2019 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Program begins in PerthFriday, March 29, 2019 - 9:00 AM

The AFL advises the 2019 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program will be held in Perth from April 1-6.

Currently in its ninth year, the 2019 AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program brings together a squad of 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, aged 18 to 24 years, from across the country to participate in the six-day camp.

Participants will take part in a number of skill development sessions, including cultural awareness activities, football training and education and employment seminars with Rio Tinto. 

In addition, players will take part in an exhibition match at Secrest Park Sporting Field on Friday April 5 where they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the football field. 

Former Western Bulldogs player Brett Goodes and local West Australian footballer Shayne Taylor have been announced as head coaches of each representative squad.

The camp is the first of two Rio Tinto Footy Means Business camps to be held this year, with the second camp to be held in Melbourne from May 21-26 in the lead up to the 2019 Toyota AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round. 

AFL General Manager Game Development, Andrew Dillon, said the Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program was another great opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to develop their skills both on and off the field. 

“The AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Program has played an integral role in developing both football talent and life-long skills in hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who have been involved in the program throughout the last eight years,” he said. 

“The skills participants learn and the bonds they create within the program will hold them in good stead to become positive role models within their local football clubs and wider community. 

“The Footy Means Business Program has become a real standout program for young men and we thank Rio Tinto for their continued support of all our Indigenous programs.”

Rio Tinto Group Executive Health, Safety, Environment and Managing Director Australia Joanne Farrell said, “Rio Tinto is proud to be the principal partner to all of the AFL's Indigenous programmes, which encourage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to achieve success in education, business, community life and sport.”

“Rio Tinto has supported AFL’s Footy Means Business programme for nine years. The programme focuses on what it means to be a leader in all aspects of life. We hope the 2019 cohort of participants enjoy their time at the Western Australia camp, where they will be setting goals for employment, discussing strategies for positive decision making and strengthening identity.”

To be selected for the AFL Rio Tinto Footy Means Business Program, candidates must be:
•    Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
•    Not engaged in AFL or Second Tier competition
•    Employed (part time or apprenticeship), undertaking education/training or be involved in community programs
•    Aspirational and display leadership qualities

Rio Tinto is one of the largest private sector employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women in Australia. Rio Tinto is the principal partner of all AFL Indigenous Programs and now in its ninth year of involvement in the leadership development program, Footy Means Business.
2019 Rio Tinto Footy Means Business participants:

WA: Paul Ryan, Dylan Hansen, Aneaus Brierly, Tyson McEwan, Blake Little, Kenton Smiler, Dennis O'Dene, Len Papertalk

NT: Justin Talal, Benson Wunungmurra, Angelo Lungguy, Jayden Wurrikgidj, Alexander Nabegeyo, Marcus McDonald, Kelly Dijana

QLD: Fitzroy Greenwool, Clinton Sullivan, Ainslee Potter, Thuraka Sammons, Arnold Conway, William Levi-Gobbey

SA: Jamahl Weetra, Michael Burgoyne, Lachlan, Mitchell, Glen Woods, Kailen Kelly, Ainsley Walker, Leon Kenny, Adrian Peel, Michael Drover
TAS: Harrison McIvor, Jesse Shepheard, Leiwyn, Jones, Sherrin Egger

VIC: Tommy Corrigan, Jy Lambley, Kyle Lambley, Peter Clarke, Joshua Chatfield, Billyjack Smith, Jai Nadjamerrek, Kyle Thomas, Yemurraki, Egan, Sanipepa, Egan, William Smith