{"id":1240,"date":"2019-04-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/reports\/how-the-afls-west-coast-eagles-led-the-way-with-better-integration-of-their-indigenous-australian-players\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T05:12:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T05:12:36","slug":"west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/","title":{"rendered":"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n\t
\n\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n Apr 08, 2019 <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>Articles<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n \n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
Category<\/div>\n Leadership & Culture<\/a> <\/div>\n
\n
Share<\/div>\n Facebook<\/a>\n Twitter<\/a>\n Email<\/a>\n Copy Link<\/a>\n
https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Phil Narkle, the Eagles\u2019 Indigenous Liaison Officer, delves into his work supporting their Indigenous players and leading the club\u2019s Cultural Awareness Training initiatives.<\/p>\n \n \n \n

\n

Phil Narkle wants to be the Indigenous Liaison Officer he was never able to enjoy as an AFL player in the late 1980s.<\/h4>\n
\n

By John Portch<\/h6>\n

\u201cThis service would have helped me and many other Indigenous players to understand what was required of them and how to balance football, their personal life and their culture,\u201d he tells the Leaders Performance Institute, setting out a useful job description for the role he pioneered at the West Coast Eagles.<\/p>\n

The integration of athletes from different cultures is an ongoing challenge across elite sport and the AFL has taken steps in recent times to improve the experience of the 90,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who participate in its programs to ensure these people all find a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment.<\/p>\n

The moral imperative is clear, but so is the sporting rationale: nationwide research demonstrates that Australian rules football is the sport of choice for Indigenous Australians, who make up 11% of current AFL lists despite being drawn from just 2.5% of the general population. The figure goes up to nearly 20% when one also takes into consideration other players with multicultural backgrounds.<\/p>\n

The AFL\u2019s push for what might be termed empathetic integration is ever more readily embraced; and no team can afford to overlook such a significant talent pool or the potential performance gains. Anything less would see the club fall short of its stated core values: \u2018We are United, We are Passionate, We are Professional\u2019.<\/p>\n

In 2009, West Coast made history in appointing Narkle, their former midfielder, as Indigenous Liaison Officer and he would become the first full-time ILO at an AFL club.<\/p>\n

His role is largely two-fold. He is there to ensure the Eagles\u2019 current retinue of six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players receive the support, guidance, empathy and understanding they need to integrate successfully into the club\u2019s culture but he is also responsible for implementing the club\u2019s Cultural Awareness Training, which he himself crafted as an integral part of the Eagles\u2019 Induction Employment Package for its 115 full-time staff. The club has also developed strong ties with the Western Australia-based Wirrpanda Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians across its twin pillars of education and employment.<\/p>\n

As Narkle himself writes in his staff booklet titled Working With Key Indigenous Families and Stakeholders<\/em>: \u2018We need to walk the pathway through the West Coast Eagles gateway together as one.\u2019<\/p>\n

Other clubs have since followed suit in appointing an ILO and he sees it as a firm step in the right direction: \u201cIt will succeed because it\u2019s essential at all AFL clubs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018This could be your story\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Narkle explains that the challenges facing Indigenous players intensify the day they are drafted. \u201cCompetitive sport is one of the best preparations in life for Indigenous players, both today and historically,\u201d he begins. \u201cBut when they enter the AFL they are employed by the club, which has rules, regulations, structures, which some players may not understand because they feel that they are only there to play football.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndigenous players need to adjust quickly in order to retain their place in the AFL system. Therefore, players require both individual preparation and attention to detail. The outcome for the player is ultimately how well they prepared and dotted their I\u2019s and crossed their T\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To address this question with Indigenous players, Narkle upholds the Indigenous tradition that culture is passed on through telling stories \u2013 \u201cit\u2019s not about questions and answers\u201d \u2013 and so both he and the club must avoid the information overload that can leave players tired and confused or suffering from a lack of passion, interest, understanding and commitment to the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tell the players that their experience is like a book with a beginning, middle and an end,\u201d he explains, \u201cand this could be your story. In creating their story, players need to remember is that belief<\/em> is about being something and confidence is about doing<\/em> something.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is a journey for Indigenous players, one that Narkle says is rooted in his five personal values, which he defines as \u201ccommitment, respect, trust, honesty and communication.\u201d He adds: \u201cI use the Martin Luther King phrase: \u2018turning dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.\u2019\u201d Integration may be a challenge for the player but, with the right guidance, they can settle and have real agency in forging their own careers.<\/p>\n

To start with the \u2018beginning\u2019 which, in this instance, commences from the moment the player is drafted and begins to experience all the attendant emotions involved in their first steps into a new environment. For many Indigenous athletes this is a journey into the unknown. \u201cThese players may potentially have moved interstate, away from their cultural country, away from their families, and will be living with a host family. On top of that they must fit into a playing group that has its own internal dynamics.\u201d Narkle will be a particularly visible presence in their club lives at this stage.<\/p>\n

