletes as it is for young people like his 13-year-old son. 'Keeping him off social media and trying to educate him about the ways can be harnessed for good, and not doom-scrolling … is really important,' he says. 'But this needs to be invested heavily in elites as well, so that flow-on effect is very early in place. I can't imagine what it would be like for a parent of young people who are progressing to the elite level.
The Age
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Vitriol continues, numbers decline. A Lions star has called for change
Callum Ah Chee stares down at the Brisbane Lions' Indigenous guernsey proudly at the Gabba, knowing this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round will carry extra significance. His older brother, Jordan, designed the kit – highlighting his star sibling's journey to the heights of the AFL. But while the game has sought to highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes more prominently, the fight continues. There still is a lack of public understanding and cultural acceptance, Ah Chee says, which has left him and others exposed to vitriol, angst and racist taunts. 'I've experienced it, I think a lot of Indigenous boys around the league have experienced it, and I think with social media these days it's pretty hard to get around it,' Ah Chee says, before his side's clash with the Melbourne Demons on Sunday. Ah Chee – whose mother (Noongar) is of Indigenous and Dutch descent, and his father of Aboriginal (Nyikina and Yawuru) and Chinese heritage – credits his predecessors with stamping out racist comments made in the flesh at games. '[That] doesn't really happen any more, but you see a lot of stuff on social media, and you get messages here and there, which is really disappointing.' What's important, he adds, is that his club stands by him when he speaks out. 'I know who I am, and I'm really proud to be an Indigenous person and am proud of where I come from, and I'm excited to showcase that this weekend.' Loading Ah Chee's words follow the Willie Rioli saga in Port Adelaide, with Power football department boss Chris Davies highlighting his star had been subjected to racial vilification 'every day' on social media. Ah Chee, accepting he is now a role model for the next generation, wants education on First Nations culture to extend beyond Indigenous rounds, with more opportunities for school children and the public to 'ask about their stories, who they are, and their experiences'. 'I think for young Indigenous kids watching on TV, they see our faces and can relate to us. You look at someone like Charlie Cameron and Kiddy Coleman – they're superstars, and they came from similar backgrounds as young Indigenous kids,' Ah Chee says. 'It just makes it realistic for them. If you have a dream out there, if you're a young Indigenous kid, don't let anyone tell you that you can't get there. 'Adam Goodes, Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Eddie Betts. They were ... not just superstars of the game but what they did in the community and standing up for our people, they're idols to me and really got me wanting to play footy. 'Because I saw them on TV playing the game, I thought I'd be able to. If they're able to do that, why can't I?' This year, the AFL's 62 Indigenous players on squad lists marks a significant decline from the 87 who took the field in 2020. The University of Queensland's Dr Kai Wheeler believes there may be positives in that, alluding to more diverse role models now being tapped into by First Nations communities outside of sport. But there is still 'a significant amount of racism in sport and racist attitudes prevailing in society', says Wheeler, the director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy at the school of human movement and nutrition science. Wheeler said education on First Nations culture needed to extend beyond one round a season, especially given the feelings of exclusion that were voiced after the recent ANZAC Day and NRL Welcome to Country debacles. 'I think what you saw with the Melbourne Storm [cancelling their Welcome to Country] was an absolute mess, and resulted in a lot of pain, anguish and grief that didn't need to be caused,' he says. 'One of the things that brings up is feelings of not being welcomed in your own country. As an Aboriginal person, that tells me we're actually not welcome, and that's problematic in trying to get more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into sport.' Wheeler sees the result of the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to parliament as a sign that a 'vast majority of the Australian community' did not want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a voice. 'That has flow-on effects,' he says. 'That has an impact beyond just that vote.' He points to South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell, who faced a backlash for vocally condemning racism, to illustrate the risk young athletes take stepping into the public eye. 'As you become a role model, you're put on this pedestal, and you're that tall poppy everybody would like to cut down,' he says. 'It's pretty vicious, and I guess that's the risk is that if you become an elite sportsperson, and you become that role model everybody looks up to, then it's a pretty heavy fall if they start tearing you down on social media.' Loading For Wheeler, awareness of the risks of social media is as important for elite athletes as it is for young people like his 13-year-old son. 'Keeping him off social media and trying to educate him about the ways can be harnessed for good, and not doom-scrolling … is really important,' he says. 'But this needs to be invested heavily in elites as well, so that flow-on effect is very early in place. I can't imagine what it would be like for a parent of young people who are progressing to the elite level.
