THIS Friday night, Carlton will open Sir Doug Nicholls Round in Darwin for the first time against the Gold Coast Suns. 

It is a special game in many respects, given it will be the first game of the now-traditional round as well as taking place in the Top End: an area with a large Indigenous population. 

Co-captain Patrick Cripps is beyond proud of the Indigenous group at Carlton, made up of Eddie Betts, Liam Jones, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Jack Martin, and can’t wait to see them shine in primetime on Friday night. 

“I think first year being in Darwin is going to be an awesome honour,” Cripps said. 

“I think the boys will be putting on a show just to show their talent and how much skill they’ve got.” 

Cripps spoke of the importance of listening and learning from Indigenous players and people.

Citing the influence of Eddie Betts among the playing group, Cripps said he was thrilled that the AFL and the Carlton Football Club can provide these learnings to players, staff and fans. 

“They do a great job in our club, especially Eddie: he’s told us a lot about his history and the story and I think us as a white population have just got to listen and learn and be there for them,” he said. 

“The more we can be by their side and get their message out is very important, and we always say to them we’ve got their back no matter what goes on. 

“Indigenous players have given so much to the game: they’re so talented and they drive such a good standard for being role models in the community. I think for the Club and for the AFL to have a round for them is so special.”