This weekend's AFL clash between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide will be about more than football.
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Round 10 of the AFL commemorates Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and its role in shaping the game.
Part of Saturday's game will be dedicated to Tasmania's rich Indigenous history, including a Welcome to Country ceremony involving a number of performers.
One of which will be Danny Gardner, who will be playing the didgeridoo at the ceremony.
Mr Gardner as well as his father Graeme and son Manala were at a ceremonial welcome to the Hawks at UTAS Stadium.
The welcome included the presentation of a grey forester kangaroo skin with traditional markings being gifted to the team.
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Graeme Gardner said the Indigenous Round serves as chance for the AFL to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
"It's an opportunity for many of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island players to respect each other and retain those connections they've had over a lifetime and to honour that," he said.
"It's also good for the crowds to see the beauty and elegance of a very old and distinct culture in Australia and hopefully they take that on board and learn from it and respect it, and we look forward to a great game this weekend."
Mr Gardner added that this round's message of respecting those on the field transcends all social barriers and those spectating should acknowledge that.
Hawthorn assistant coach Chris Newman said the Indigenous round meant a huge amount to not just the players with Indigenous heritage but the entire team.
"It's a big round for those guys and everyone that's involved with our football club," he said.
"We have a really proud history of Indigenous talent throughout our team and our club so those guys are really looking forward to that and putting on the Indigenous guernsey this week and playing a really strong brand of footy for us."
Port Adelaide assistant coach Michael Voss had a similar message, adding the importance of the day for not only the players but the community.
"It's a fairly big deal for our football club and the program we run so it's a really important part of our community," Mr Voss said.
"Then when you talk about players involved, I think we have five or six Indigenous players in this weekend's game so it's a pretty important day for us."
Fast Facts:
- What: AFL round 10: Hawthorn Hawks vs Port Adelaide Power
- When: Saturday, May 25 at 1.45pm
- Where: UTAS Stadium, Invermay
- Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au