18-05-2025
AFL boss Andrew Dillon calls on all 18 clubs to improve Indigenous and culturally diverse environment
AFL boss Andrew Dillon has written to all 18 club presidents and CEOs asking them to think about how they can improve their Indigenous and culturally diverse environments.
In the wake of the Willie Rioli saga at Port Adelaide, and in the first of two weeks celebrating Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round, Dillon has asked clubs to do more.
In a lengthy memo, which has been seen by 7NEWS, Dillon says: 'I write to each of you to seek an important contribution from all clubs in addressing the issue of respectful behaviours in our game
'There has been much focus and discussion this past week on how the AFL has responded to allegations of inappropriate conduct by AFL players, on and off field.
'Opinions reasonably differ to the appropriate response to such allegations, but I think we will all agree that our game must be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, where diversity of our participants is welcomed and celebrated, not vilified. Specifically, there is no place for racism anywhere, at any level or operation of our game.
'That focus has opened up important conversations — and I want to acknowledge the Port Adelaide Football Club for leading a vital part of this — about how we listen, how we support Indigenous players, how we support all players, and how we can keep improving collectively.
'I want to be really clear — racism is not okay, whether that is on the field, in the community, online, anywhere and at any time. It is not okay.'
