It was only really through the last 40 years that their talent has shone through. This quote from within the Blueseum really brings out this point:
Before St Kilda's Nicky Winmar made his celebrated stand against racism at Victoria Park; before Jim and Phil Krakouer redefined the art of ball-handling, and before a succession of brilliant aboriginal small forwards transformed the forward pocket from a respite station for tired rovers into a major avenue to goal – there was the mercurial Syd Jackson; a gifted, courageous aboriginal footballer who was a star in two Carlton Premiership teams.
Now, with Carlton appreciation for pure football skill unquestioned, we thought it worthwhile to highlight the various indigenous players who have joined our Club.
B: | Rod Waddell | Joe Anderson | Ezra Bray (1 pre-season game) | |
HB: | Chris Yarran | Cory McGrath | Clem Smith | |
C: | Sean Charles | Troy Bond | Andrew Lovett (Reserves) | |
HF: | Syd Jackson | Liam Jones | Cyril Mann | |
F: | Eddie Betts | Andrew Walker | Jeffery Garlett | |
Ruck: | Alf Egan | Justin Murphy | Mark Naley | |
Interchange: | Alan Thorpe | Clinton Benjamin | Willie Pepper (U19s) | |
Interchange: | Lionel Proctor (Reserves) | Corey Ah Chee (Reserves) |
Some will note that we are not able to fill a full team from senior players. And some Blues had disappointing short stints due to injuries or lack or opportunity.
However it would be an interesting team to play against!