Saturday’s Indigenous All Stars clash will be a full-circle moment 30 years in the making for young SUNS star Joel Jeffrey.
The young Territorian will follow in the footsteps of his father Russell, a former St Kilda and Brisbane Bears player, who featured in the All Stars’ 20-point win over Collingwood in Darwin in 1994.
Jeffrey revealed after finding out about his selection from SUNS General Manager Football Performance Wayne Campbell, Dad was the first number dialled.
“I told Mum and Dad straight away. I have a WhatsApp chat with all the family, so I put it in that and then gave Dad a call. He understands the most about the footy side of things,” Jeffrey said.
“He was pumped the most, I reckon. He was at work at the time, and then, yeah, he wanted to go home and have a beer. I think he was more excited than me, but obviously he's been there, done that.
“It was pretty special. All my brothers and sisters were pretty stoked. Hopefully they can get over to Perth, and if not, I’m sure they’ll get together in Darwin at Mum and Dad’s block and watch it.”
The dynamic 22-year-old defender joins an illustrious group of Father-Son duos to represent an Indigenous All Stars team alongside Jesse Motlop (son of Daniel Motlop), Junior Rioli (son of Willie Rioli Snr) and Jase Burgoyne (son of Peter Burgoyne).
He’s one of two SUNS in the 31-strong squad, alongside fellow Territorian Ben Long, that features some of the most electric and damaging talents in the AFL.
There’s no shortage of stars Jeffrey is looking forward to running out alongside, but there’ll be a special connection with the Northern Territory contingent.
“It’s going to be special to play alongside all the Darwin boys. And then players like Michael Walters, Bradley Hill and boys like that – I’ve watched them since I was a young kid, especially Bradley when he was playing in grand finals with Hawthorn,” Jeffrey said.
“I can’t wait.”
Saturday’s match-up with Fremantle at Optus Stadium will be the first time an Indigenous All Stars side has formed in a decade and marks a dream come true moment for Jeffrey.
“I remember watching the last one, I remember watching the likes of Daniel Motlop. It was kind of an eye-opener for me and I looked up to them as role models.
“Now Benny Long & I get the chance, hopefully we can do that for the younger boys back home.”
Long and Jeffrey head to Perth on Thursday ahead of Saturday night’s clash, which gets underway at 5pm AEST.