Perth Now
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sir Doug Nicholls Round: Every AFL club's Indigenous jumper
As the AFL celebrates its 10th annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round, we look through the deadly designs for each club's Indigenous jumpers and the stories they tell. KUWARNA (ADELAIDE) Wayne Milera and Izak Rankine in the Kuwarna guernsey Credit: Adelaide FC Known as Kuwarna for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Crows will wear a guernsey designed by former player and Wirangu man Graham Johncock alongside Wirangu artist Aunty Christine Tschuna. The design tells Johncock's family and football story, including growing up on the west coast of South Australia to being drafted by the Crows. Past and present Indigenous players are also represented by symbols on the jumper. BRISBANE Charlie Cameron, Callum Ah Chee and Keidean Coleman Credit: Brisbane FC Premiership forward Callum Ah Chee's family, led by his eldest brother Jordan, have designed Brisbane's guernsey. The jumper represents Ah Chee's journey to the Lions and includes references to the Kimberley region in Western Australia, where he was born. The design also represents places, stories and people that have a connection to the Lions. CARLTON MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Jesse Motlop of the Blues poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Carlton's guernsey was designed by Yorta Yorta siblings and founders of Bayadherra, Luke and Siena Tieri and pays homage to their ancestry. The three central lines in the design represent the Blues' Indigenous players past, present and emerging. COLLINGWOOD MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Bobby Hill of the Magpies poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Collingwood's Indigenous guernsey is designed by First Nations artist Lisa Thorpe, a woman from multiple Clans and Nations across Victoria, and inspired by her art piece 'Wooroongi Biik', meaning 'Lore of the Land'. According to the club, the design symbolises unity of the Boonwurrung Baluk (people) to Biik (Country), 'much like the Magpie Army to Collingwood.' ESSENDON MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Alwyn Davey Jnr of the Bombers poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Two school students are behind Essendon's Sir Doug Nicholls Round jumper, which will be worn for the Dreamtime game at the MCG. Lucas Waddleton, a Tyerrernotepanner student from Northern Tasmania, and Lawson Richards, a non-Indigenous student, designed the jumper, which represents the unity of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people coming together. WALYALUP (FREMANTLE) Shai Bolton in Walyalup's Indigenous jumper. Credit: Walyalup FC Known as Walyalup for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Dockers' Indigenous jumper was designed by one of the most talented small forwards in the club's history. Jeff Farmer - alongside his Father Jeff Farmer Snr, Mother Iris and in collaboration with Roger Hayden - designed the guernsey to pay tribute to Farmer's football journey and the history of Indigenous people in the Great Southern of WA. GEELONG GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: (L-R) Tyson Stengle of the Cats, Lawson Humphries of the Cats, artist Meeza Humphries and Jack Martin of the Cats pose for a photograph during the Geelong Sir Doug Nicholls Guernsey shoot on April 25, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos) Credit: Daniel Pockett / AFL Photos Lawson Humphries' sister Meeza is behind Geelong's Indigenous guernsey this year, which depicts a day in the West Kimberleys of WA, where the pair are traditionally from. The design, titled 'Saltwater Stories', is deeply connected to their family history and Lawson's journey to the AFL. GOLD COAST Malcolm Rosas Jnr, Jeaneen McLeannan and Joel Jeffrey at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round launch Credit: Gold Coast FC The Indigenous jumper Gold Coast will wear for the second time in Darwin on Thursday is designed by local artist Keelan Fejo and is inspired by one of the city's most scenic viewing locations, the Nightcliff Jetty. The Suns also wore it last week against Western Bulldogs. Gold Coast will wear a design first worn in 2024 for the club's meeting with St Kilda in round 11. