By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
RUSSELL Robertson isn’t just speaking for the sake of it when he talks about white ribbons.
The former Melbourne footy player and AFL Respect and Responsibility ambassador showed his passion for the campaign when he spoke to players, coaches and spectators alike at the pre-game function before Doveton took on Pakenham in the inaugural White Ribbon match.
Speaking after his presentation, Russell said his passion for the White Ribbon message dated back roughly eight years ago.
“The AFL got me involved, the AFL were brilliant. Every year they’ll send out, and the players association as well, they’ll send out two delegates every week,” he said.
“And one year when I got a little bit older I decided you know what, I can probably help. This is back about eight years ago.
“I just walked back in one day and said, ‘look if you ever need me I’d be more than happy to help out’. I kind of felt like I should because I had three sisters and I didn’t like what I was hearing.
“They were great, they schooled me up, and I spent about four weeks of training, numerous seminars and then on-the-job training delivering this program that the AFL developed.
“I’ve travelled Australia and loved every minute of it because I’ve been able to interact with football clubs from every level.”
Russell continues to spread the White Ribbon message from footy club to footy club almost a decade later, confident that the clubs provide a conduit to the broader local community.
“I was always uncomfortable with that blokey, testosterone feel, and I imagine most guys are,” he said.
“And I’m not saying that those guys would go home and be violent against their partners, I’m just saying that sort of environment perpetuates a masculinity that is hyper-masculine and football clubs are so wide-reaching, they have fingers in every part of the community.
“And it’s not just the players, it’s supporters, it’s businesses and it’s the perfect place to start. To start preaching the message that we as young men, young gentlemen, can change this.”
