Melbourne Heart FC celebrated its fourth Indigenous Recognition match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
Melbourne Heart FC celebrated its fourth Indigenous Recognition match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, with the Red and White-s Indigenous player, David Williams, playing a starring role in the match.
Williams claimed the all-important equaliser in the second half, with Melbourne Heart fighting back from behind on two occasions to draw the match 2-2.
Williams showed a cool head from the spot, finishing a penalty past Glen Moss in the Phoenix goal.
Melbourne Heart-s star striker took his tally to 11 for the season – which put him equal on the Hyundai A-League-s goal-scoring charts with Newcastle Jets- Adam Taggart.
Williams, an invaluable ambassador for Indigenous footballers, helped to pay tribute to the contribution of Aboriginal footballers who play football in Australia, with Williams wearing a pair of boots that feature Aboriginal artwork, designed and painted by Darren Dunn.
“I am extremely proud of Melbourne Heart-s standing in the Indigenous Community,” said Sue Crow, Melbourne Heart FC GM – Community.
“We are the only A-League club to celebrate the contribution of Indigenous players to our game and we look forward to other clubs following our lead in the future.
“David Williams is an outstanding role model working quietly behind the scenes with young Aboriginal children”
AAMI Park is located on a sacred site and Auntie Joy Murphy delivered a ‘Welcome to Country’ to acknowledge elders past and present, in a traditional ceremony to welcome visitors to their traditional land before kick-off.
Ronnie Murray played the traditional Aboriginal musical instrument, the didgeridoo.
A number of Indigenous groups also attended Sunday’s match from communities such as Mildura, Colac, Brimbank, Darebin and the Gathering Place.
Youngsters from those regions had their chance to play on the big stage at half-time in yesterday-s game.
Players from different regions were guest of honour at the match and were able to demonstrate their skills to the crowd in a small-sided game.
