The AFL Players’ Association and ATSIC are pleased to announce that Dean Rioli is the recipient of the inaugural “Marn Grook Award”. Mark Grook is an Aboriginal term for “Game Ball”. The award acknowledges the courage, skills and talent of emerging Indigenous players.

A committee made of up Essendon’s Michael Long, AFLPA Chief Executive Officer Dr Rob Kerr and ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark judged this year’s award. Dean Rioli was announced the winner at the Ansett Rising Star Awards this afternoon.

Rob Kerr said the inaugural award is an appropriate way to recognise young Indigenous players. “There are more than 50 Indigenous players currently in the AFL, many of whom have relocated and overcome adversity to reach AFL level. “This award will give younger Indigenous players additional incentive to perform on the field,” he said.

ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark said “ATSIC is keen to develop a strong working relationship with the AFLPA, so that we can promote, support and assist all current and future Indigenous AFL footballers. Indigenous footballers are important role models and their achievements are already a great source of pride and inspiration to their people,” Mr Clark said.

This award follows on from the AFLPA two day Indigenous Players’ Forum that was held in November 2000, and will be awarded annually to the best emerging Indigenous player who has been at AFL level for no longer than 3 years.

The Essendon Football Club Hall of Fame is currently housing the Marn Grook Exhibition - a magnificnet collection of memorabilia paying tribute to the oustanding contriubtion Indigenous players and administrators have made to Australian Rules Football.