Western Bulldogs players Lin Jong, Jason Johannisen and women’s player Darcy Vescio have today been announced as Australia Post AFL Multicultural Player Ambassadors.
Vescio and Melbourne’s Sabrina Frederick-Traub will be the first female players to act as multicultural ambassadors and will join Jong, Johannisen and 14 other players in promoting the diverse background in the AFL.
Jong’s role will include working on participation programs in the western suburbs of Melbourne including an umpiring academy focusing on the Asian community and will facilitate cultural education sessions with community football clubs.
Johannisen will support the Victorian multicultural strategy through key appearances at multicultural events, including AFL Multicultural Round, while Vescio will support the AFL’s female multicultural talent strategy through development programs.
AFL General Manager Game and Market Development Simon Lethlean said this season’s ambassadors were chosen to reflect the diverse cultures continuing to emerge in Australian society and the AFL’s commitment to growing the game in all communities.
“Expanding our multicultural player ambassadors to include two female footballers allows Australian Football to continue its commitment in reflecting Australian society and ensuring it’s an inclusive environment for all to enjoy our game, whether that’s as a fan, player or official,” Mr Lethlean said.
“The expanded list of 18 ambassadors, representing 13 AFL Clubs and two female Clubs, will play a crucial role in raising cultural understanding, inclusion and participation at all levels of Australian Football,” he said.
In 2016, multicultural players make up 15 per cent of the AFL player lists across the 18 AFL Clubs.
The Bulldogs ambassadors will being their duties during the Club’s Australia Post AFL Community Camp in Ballarat next month where they will meet fans during school visits, community receptions and super clinics.
The Australia Post AFL Multicultural Player Ambassadors will also be at the forefront of AFL Multicultural Round to be held this year in Round 16 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassadors:
Lin Jong (Western Bulldogs – Taiwanese and East Timorese)
Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs – South African)
Darcy Vescio (Western Bulldogs – Chinese and Italian)
Nic Naitanui (West Coast – Fijian)
Bachar Houli (Richmond – Lebanese)
Adam Saad (Gold Coast SUNS – Lebanese)
Tom Nicholls (Gold Coast SUNS – Fijian)
David Zaharakis (Essendon – Greek)
Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn – Italian)
Shem Tatupu (Hawthorn – Kiwi)
Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide – Fijian)
Jimmy Toumpas (Port Adelaide – Greek)
Stephen Coniglio (GWS Giants – Italian)
Aliir Aliir (Sydney – Sudanese)
Tendai Mzungu (Fremantle – Zimbabwean)
Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions – Yugoslavian)
Sabrina Frederick-Traub (Melbourne – English)
