“It is a concern from my point of view that these opportunities pass us by. It would be a great chance to further develop the confidence and self-esteem of our aboriginal community,” Sheedy said. “There is no reason why this game couldn’t become as big as Anzac Day. I’d love to see those aboriginal flags waving in the outer. We have got to grow the game and not sit around and have these opportunities missed. We become paralysed because no-one wants to make a decision. Sometimes people miss things and I think the AFL has missed something here.
“Collingwood have spent some time up at the top end of Australia and I think that is great to see. We have worked hard up that way for the past decade and a half. And I think a game such as the one I’m suggesting would build on all the work clubs do in those communities.”
Sheedy is also driven by the fact that wearing the ‘Big V’ was an achievement to be proud of. “Right now we will have players such as Matthew Lloyd, Anthony Koutoufides, Nigel Lappin and others who will retire with a handful of State games between them. In the Victorian team I put together there are 17 players who have never played for Victoria – I’m sure they would love to represent their State. If some players don’t want to be a part of it them stuff them – leave them out – there are plenty of players who would like to play.”
“Can you imagine how good the game would be to watch. There would be no tagging, no strategy – you would just bounce the ball and let two talented teams go at it. This game would make the jungle drums beat and it would be played to a different rhythm,” Sheedy said.
SHEEDY'S VICTORIAN TEAM
Backs: Mark Johnson Matthew Scarlett Glenn Archer
Half Backs: Rohan Smith Anthony Koutoufides Nigel Lappin
Centres: Kane Johnson Robert Harvey Chris Judd
Half Forwards: Brad Johnson Barry Hall Chris Tarrant
Forwards: Nathan Brown Matthew Lloyd Brent Harvey
Rucks: Steven King Adam Simpson Nick Stevens
Bench: Peter Everiit, Jason Johnson, Joel Smith, Scott West, Luke Power, Adem Yze, David Nietz, Jess Sinclair, Cameron Ling, Paul Licuria
SHEEDY'S ABORIGINAL ALL STARS
Backs: Chris Johnson Antoni Grover Dion Woods
Half Backs: Gavin Wanganeen Darryl White Byron Pickett
Centres: David Wirrpunda Peter Burgoyne Xavier Clarke
Half Forwards: Ashley Sampi Michael O’Loughlin Shaun Burgoyne
Forwards: Shannon Motlop Che Cockatoo-Collins Phil Matera
Rucks: Adam Goodes Andrew McLeod Daniel Kerr
Bench: Ronnie Burns, Justin Murphy, Andrew Krakouer, Dean Rioli, Des Headland, Leon Davis, Daniel Wells, Roger Hayden, Steven Koops, Graham Johncock.
