Eddie Betts wants to help break the cycle of substance abuse and violence in indigenous communities.
It's why the AFL's indigenous round is dear to the heart of the acclaimed Adelaide goalsneak.
"I do want to represent my culture," Betts said on Tuesday.
"I want to be a role model for these young indigenous kids. I want to teach them what is right and wrong.
"There's a lot of stuff that is happening, whether its with alcohol, drugs, abuse, deaths and I want to try to change the cycle.
"The AFL is a great platform for that."
Betts hopes his sport's looming indigenous round shines a light on issues - just as Michael Long did in 2004.
Long, an Essendon great, walked from his Melbourne home to Canberra - a 642km trek- in 2004 to put indigenous issues on the national agenda.
Now, the 'Long Walk' starts at Melbourne's Federation Square for an afternoon of indigenous celebration before strolling to the MCG.
The Dreamtime at the G fixture between Essendon and Richmond has been held on the Saturday night of indigenous round since 2007.
Last year, the match attracted more than 85,000 spectators.
This year, with reigning premier Richmond buzzing and the Bombers banking consecutive wins, the MCG's full-house sign might be needed.
All players will wear indigenous-themed jumpers this weekend, with designs sourced by a current player.
At Port Adelaide, ruckman Paddy Ryder took on the task.
Ryder's uncle, Kevin Bynder, in Western Australia designed the latest edition for Port, which has 10 indigenous players - the most of any AFL club.
"It's something we're pretty proud of," Ryder said.
"It means so much. This club is a great club, we have got a lot of proud history and to be able to put my mark on the Port Adelaide jumper ... I feel pretty privileged."
Ryder and his Adelaide rival Betts said the league's indigenous players all would carry extra motivation into their round of celebration.
Betts himself has twice kicked goal of the year in his special round.
"I look forward to it personally, to go out there and represent my people, my culture, my family," Betts said.
"It's something that I really want to go out and put on a show."
