NEVILLE Jetta says he’s thrilled with the Indigenous jumper Melbourne has produced for this Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park Oval in Alice Springs.
This round, all AFL clubs will wear a specially designed guernsey to celebrate Indigenous round. And Jetta, who is one of three Indigenous players on Melbourne’s 2014 list, said he was delighted with the jumper.
“It’s great to see the oldest football club supporting and celebrating the oldest Indigenous culture in the world and you can’t beat that,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“It’s just great that the club was able to come on board, celebrate and do it with a lot of respect to the Nyrippi community and the Alice Springs community as well.
“We wanted to have an Alice themed jumper behind it, because we’re wearing it when we play up there, plus we have a really good connection with the Northern Territory.
“I had a bit to do with it, but I really wanted to respect the elders in Alice Springs by asking them if it was OK to do it and they gave us the all clear – and it’s turned out great.
“I’ve got a lot of feedback – not just from the elder people, but all different people – so that’s been great and I can’t wait to wear it, hopefully in a win.”
Jetta said it was an honour for every AFL Indigenous player to feature in this round.
“It’s a big week for Indigenous boys who are very proud to be playing in the round and representing past players and family and friends as well,” he said.
“It’s a special round, so hopefully I can play my best up there [in Alice Springs] … but there’s a bit of pressure to play well.
“It’s a pretty special place. There’s a lot of history and I’ve played some of my better games in the NT – and against Port Adelaide as well – but it’s a very spiritual place for Aboriginal people, being in the heartland of Australia.”
“It’s another special part to the game – the first game for premiership points in Alice – so I’m pretty pumped about that and so will the players from both sides. I definitely can’t wait to get up there and have a win.”
Jetta, who is back in the side this round, after a bout of gastro forced him to withdraw from Melbourne’s most recent clash – its 17-point win over Richmond at the MCG in round nine, said he was pleased with his recent form.
The 24-year-old played four matches in a row from rounds five to eight, impressing as a small defender, after gaining the confidence from coach Paul Roos.
“Roosy puts a massive focus on everyone playing their role and I knew if I got my body right, I’d be able to play consistent footy and I’ve been able to do that and help the team out,” he said.
“I’m going out there playing my role and doing my bit for the team. That’s all I can do.
“I’m going out there playing as a shut down defender on the small forward and my job is to beat them and then win the footy after that.”
Jetta’s performance on fellow Indiegnous player, Adelaide’s Eddie Betts, was particularly eye-catching in Melbourne’s drought-breaking win in South Australia – its first in that state since 2001.
He said his effort on Betts was “definitely” one of his finest for the red and blue.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Eddie and have for a long time. He’s been a trailblazer for a lot of Indigenous players, the way he goes about it and he can turn a game around off his own boot,” he said.
“I definitely went into the game pretty nervous, because if he kicked 10, I’d be walking back from Adelaide. But I was lucky enough to play my role and just thankful, like everyone else that match, that we got on top of Adelaide.
“It definitely wasn’t a one-man job – it was a team role – and it was definitely up there as one of my best games for the footy club. I’ve played a couple of other good games in the midfield and forward, but it was definitely up there.”