Next is the \u2018middle\u2019, as the player continues to establish themselves as part of the club\u2019s culture in the face of the myriad temptations that come with being an AFL player, from nightlife to drugs or alcohol. Other concerns might be peer pressure or use of social media, as well as problems in their relationships or the issues of family members. Indigenous players could even be a victim of racism but Narkle, as ever, will be on hand to ensure the player\u2019s welfare is being prioritised.<\/p>\n

The \u2018end\u2019 is represented by the outcomes experienced and rewards accrued by the player. If they have prepared and, as Narkle said, dotted their I\u2019s and crossed their T\u2019s, they will have gained the respect of their peers, have enjoyed individual and team achievements, and will be good ambassadors for the club, all while achieving financial stability. \u201cNot only should they have built lasting friendships but they will be more aware of the coaching and career opportunities available to them in football and even the business and employment opportunities beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

Providing culturally-appropriate resources<\/strong><\/p>\n

The primary modes by which Narkle and the West Coast Eagles provide opportunities for their Indigenous players are the \u2018Our Dreaming Pathway\u2019 and Cultural Awareness Training [CAT] programs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt stems from our understanding that Indigenous players need more nurturing and more time to develop an understanding of what it takes to be an AFL player,\u201d explains Narkle. CAT is more widely aimed at non-Indigenous employees who: \u201cwork closely with Indigenous people are especially vulnerable to the effects of workplace stress or anxiety and may be working with limited culturally-appropriate resources.\u201d<\/p>\n

When those resources are not in place it can become quite taxing on the individual: \u201cIn doing this type of liaison role it can sometimes trauma with their own issues and own healing. At times it can be overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, the case for all clubs to take the Indigenous liaison officer seriously was made clear at an AFL Indigenous Camp in Alice Springs in 2013. Narkle, who was in attendance as an Eagles representative, takes up the story: \u201cIt was revealed that the players wanted to be heard but had no one they felt comfortable talking to at their club. These Indigenous players were impressed with the West Coast Eagles employing a full-time<\/em> Indigenous Liaison Officer to help support and explain the issues that Indigenous players face within an AFL club from time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is also a benefit to having Indigenous employees working alongside Indigenous players. \u201cThey are able to provide a service to a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through their own experiences. Indigenous people can quickly create a family-like environment because of the understanding and empathy they have for others who have come from mixed cultures. Some were raised with our own people on our traditional land, some lived on missions, some came from Australia\u2019s \u2018Stolen Generation\u2019 and others have grown up and been displaced in urban environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our Dreaming Pathway<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u2018dreaming\u2019 is the worldview that structures numerous Indigenous cultures in Australia and lends its name to Narkle\u2019s Our Dreaming Pathway. Devised by Narkle to sit alongside the Eagles\u2019 Reconciliation Action Plan [RAP], which he also helped create, the program seeks: \u201cto use \u2018yarning sessions\u2019 to find out about an Indigenous person and their culture and proceeds to empower them in their education, primarily through the club\u2019s aforementioned CAT program, with a view to arriving at a stage where the gap between Indigenous players and their peers has been closed through mutual respect forged in knowledge and understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the CAT program, Narkle arranges mentor support and training services for Indigenous players and has helped to create an online community for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aspiring to be players. There is also support offered to non-Indigenous employees and Narkle delivers presentations detailing how to engage and communicate with Indigenous players.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoaches and staff must take the time to develop relationships with the players that are both equal and genuine \u2013 this will ensure that meetings are not tokenistic,\u201d says Narkle. \u201cThere is also the creation of a positive environment for Indigenous players, with improved retention rates and greater opportunity to enjoy longer careers at the club.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our Dreaming Pathway also helps with the fulfilment of the Eagles\u2019 RAP which, delivered in partnership with the Wirrpanda Foundation, is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of diversity through inclusion initiatives and active support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Creating the \u2018third space\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Narkle tells the Leaders Performance Institute that the CAT program achieves its outcomes through the creation of the \u2018third space\u2019, which is: \u201cwhen two cultures come together. In this instance we\u2019re talking about Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This can involve non-Indigenous people participating in Indigenous cultural activities and supporting Reconciliation through getting involved with our RAP Working Group.\u201d The idea is to offset unconscious biases towards Indigenous people and, in the case of players in particular, to prevent coaches and staff suffering from the \u2018halo effect\u2019 \u2013 another cognitive bias in which a person\u2019s overall impression of another person influences how they think or feel about that person\u2019s character.<\/p>\n

The club also informs its staff that: \u201cIndigenous people live under two legal systems, British-based Australian legal system and a \u2018Traditional\u2019 lore system, which could impact on different aspects of an Indigenous player\u2019s life, which can affect their mental aptitude and their ability to train and play football at the elite level.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was uppermost in Narkle\u2019s mind when authoring Working With Key Indigenous Families and Stakeholders<\/em>. It is handed to all Eagles employees upon their induction and, in the introduction, Narkle writes that in reading the booklet: \u2018all personnel will have a first-hand look at the history of the Indigenous people of the area and will be able to make informed decisions about Indigenous players when and if required. [The booklet] will also create an awareness of the history of Indigenous Australia and the reasons why there are so many issues with Indigenous people today.\u2019 The booklet has been made available to clubs across Australia.<\/p>\n

