“That’s what this tournament is all about.”

At the recent Exhibition Match between the team from the Queensland Police and representatives from the Indigenous Community; a catch up between Australian Football Indigenous Corporation’s director Nathan Walker and Senior Sergeant Michelle Dodds – with the team which played on Saturday 9^th November at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex.

SBS football commentator Craig Foster describing the Brisbane Warrigals and Maliyans United teams standing arm-in-arm, after the Warrigals took out their second consecutive title at the Australian Indigenous Football Championships on the weekend.

The Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex played host to the two-day tournament, with 21 indigenous teams from around Australia coming together in a celebration of football, culture and community.

Local indigenous group Muja Mundu Creations opened the tournament with a traditional smoking ceremony and dance, with artist James Doyle noting the significance of the Moreton Bay Region as meeting place for indigenous people due to the historical abundance of food such as Bunya nuts.

A diverse range of market stalls, workshops and displays were set up at the grounds, as well as a jumping castle and rock-climbing wall.

Australian international Adam Sarota was among the stars on show, along with Warrigals teammate and former A-league striker Tahj Minniecon.

“This tournament is really significant for the indigenous and footballing communities,” Sarota said.

“On the field it’s very competitive, but as soon as the full-time whistle goes everyone comes together and there’s a real sense of community.

“Growing up I didn’t get the chance to learn too much about my culture, and I moved overseas when I was 15, so it was very special to listen to the speeches and see the cultural displays. Education is one of the most important factors of this tournament.”

The Warrigals went through the tournament undefeated, coming up against Northern NSW side Maliyans United in the grand final – captained by Socceroos and Brisbane Roar veteran Jade North.

The home side had the majority of chances in a scoreless first half, before Minniecon pounced on a deflection from the opposition ‘keeper to break the deadlock in the 56^th minute.

Maliyans hit back with a well worked team goal in the 72^nd minute to level the match, and when the 1-1 scoreline remained after 10 minutes of extra time, penalties were needed to crown the champions.

A marathon shootout was eventually won 7-6 by the Warrigals, making it back-to-back championships after winning the 2018 tournament in a similar fashion.

All men’s and women’s finals matches were broadcast on SBS, with Foster and Frank Farina among Australian footballing royalty in attendance.

It was an action-packed 2 days of football, with the inaugural Australian Indigenous Youth Tournament  being held in conjunction with the main event. The instigator of the youth tournament was Nathan Walker, who is also the coach of the Warrigals.

“Sport is invaluable for teaching kids important life skills and giving them direction, so the youth tournament was a real highlight for me,” said Sarota, whose company Bridgeman Stainless Solutions was one of the many sponsors of the event.

“I loved seeing the passion those kids have for the game and how much enjoyment they get from football.

“Indigenous kids tend to gravitate towards rugby league and union, so it’s great to show them there are pathways there to pursue football.”

Another showpiece of the Championships was the entertaining exhibition match between the Queensland Police team and Indigenous Community representative team, with plenty of laughs and even players swapping places with referees.

Police Minister and Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, said the tournament was about so much more than football.

“It’s about celebrating indigenous culture, history and achievements.

“Multiple teams, one level playing field and one shared goal – to come together in a spirit of good faith.

“The real winner is our community.

Photo with thanks to Yvonne MMM Photography