Brad Sewell.
RACISM has reared its ugly head in football this week.The public back lash and reaction it has received is a great indication the AFL and players’ association’s efforts in disallowing racism is working.It’s just disappointing to hear Mal Brown come out and say what he has about Australia’s indigenous footballers.What a lot of people don’t know about is Mal’s influence and good work with indigenous communities across thecountry.Mal let himself down with a flippant remark.I have no doubt what Mal said was certainly not meant to be derogatory.But it was a poor decision.The response to his comment highlights the community intolerance to such opinions and views.Mal’s comment follows a fall-out in the NRL when former rugby lead championship Andrew John resigned from the New South Wales state of origin team after making a racial slur.I think it has made the issue a bit more sensitive in the AFL.It’s funny how these things seem to happen together.No doubt the timing in both codes has attracted more attention.For what might be offensive to one person might not be offensive to another but there is no place for it.Racism should be null and void in sport because there is such a fine-line there. The AFL Players’ Association holds seminars each year to outline racial vilification codes to make players aware of what the boundaries are.Indigenous boys are often the most talented in the league.There has also been plenty of interest this week in rugbyleague star Karmichael Hunt’s first game for the Gold Coast in the Victorian Football League.But it was exactly that — a first game and we were never going to read too much into his football ability from that.He’s been working hard and will continue to work hard to get to the standard he needs to.This includes changing his physique to suit AFL.At training he’ll be doing a lot of different work to what he’s been used to in rugby and he’ll get there gradually.I’m looking forward to a break in training.The mid-season split round comes at a great time for all players in a long year.Given the position our club’s in at the moment, it’s a good chance for us to sit back, reassess and reevaluate.We need to make sure we’re moving in the right direction and get back to the right brand of football that will make an impact.Our players have been given time away from the club until Wednesday.Some of the boys will go up north and try to find some sun.I’m looking forward to getting away for a few days, too.I can’t wait. It’ll be a good chance to have a break from football for a while.We have a different routine this week.When we get back on Wednesday we have some country clinics in Gippsland and Ararat.I’ll be working with some school clinics in Ararat.On Thursday, we pick up training and start again for a clash against Western Bulldogs the week after.It can be a very long season for all clubs and all players will look forward to a break.Our start has put us under a little extra stress and pressure and we need to get back on track.It’s also important just to let the body rest and freshen up and recover from football every now and then.