St Kilda veteran Brad Hill fears racist abuse towards players by the public will always exist, but insists players have cleaned up their act on field.
With Port Adelaide putting racism, and the manner in which it is reported by the media, on the agenda following last week’s Willie Rioli saga, Hill, a former premiership Hawk and Fremantle player, said Indigenous players were still subjected to abuse from beyond the boundary, including by keyboard warriors.
St Kilda star Brad Hill fears racism will always exist.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s definitely, obviously, a problem, and I think it is always going to be a problem, no matter what in society,” Hill said on Tuesday at the launch of the 10th anniversary of Sir Doug Nicholls round.
“People behind keyboards, and talking, you are always going to cop hate, no matter what, I reckon. Definitely, as a country, we are getting better, but there is, obviously, a long way to go.”
Power forward Willie Rioli has been subjected to abuse on social media “every day”, according to Power football department boss Chris Davies. Rioli has also been in the headlines for his one-week suspension for alleged threats to players at the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Essendon.
“The big one, social media, can be massive for any player, indigenous and non-indigenous players,” Hill said.
“My advice, I remember when I used to cop a bit, is what I do – people can’t message me on social media. It’s only people that I follow, that are my friends – you are not going to be copping that hate.
“Obviously, there is lots out there, and you are going to be copping it no matter what. It’s trying to avoid it as much as possible.”
However, Hill said racist barbs were no longer an issue among players on field.
“I think players do, definitely,” Hill said when asked if players knew where the proverbial “line” was.
Back in the fold: Willie Rioli is likely to face the Cats this weekend.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Players … you don’t really hear about any of that sort of stuff. Obviously, there is some other stuff going on, but I don’t think I have heard any racial stuff between players to players. Obviously, there has been stuff in the past – not anything that I have encountered.”
However, in an interview on 3AW on Saturday, Davies pointed to the complexities, saying if an Indigenous player was abused for being overweight, then that could be interpreted as having racist overtones if linked to the player’s cultural diet.
The Power have rallied around Rioli, coach Ken Hinkley warning opponents against sledging the goal-kicking forward in an attempt to get under his skin. Rioli is expected to face Geelong at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, the Power acknowledging Hinkley’s warning could fall on deaf ears.
“I think Willie understands what that looks like and what could come his way, as long as it’s all within the game,” Power assistant coach Josh Carr said.
Cats forward Tyson Stengle said he doubted his team would target Rioli.
“Nah, I don’t think they will. I think they (Port) will want him to be playing this week – he is one of their better players. It will be good to see him out there,” Stengle said.
Hill said education was the key to helping eradicate racism, whether that be in the public or within clubs.
“I think everything comes back to education and having a better understanding. I find, even at our club, we have Auntie Katrina [Amon] that helps in that sort of space,” Hill said.
“I think [coach] Ross [Lyon] has been a massive one for us, and the backing he has on us and understanding of our backgrounds and our culture.”
Davies said accredited media covering the AFL should be given greater education.
