Melbourne City FC striker David Williams believes indigenous players will continue to play an increased role in Australian football after creating his own little bit of history last weekend.
Williams and team-mate James Brown along with Brisbane Roar FC duo Jade North and Adam Sarota were all on the pitch together in last Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash at AAMI Park.
It’s believed it’s the first time four players of Indigenous background have played in the same Hyundai A-League match.
Williams Tweeted about the achievement after the match on Sunday, which City won 1-0.
“I was talking with Browny about it and then when I spoke with Adam (Sarota) after the game he said Jado (North) had mentioned it as well so it was pretty special for all of us,” Williams told www.a-league.com.au .
“We all realized it and knew that wasn’t something that hasn’t happened in the A-League before.
“Indigenous players have been a big part of Australian football for a long time in the past and the present and this was a nice little thing to be a part of.”
Williams, who has been a great ambassador for Indigenous Australians and footballers throughout his career including during his time with Townsville-based North Queensland Fury, is excited about the increased impact they are making in the local game.
“It’s not just in the A-League but in all levels of the game,” he said.
“Even more so in the women’s game with a lot of indigenous players in the Matildas and Young Matildas teams.
“It’s good to see so many indigenous players doing well and I think there will be more in the future.”
Sunday’s game took on even greater significance for Williams and his team-mates, who may have turned their season around with the drought-breaking victory.
Williams believes the club may have come through their “hard period” and can now start to build for the rest of the campaign to secure a finals spot.
“I think we’ve made a few mentality changes. (the team’s struggles) were not physical,” Williams said.
“We work hard, we run hard but it’s about having the right mentality and trust in each other.
“We’ve tightened up the nuts and bolts of it and it’s looking really positive. You can be sure everyone will be fighting to make sure we get the most out of the season.”
With Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s participation in the Club World Cup, City have this weekend off from competitive football, but return to action the following week for the Melbourne derby with Victory.
