Incoming Fitzroy Stars coach Neville Jetta is hoping to create an environment at the club that will help young Indigenous players progress into careers at the elite level.
After spending last year at the club as a player, the former Melbourne Demons star was appointed as the Stars' new coach post-season, taking over from club legend Lionel Proctor.
The Stars had a strong 2024 campaign, finishing on top of the ladder before a heartbreaking 15-point grand final loss to Old Paradians.
But for the 35-year-old Jetta, his new role as coach is about more than just the wins and losses.
"I want to show kids that the Fitzroy Stars is a program that can help them progress to a career in football, whether it's on or off the field," Jetta told the Herald Sun.
"We've got a lot of good people at the club and they can come and be themselves and get the best out of themselves."
Jetta had a 13-year career at the elite level, with 159 senior games and 24 goals for the Demons.
In his playing prime he was considered one of the best small defenders in the AFL and in 2017 he represented Australia in the International Rules Series.
Jetta featured in nine games for the Stars last season and was included among the team's best players on all nine occasions.
The Stars have announced some strong signings during the off-season, headlined by the inclusion of ex-North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer.
"From a culture point of view and standards point of view I wanted to bring good people in, people who have played at a high level to help at the Stars," Jetta said.
"That's the main thing, because at the Stars we don't have a junior program."
The Stars boast a number of talented footballers who have had recent experience at State League level, including forward Patrick Farrant and utility Roy George.
Farrant – who kicked 59 goals from 11 games for the Stars last season – has recently transferred from Collingwood's VFL program to Port Melbourne, while George is on Casey Demons' list and recently spent time training with Melbourne.
"Hopefully this shows you can get to the next level from anywhere, get people around them (to show) how to do it and the work you need to put in, but also have fun and enjoy themselves," Jetta said.
"Seeing the decline in First Nation players in the AFL, the question being asked, 'where's the next Kozzie Pickett or Bobby Hill coming from'.
"The AFL is putting in a lot of work, that I've seen.
"If we can create something right here in the northern suburbs, that would be amazing for the Koori community in Melbourne (to) show you can play VFL or you can get to the AFL and worst case you leave a better person."
The Stars will begin their season with a Round 1 clash against Laurimar on April 5.
