Cockatoo-Collins aims to amplify Indigenous voices as new AFL Fans Association patron

Jackson Clark Published September 4, 2024 at 1.00pm (AWST)

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Che Cockatoo-Collins while playing for Essendon in the 1990s. (Image: News Ltd)

Former Essendon and Port Adelaide player Che Cockatoo-Collins has been named the new patron of the AFL Fans Association.

The AFL Fans Association (AFLFA) is an independent organisation that advocates for fans to have a voice on matters affecting Australian football.

The organisation aims to treat fans as stakeholders who deserve to be heard, rather than merely as consumers.

Cockatoo-Collins' appointment is seen as a significant step in ensuring that Indigenous footy fans are better represented in decisions about the game.

"I'm delighted to work with the AFLFA to amplify the voices of the Indigenous community," Cockatoo-Collins stated.

"AFL should be a sport where everyone feels safe and excited to enjoy our great game."

Cockatoo-Collins had a notable 10-year AFL career, playing 160 games and scoring 215 goals.

Starting his journey with Essendon at 19 in 1994, he played 85 games before joining Port Adelaide at the end of the 1998 season.

Che Cockatoo-Collins played 160 AFL games for Essendon and Port Adelaide. (Image: News Ltd)

After five more seasons with the Power, he returned to the SANFL's Port Adelaide Magpies, the club from which he was originally drafted.

Cockatoo-Collins was the first known Indigenous player from Queensland to reach the AFL level, and in September 2023, he was inducted into the Queensland Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Beyond his football career, Cockatoo-Collins is the Executive Manager of Indigenous Affairs at NBN Co.

AFLFA President Ron Issko expressed his enthusiasm about Cockatoo-Collins' appointment as patron.

"Che is the perfect fit for the AFLFA, bringing his expertise as an ex-AFL footballer, a passionate fan, and an Indigenous advocate," Issko said.

"Any form of racism is unacceptable in sport and society – we've made progress, but there's still more to do.

"Che's AFLFA appointment will extend to advising on Indigenous issues in Australian football and will undoubtedly foster inclusivity."

The 2024 AFL Fan Survey highlighted the need for continued efforts to eliminate racism in the sport.

"Zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour is a given," Cockatoo-Collins affirmed.

"Inclusiveness is our goal, and I look forward to collaborating with AFLFA to achieve this vision."

Cockatoo-Collins has a long history of advocating for Indigenous rights in Australian football.

During the 1990s, he worked with fellow Indigenous players to help establish the anti-discrimination rule, now known as the Peek Rule.

This rule honours the late Tony Peek, a dedicated AFL administrator who worked closely with Indigenous players to understand the impact of vilification and create a rule to combat it.