The Round round-up: Indigenous Round Recap

The Marn Grook Trophy highlights the contribution of Indigenous Players to AFL.

KHUSHAAL VYAS reports

At around the midway point of the season, all teams across Round 10-12 have one week off to rest up. Deservedly so. The season has already been one with tough games, hard knocks and thrilling finishes. And yet, whilst there were less games this last week, the AFL continues to deliver its typical excitement. Even more amazing than this has been the response to and success of the Indigenous Round in 2017. Here is this week’s Round Roundup.

Swans heartbreak and Marn Grook

After securing three consecutive wins, the Swans looked set to have a competitive match against the Hawks in the all-important Indigenous Round for the Marn Grook trophy. Both these teams have had a fierce rivalry having played several grand final matches against one another and delivering thrilling matches almost every time. This game was no different with the Hawks holding the lead for virtually the entirety of the match, but the Swans remaining in touching distance. With some magic from Lance Franklin who kicked five goals and a

Tipping Comp Round12

(In current ranking order) v Western bulldogs

Adelaide crows v st kilda saint hawthorn hawks v gold coast suns brisbane lions v fremantle dockers e ssendon bombers v port Adelaide power late two goals to young gun Isaac Heeney, the Swans snatched the lead. But alas, it was short-lived, with Hawthorn hitting back and stealing the win in the dying minutes to finish the game six points in front. However, softening the blow to what was an agonising finish, was absorbing the atmosphere of the Indigenous Round. It wasn’t just two teams putting on beautifully designed guernseys. Nor a special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the beginning of the game. We had players exchange gifts, messages from Indigenous players and some players changing the number on the back of their shirt to commemorate 50 years since the 1967 referendum. What it highlighted was the contribution of Indigenous Players to the game and their wider importance to Australia more broadly. A special gesture and one which cannot be underestimated in its significance. Despite my heartbreak at the Swans loss and staring sadly down at the SCG from the stands, it was nonetheless amazing to be part of such an important occasion and watch one of the AFL’s symbols of diversity and work in the Indigenous space.

As for the Swans, they’re sitting very low on the ladder with 3 wins and 7 losses. Whilst this does not mean they are ruled out of making the finals, they can only afford to lose perhaps three more games and win the rest. With teams such as the Bulldogs next week, Adelaide and Geelong still to come, making the top eight will be an enormous feat.

Giants surge

In a historic first, the Giants are now leading the ladder for the first time in the club’s history! After a shaky beginning against a solid Essendon outfit, the Giants began to find their form in the second quarter and never really looked to be in too much doubt from there. It is an exciting time where the Giants are expected to have a very good chance at taking out the premiership and will have the chance to write their name in the history books so early on in their short history. carlton blues v greater

Don’t miss your chance to be part of it! Get out there and check out this game, be it from the stands at Homebush/SCG or at home on TV, you won’t regret it.

Western sydney giants giants giants giants giants giants melbourne demons v collingwood magpies demons magpies demons demons demons

* The mysterious brother of mine you’ve heard so much about in these articles. He’s the one to beat!