Always Was, Always Will Be.
The NAIDOC Week theme for 2020, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.
This week, the Siren newsletter has been written, prepared and edited on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri, Latji Latji, Barkindji and Palawa people. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
It is with great privilege we can live and work on these lands, bringing together stories about sport and sharing them with you. We will never take that privilege for granted. And we’ll also continue to share our privilege and our platform to give others a voice while we listen and learn. NAIDOC week is a time for us to celebrate, listen and learn from our first nations people.
And there will be lots of ways we can do that, always, but particularly in this most special of weeks. There is this article by Daniela Intili from the ABC on Indigenous representation in the “beautiful game” and the work of formidable football great John Moriarty. The ABC will also be airing the documentary ‘Walkabout Wicket’s at 8.30pm tonight, November 10. ABC’s iview also has the brilliant docos, The Australian Dream, FREEMAN and In My Blood It Runs available to stream.
Athletes and teams are sharing their stories through their social media channels, are shining a light on history, are using their platforms, their shirts, their shoes to bring Indigenous cultural understanding and celebration to the sports we love. Let’s embrace it, embrace them and continue to listen and learn.
Be sure to follow NAIDOC Week on twitter to find more resources and information.
In this issue
Hayley Wildes previews the imminent WNBL season for us, and Kasey Symons spoke to Melbourne Boomer and Australian Opal Cayla George. We’ve also got another edition of Rachel Bach’s By The White Line Diaries, this time all about getting to know The Matildas off the field.
Kasey Symons wrote this piece for the ABC about how this WNBL season will be unique, and even bigger than basketball with a sharp focus on the RISE UP campaign.
Gemma Bastiani has been doing what she does—writing about AFLW and statistics—over at Play On Radio. Check out her most recent posts, a competition-wide and club-by-club breakdown of the AFLW’s statistical leaders heading into 2021.
WNBL 2020/21 Season Preview
By Hayley Wildes
Liz Cambage is a boom signing for the Southside Flyers ahead of this season. Image: Southside Flyers
The 2020/21 WNBL season is set to kick off in its North Queensland hub tomorrow. Basketball expert Hayley Wildes brings us her team-by-team season preview.
Cayla George: how Australia’s female basketballers are taking a stand
By Kasey Symons
Cayla George training in the Queensland hub. Image: Melbourne Boomers
Melbourne Boomer and Australian Opal Cayla George is an enthusiastic and valuable member of Australian basketball, working to create much-needed positive change for Indigenous girls.
Getting closer: capturing moments beyond the match
By Rachel Bach
An off-pitch shoot with Ellie Carpenter in Portland. Image By The White Line
Rachel Bach, better known as By The White Line is back with her photo diaries, sharing moments off the field, getting closer to the players.
Congratulations Minjee Lee!
Over in Dubai, Australian golf star Lee took out the OMEGA Moonlight Classic, and the look on her face says it all!
Huge news from Rugby Australia! In a landmark deal with Nine, all previous Super W matches will be uploaded and all future games will be live and ad-free on streaming service Stan. This also extends to Wallaroos matches, and of course the men’s rugby as well. Rugby fans, get ready for 2021 because things are looking good!
In sad news for rugby league, Honey Hireme-Smiler announced her retirement after an incredible 18-year career. One of the best in the game, the three-time Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year will be leaving behind a legacy after paving the way for the next generation of women playing rugby league. An absolute legend.
We can’t get enough of Mary K’s work covering WBBL for The Roar, and this article is no exception! Mary chats to Melbourne Renegades’ cross-coder Courtney Webb about her previously jam-packed sporting schedule and her goals for the current season.
Okay but this moment from the Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat match over the weekend was unreal - there is nothing quite like a team catch, and Tahlia McGrath’s skillful dive at the end single-handedly made all of us feel *very* uncoordinated.
Samatha Lewis spoke to W-League player Angie Beard about her surreal stint in Iceland playing amidst the rapid rise of COVID-19, and what her future plans are now she is back with Melbourne Victory on home soil.
This article on Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams and her journey from outback grassroots football to playing on the world stage is not one to miss. Lydia is regarded as one of the best and has continued to be a role model to many young Indigenous Australians looking to a future in football. An absolute powerhouse all-round.
We’re here for history. Let’s continue to make it.
Speaking of history, how fantastic is this photo from Playing Pasts? Don’t let anyone tell you women playing sport is ‘new’.
One woman is on a mission to get more women behind the wheel in motorsports, and Chloe Hart from the ABC tells us all about it in this epic piece. If you’ve ever fancied yourself an excellent driver (or perhaps an adrenaline junkie) you won’t want to miss this!
We love a bit of a clap back, especially with stats! Well played Swamp!
Runner up
Who remembers this epic-ness?!
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