AFLW
AFLW Indigenous player profile: Gemma Houghton

Tell us about your cultural background/who your mob is.

I am from the Goreng clan of the Noongar Nation in the south-west of Western Australia

Tell us about your journey to football. Where did the love/passion for the sport come from?
My father, grandfather and countless other relations played football, mostly with WAFL team South Fremantle so all of my growing up was about the red and white that are South’s colours. I’ve said often that in our home the only religion or politics ever openly discussed was footy! For many years, Dad was also President of South’s Junior Council for community football and I earned pocket money by receiving, collating and recording all junior competition game results during the season. Later Dad was a long-term Committee Member for Souths and I often describe the South Fremantle Football Club as integral to my growing up. I am still a member of Souths. I never followed a VFL team. Nor did I follow the Eagles when they came into being years before Fremantle did. It was almost like I was waiting for the Dockers to be. Being on the Board of the Dockers is one of the most fulfilling things I do.

Who has been one of your biggest supporters and or Indigenous role models in your life?
My parents were always my biggest, strongest and loudest supporters in everything I wanted to do. Both were also superb role models with Dad having been the first Aboriginal teacher, and later school principal, in Western Australia. It was pretty easy to feel confident about trying something new including if it hadn’t been done before by an Aboriginal person.

What Indigenous issues are you most passionate about and why?
I’m actually passionate about any and every issue related to equity, diversity and inclusion. I want and work towards equitable outcomes for Indigenous people in all aspects of our lives including health, housing, education, employment and justice and I’m proud to say that I am active in bringing improvements in all those areas.

Why is having an AFLW Indigenous Round important for you and your community?
Firstly, I have to say that having the AFLW generally is really important as it models inclusion and is a beacon for our young people especially our girls. Fremantle has a wonderful reputation supporting Aboriginal players in our men’s and our women’s teams and having an Indigenous Round pays respect to them – past as well as current Aboriginal players. As well as that, it’s part of the learning process for everyone associated with our Club whether they are Indigenous or non-Indigenous.

In speaking to our ‘HEAR US’ theme, is there a message you would like to give to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander women and girls?
In the Aboriginal community, as well as other community sectors, we have a saying of “You can’t be what you can’t see”. It’s not just about the appearance of something. Rather, it’s about being there, being part, being seen and being heard. It’s about our very being because we are! In places like Noongar Country it’s even more significant because the dominant spirit here is feminine. It just makes sense.

INDIGENOUS PROFILES

Freo's Indigenous round clash against Brisbane is proudly supported by the club’s Indigenous Program Partner, and co-major partner, Woodside. As part of this partnership Woodside works with the club on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives such as activities at this weekend’s game and also consults with the club on the development and execution of its Reconciliation Action Plan.

To view the Fremantle Dockers Reconciliation Action Plan click here.