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY Toby Bedford poses in the new jumper Credit: GWS Giants Designed last year by Gomeroi man Kayleb Waters, the Giants' jumper tells a story of unity and the leadership the Giants take in reconciliation and moving forward as one. The club wore a charcoal version of the guernsey for last year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round but have launched a new white edition for 2025. HAWTHORN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Jamie Bennell, Hawthorn SDNR Jumper designer during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Launch at Laundry Gallery on May 13, 2025 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Celina Whan/AFL Photos) Credit: Celina Whan / AFL Photos Hawthorn's Indigenous guernsey has been designed by Noongar and Yamatji man and the club's Indigenous Player Development Manager, Jamie Bennell. The design is centered around a Hawk in the middle of the guernsey, which symbolises power and strength with an eye for hunting down prey and protecting its nest. NARRM (MELBOURNE) MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Shane McAdam of the Demons poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Known as Narrm for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Demons' Indigenous jumper was created by Kysaiah Pickett's father and Ngarrindjeri artist, Kevin. The design captures Kevin and Kozzy's connection to their Ngarrindjeri culture, while also showcasing their love of the club, and features the names of all of the club's Indigenous past and present players. NORTH MELBOURNE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos North's design was inspired by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO and brought to life by Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung artist Emma Bamblett. The artwork is titled 'walert morrok goattak', which means possum skin cloak in Woi Wurrung language. YARTAPUULTI (PORT ADELAIDE) Jason-Horne Francis and Sam Powell-Pepper in the Indigenous strip Credit: Port Adelaide FC Known as Yartapuulti for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, both the AFL and AFLW sides will wear the same jumper for the first time, designed by Gavin Wanganeen. The striking design features a teal stripe sits at the centre of the guernsey and represents the Kokatha people's strong connection to to country, the night sky, and stories in the stars. RICHMOND MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Rhyan Mansell of the Tigers poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Richmond's jumper was designed by Rhyan Mansell, his father Brett and grandfather Clyde, and tells their story and the story of their Country, lumaranatana down to larapuna, and will be worn for the Dreamtime game at the MCG. Among other details, the hand prints on the back of the guernsey represent Richmond players having each other's backs, on and off the field. EURO-YROKE (ST KILDA) MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Bradley Hill of the Saints poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos Known as Euro-Yroke for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Saints' guernsey was designed by star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and tells the story of his upbringing and football journey in South Australia. It also represents his journey to Moorabbin, with surrounding motifs signifying the club's current First Nations players. SYDNEY Noa Frankl, Sam Wicks and Jakob Frankl in the Indigenous jumper Credit: Sydney FC Sydney's new Marn Grook guernsey has been adapted from the work of renowned Indigenous artist Jordan Ardler. The artwork reflects the Swans community and is an acknowledgement of the Gadigal and Bidiagal lands. It also depicts the journey from South Melbourne to Sydney. WAALITJ MARAWAR (WEST COAST) Malakai Champion. Credit: West Coast Eagles Known as Waalitj Marawar for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Eagles' jumper was designed by Wongutha man Kevin Wilson and Maduwongga and Noongar woman Taryn Woods. The design highlights the importance of family and connection, featuring totems of each of the club's First Nations players' families, along with several connections to the club. WESTERN BULLDOGS MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Arthur Jones of the Bulldogs poses during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Media Opportunity at the Ian Potter Centre on May 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos The Bulldogs' guernsey is designed by Kamilya Lowana White, an Aboriginal artist born and raised in Naarm with Kija Bardi heritage. The design features six panels, one of which represents all players at the club through 132 people symbols, as well as 100 white dots to recognise the Bulldogs' 100th anniversary in the VFL/AFL.