Narkle lays out guidelines to be followed by West Coast Eagles staff, outlining their responsibilities. These include the \u2018welcome to country\u2019 \u2013 also known as the \u2018traditional welcome\u2019 \u2013 which allows the Traditional Owners of a region to give their blessing for an event to take place on their land. The West Coach Eagles were the first club to perform the welcome to country.<\/p>\n

His recommendations are wide-ranging in scope. When it comes to working with Indigenous communities, players and their families, he suggests seeking the guidance of Indigenous co-workers. In terms of the physical environment, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags must be visible at a club, especially during Australia\u2019s NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day \u2013 a series of national remembrance and commemoration events that variously celebrate the achievements of Indigenous people and acknowledge the mistreatment of Indigenous communities by non-Indigenous people.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Narkle writes that Indigenous players should be entitled to \u2018Sorry Time\u2019 \u2013 compassionate leave following a bereavement \u2013 and \u2018Cultural Time\u2019, which is leave that can be requested at any given time and at short notice.<\/p>\n

He also touches upon \u2018active\u2019 and \u2018empathic\u2019 listening in pursuit of the aforementioned third space. Active listening is, Narkle says: \u201cdesigned to overcome poor listening practices by requiring parties to listen to and then restate their presenter\u2019s statements, to emphasise the feelings expressed as well as the substance of the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe purpose of this method is to confirm that the listener accurately understands the message received and acknowledges the message being presented. Even if individuals do not necessarily agree with what is being presented, this method provides a way to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

He adds: \u201cEmpathic listening, or listening with empathy, is a core skill that strengthens the interpersonal effectiveness of individuals in many aspects of their professional and personal lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough this method an individual shows an understanding of the problem and by doing so shows an interest in being a resource to help solve the problem.\u201d Its importance cannot be underestimated in Narkle\u2019s eyes: \u201cEmpathy may be the most important attribute in gaining the trust and cooperation of parties during cultural conflicts and other disputes with high emotional content.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also recommends that coaches be ready to share personal stories of their own origins and other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities or players they have worked with. \u201cPeople sharing experiences can put a person at ease,\u201d he says. \u201cMeetings with our Indigenous players are structured to allow time for story sharing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Leaders Performance Institute asks Narkle what have been his proudest achievements as an ILO and he points to his efforts to overcome initial scepticism on the staff and the ever-improving retention rates of Indigenous players and staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been employed at the club for ten years and given the best of my service with this great club,\u201d he tells us with genuine pride. He also spares a thought for his community: \u201cI always think and dream of my Aboriginal people who have been on earth for thousands and thousands of years and they have had to build or develop very strong resilience to handle or tolerate adversity and hardship \u2013 hard times and harsh conditions that were put in their pathway of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I am carrying on that legacy, to help close the gap for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. My dreaming pathway is giving me direction and leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n

In many senses he has led the way and, as Narkle writes in his booklet, supported by a word in his people\u2019s language: \u2018To empower the knowledge is a moorditj<\/em> \u2013 a great \u2013 and beautiful tool.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n

Want more insight?<\/strong><\/p>\n

How the AFL\u2019s Collingwood Removes the Inevitable Anxieties of Drafted Young Players<\/a><\/p>\n

Summit Session: How the Royal Ballet and Yehudi Menuhin School Onboard their Young Talent<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n

\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How Phil Narkle, the West Coast Eagles\u2019 Indigenous Liaison Officer, supports their Indigenous players and leads the club\u2019s Cultural Awareness Training.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1241,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[20],"pathway":[],"topic":[],"sport":[],"class_list":["post-1240","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leadership-culture-performance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How Phil Narkle, the West Coast Eagles\u2019 Indigenous Liaison Officer, supports their Indigenous players and leads the club\u2019s Cultural Awareness Training.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Performance Institute\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-15T05:12:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1999\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"501\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/\",\"name\":\"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-04-08T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-15T05:12:36+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg\",\"width\":1999,\"height\":501},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/\",\"name\":\"Performance Institute\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute","og_description":"How Phil Narkle, the West Coast Eagles\u2019 Indigenous Liaison Officer, supports their Indigenous players and leads the club\u2019s Cultural Awareness Training.","og_url":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/","og_site_name":"Performance Institute","article_modified_time":"2025-12-15T05:12:36+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1999,"height":501,"url":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/","url":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/","name":"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players - Performance Institute","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg","datePublished":"2019-04-08T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-15T05:12:36+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-1147422399.jpg","width":1999,"height":501},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/west-coast-eagles-indigenous-australians\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How the AFL\u2019s West Coast Eagles Led the Way With Better Integration of their Indigenous Australian Players"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/#website","url":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/","name":"Performance Institute","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/1240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/1240\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32406,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/1240\/revisions\/32406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1240"},{"taxonomy":"pathway","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pathway?post=1240"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=1240"},{"taxonomy":"sport","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sport?post=1240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}