Meet the 5 multicultural footy ambassadors

Reflecting our evolving population, AFL has become more multicultural with many new migrants taking up footy for a sense of belonging. These athletes often act as an inspiration and role model for their communities. In 2016, multicultural players make up 15 per cent of the AFL player lists across 18 AFL Clubs. Meet some of the multicultural ambassadors.

Source: courtesy of AFL community

1 Aliir Aliir

Aliir spent six years in a refugee camp in Kenya before migrating to Australia. He was introduced to AFL at age 14 and was drafted to the Sydney Swans in 2013.

Aliir Aliir of the Swans competes for the ball with Andrew Phillips of the Blues during the Round 18 AFL match. Source: AAP

2 Bachar Houli

Bachar was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. He was 14 when he decided that he wanted to be a professional footballer. He plays for Richmond.

Richmond Tigers player Bachar Houli handballs against the Collingwood Magpies during round 21 of the AFL at the MCG in Melbourne, (AAP Image/Julian Smith) Source: AAP

3 Lin Jong

Western Bulldogs player Lin was born in Australia while his mother came from Taiwan and father from East Timor. He only started playing football at 15.

Source: AAP

4 Stephen Coniglio

The GWS Giants player of Italian heritage is also a talent mentor to multicultural participants in the talent pathway. In 2012 he was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award.

Stephen Coniglio of the Giants Source: AAP

5 Jimmy Toumpas

Although his first name is Dimitri, most people call him Jimmy. He captained the South Australian State team at the 2012 AFL National U 18 Championships, where he was named in the all-Australian team. He plays for Port Adelaide.

Jimmy Toumpas (AAP Image/Ben Macmahon) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Source: AAP

Discover more about the AFL Multicultural Program and read about its players ambassadors.