Marn Grook
The men and boys joyfully assemble when this game is to be played. One makes a ball of possum skin, somewhat elastic, but firm and strong. The players of this game do not throw the ball as a white man might do, but drop it and at the same time kicks it with his foot. The tallest men have the best chances in this game. Some of them will leap as high as five feet from the ground to catch the ball. The person who secures the ball kicks it. This continues for hours and the natives never seem to tire of the exercise.
Mr. Thomas, Aboriginal Protector, 1841.
Marn Grook is an Aboriginal term for "Game Ball". A young Tom Wills - founding father of Australian rules football - played a game with a stuffed possum skin with his Djab wurrung playmates on his family's property in Lexington, Victoria.
Want to know more about Marn Grook? ARI highly recommends the video Marn Grook (1996 (G) 45 min), directed by Steve McGregor and produced by CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association).
Marn Grook explores the history, achievements and struggles of Aboriginal sportsmen involved in our National game, 'Aussie Rules'. Through perseverance, natural ability and a love for the game, Aboriginal players have been able to overcome the many barriers placed before them to gain recognition and respect for their prowess on the football field. Marn Grook is a celebration of Australian Rules and the great contribution Aboriginal players have made to the game.