News.com.au
13-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Brisbane Lions forward Callum Ah Chee says racism on social media is a problem that needs fixing
Brisbane Lions forward Callum Ah Chee says Sir Doug Nicholls Round is just as much about educating the community about Indigenous culture as it as about football, with racism on social media remaining a problem that needs to be stamped out. Ah Chee, a Nyoongar Yawaru Nyikina Pakyju man, and his family designed the Lions' Indigenous guernsey to be worn on Sunday when Brisbane hosts Melbourne at the Gabba. 'It's pretty much a story of my journey to the Brisbane Lions and my family's journey as well,' Ah Chee said of the design. 'It's a story of four rivers (Fitzroy, Murray, Yarra and Brisbane) … which is really special. I'm just really excited for the boys to wear it this week. It's turned out really well.' Ah Chee said it was important for the wider community to learn about Indigenous culture, hoping it would help lessen incidents of racism. 'People are learning more and more about it in schools now, which is fantastic,' he said. 'There are young people in the community when we go out and do appearances, and they're really excited to learn about it now, which is fantastic and awesome to see. 'That is the great thing about (Sir Doug Nicholls) round – it brings our culture to the forefront. 'It's not just about the football. It starts a conversation about our culture with people out there.' Ah Chee has been a target of racists throughout his life, with social media nowadays being an unwanted platform for racism. 'People saying racist things here and there over the fence (at games) doesn't really happen anymore, but you see a lot of stuff on social media, and you get messages here and there, which is really disappointing,' he said. 'The good thing is that when that happens, the club really gets around us and the community as well. There are a lot of people who really stand by us, and we're going a long way with that. 'I know who I am, and I'm really proud to be an Indigenous person, and proud of where I come from, and I'm excited to showcase that this weekend.' How stunning are these jumpers? 🙌 Check out all the amazing 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round jumpers and vote on your favourite ðŸ'‡ — AFL (@AFL) May 12, 2025 Ah Chee's teammate Hugh McCluggage said it would be an honour to represent the club's Indigenous players – who also include Charlie Cameron and Keidean Coleman – on Sunday when the first-placed Lions bid to return to winning form after their 71-71 weekend draw against North Melbourne in Hobart. 'To hear their stories throughout the week is awesome,' McCluggage said. 'We've been doing it for quite some time now, and there's a lot that we don't know, so every chance we get to listen to them and to learn is great for us. 'We lacked a little bit of energy down in Hobart, so you hope that naturally we bounce back, but this is just another thing that will add to that as well.'
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Real meaning of AFL's Indigenous round
Brisbane Lions forward Callum Ah Chee says Sir Doug Nicholls Round is just as much about educating the community about Indigenous culture as it as about football, with racism on social media remaining a problem that needs to be stamped out. Ah Chee, a Nyoongar Yawaru Nyikina Pakyju man, and his family designed the Lions' Indigenous guernsey to be worn on Sunday when Brisbane hosts Melbourne at the Gabba. 'It's pretty much a story of my journey to the Brisbane Lions and my family's journey as well,' Ah Chee said of the design. 'It's a story of four rivers (Fitzroy, Murray, Yarra and Brisbane) … which is really special. I'm just really excited for the boys to wear it this week. It's turned out really well.' Ah Chee said it was important for the wider community to learn about Indigenous culture, hoping it would help lessen incidents of racism. Callum Ah Chee and his children Daisy, 10 months, and Iver, 3, proudly wear the Lions' Indigenous guernsey. Nigel Hallett Credit: Supplied 'People are learning more and more about it in schools now, which is fantastic,' he said. 'There are young people in the community when we go out and do appearances, and they're really excited to learn about it now, which is fantastic and awesome to see. 'That is the great thing about (Sir Doug Nicholls) round – it brings our culture to the forefront. 'It's not just about the football. It starts a conversation about our culture with people out there.' Ah Chee has been a target of racists throughout his life, with social media nowadays being an unwanted platform for racism. 'People saying racist things here and there over the fence (at games) doesn't really happen anymore, but you see a lot of stuff on social media, and you get messages here and there, which is really disappointing,' he said. 'The good thing is that when that happens, the club really gets around us and the community as well. There are a lot of people who really stand by us, and we're going a long way with that. 'I know who I am, and I'm really proud to be an Indigenous person, and proud of where I come from, and I'm excited to showcase that this weekend.' Ah Chee's teammate Hugh McCluggage said it would be an honour to represent the club's Indigenous players – who also include Charlie Cameron and Keidean Coleman – on Sunday when the first-placed Lions bid to return to winning form after their 71-71 weekend draw against North Melbourne in Hobart. 'To hear their stories throughout the week is awesome,' McCluggage said. 'We've been doing it for quite some time now, and there's a lot that we don't know, so every chance we get to listen to them and to learn is great for us. 'We lacked a little bit of energy down in Hobart, so you hope that naturally we bounce back, but this is just another thing that will add to that as well.'
