The 2023 VACSAL Statewide Senior Football Carnival took place last weekend with Fitzroy Stars emerging victorious.
The event took place over two days and was held on the lands of the Wadawurrung People at Banyul Warri Sporting Precinct, Torquay.
Over 50 teams from all across Victoria competed across two divisions for the glory of being crowed the State Champions.
Hundreds of participants and volunteers congregated from Mildura to Bairnsdale for the carnival.
A star-studded Fitzroy Stars team took out top honours as the George Atkinson Victorian State Champions after defeating the Mallee Tigers in the grand final.
The Stars team featured a handful of well-credentialed footballers, including ex-AFL stars Eddie Betts and Neville Jetta.
Betts and Jetta starred across the carnival with the skill and experience shining through.
The Stars had plenty of other great contributors too, including Tyrone Bean, Jai Burns, Ethan Penrith and Thomas Clarke.
Fitzroy captain Kain Proctor told the National Indigenous Times that he was immensely proud that his Stars team were able to take out top honours.
"The feeling is a real proud one more than anything, this club means a whole lot, not only to my family, but the wider Aboriginal community here in Melbourne," Proctor said.
"It is probably up there with one of the better footy moments of my career."
He said while he was honoured to lead the team, credit must be given to those who put in the hard work off the field.
"A fair bit of work goes in behind the scenes organising these teams, so credit to a few of the boys that do all the unseen stuff like organising uniforms and making sure that the registrations are done.
"I'm just the lucky one who gets to lead the boys over the weekend."
Proctor's family has a long and illustrious history with the Fitzroy Stars Football Club.
His grandfather, uncles, and cousins have all been staples of the club, while his father Lionel is one the Stars' legends.
Proctor credited the leadership and experience shown by the former AFL players who pulled on a Stars jumper.
"It was obviously a pretty cool feeling running out with Nev, Eddie and also Majak Daw. They were a massive boost for us and probably the whole carnival as a whole.
"The way they get around the younger bloke and give back all round to the community, whether it's on the field or just taking a photo with the kids, it was unreal.
Proctor also held high praise for VACSAL and their organisation of the event.
"It was great to attract the crowd it did this year with the likes of Jamaine Jones, Tyson Stengle and Marlion Pickett – just to name a few.
"The carnival is better off with these lads involved and we were lucky enough that a couple of them pulled on a Fitzroy Stars jumper."
VACSAL – the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd – said in a statement that the carnival unites the community.
"This carnival brings together the Aboriginal community for a weekend of competition and connectedness."
"VACSAL understands the impact statewide sporting events play in the Aboriginal community, contributing to cultural, social and emotional well-being and providing opportunities for community development.
"It is acknowledged that sport and recreation are fundamental elements of Aboriginal lifestyle and that sport has a positive impact on health, culture and wellbeing."
VACSAL is a community-based, community-controlled organisation with representatives from Aboriginal organisations across Victoria.
Established in 1984, VACSAL's vision since first opening its doors was a commitment to the spirit of our Elders.
"Through this spirit, we work to empower the Community to achieve social, political and economic equity, whilst strengthening identity, culture, pride and social purpose."
