The AFL and Australia Post will announce Gold Coast SUNS’ Nick Malceski as one of four new players to join the AFL multicultural ambassador program in Melbourne on Thursday morning.

Malceski, who will be unveiled alongside 12 player ambassadors to represent the program in 2015, will play a leading role in promoting some of the many diverse backgrounds engaged in Australia’s game.

From a Macedonian background, the 2014 All-Australian half-back will support the AFL Queensland multicultural strategy through key appearances at multicultural events and will play a leading role in Multicultural Round.  

The former Sydney Swans premiership player welcomed the opportunity to join on as an AFL multicultural ambassador.

“It is important to engage Multicultural youth through AFL because of the social and emotional benefits that this game can provide,” Malceski told The Gold Coast Bulletin.

“I can see that my role as Australia Post Multicultural Ambassador will greatly assist the club strengthen its Multicultural Engagement Programs and was one of the leading reasons why I accepted this responsibility.

“The ambassador role will allow me to engage hundreds of Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) children providing them with the opportunity to participate whether as a player, fan or umpire.”

AFLGeneral Manager People, Customer and Community Dorothy Hisgrove said the newly-appointed ambassadors were chosen based on community leadership and their commitment to growing the game nationally.

“It is important that Australian Football continues to provide an inclusive environment which attracts people from all cultural backgrounds to enjoy our game as fans, players and officials as the AFL upholds a commitment to strengthen diversity in our game,” said Ms Hisgrove.

“The Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassadors will play a crucial role in raising cultural understanding and encouraging participation in Australian Football at all levels.”

Starting with the Australia Post AFL Community Camp in February, the ambassador group will play a leading role in giving back to regional fans by acknowledging their loyalty and support first-hand when the team is in town.  

The Multicultural Ambassadors will be at the forefront of AFL Multicultural Round to be held this year in Round 19 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.