'IF YOU could play with any Indigenous player in the history of the game, who would it be and why?'

As we prepare for the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds, this is what some Blues had to say in response to that very question back in February.

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The players' take | Indigenous players that defined us

Carlton's AFL players and Senior Coach Michael Voss talk about their favourite Indigenous players and what it means to put on the guernsey.

Zac Williams

“I’ve probably got two and they both played for the Swans: ‘Micky O’ and Adam Goodes. 

“I looked up to them growing up and when I moved to Sydney, I was fortunate enough to meet them and over the few years I was at the Giants, I had a bit of a mentorship if you want to say that. “If I had the opportunity to play with those guys, oh my God. It’d be unreal. They were amazing.

“They won one premiership together and ‘Goodesy’ won two. If I could choose to play with anyone, it’d be those two.”

Michael Voss

“Michael Long, he jumps out at me straight away. 

“The way that he played and the type of teammate that he is. If anything, even more, his presence within the community after he played: he had his own struggles in this space, and to see how he has handled that and then stood at the forefront of change with what he’s done since has been hugely impressive.”

Harry McKay

“I’d love to play with Buddy. 

“He’s a superstar of the game and one of the best ever, and he’d drag a lot of defenders out so I’d get a kick which would be nice as well.”

Jacob Weitering

“I think it’s a pretty easy for me. I just wouldn’t want to play on Buddy. 

“Being on the same team as Buddy would be pretty handy. I remember I was on school camp in Grade 5 or Grade 6, which probably shows how long he has been in the game. We were away for a weekend and I came back and he had kicked 13 against North Melbourne in Tassie. 

“He’s pretty impressive, he’d be the one.”

Jack Martin

“I’ve played with a few good ones! I’d love to play with Lance Franklin, but I’ve also played with Eddie Betts who’s one of the best Indigenous players to ever do it. I’m pretty lucky.”

Ed Curnow

“Ronnie Burns. I grew up going for the Cats - who I hate now - but Ronnie Burns, I loved listening to him on the radio as a junior. 

“Obviously I model my game on Ronnie! He was a hard-tagging midfielder that pushed forward (laughs). Nah, he was a legend and so exciting to watch. He loved a goal.”