CELEBRATING culture for a future without racism.

That’s what Sir Doug Nicholls Round means to Carlton defender and Kamilaroi woman Natalie Plane.

Speaking to Carlton Media ahead of the Blues’ AFL win over the Suns in the Top End, Plane shared her thoughts on the celebration of Aboriginal culture that the round inspires.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we get to celebrate our culture with an Indigenous game to celebrate our Indigenous players and their contribution to the game,” Plane said.

A pertinent theme, Plane believes highlighting the possibility of a future without racism reflects the platform the AFL has to inspire change.

But beyond the round, conversations among supporters is what she believes will establish lasting understanding.

“We believe in a future without racism, I think the AFL can help contribute to creating a society where we stamp out racism,” she said.

“It’s such a big platform and we’ve got so many talented Indigenous players as well as players from other cultures.

“For the public, just ask questions if you’re not sure about stuff. Whether you have any Indigenous friends that you can go to talk about it, because that’s how the conversation starts and how we continue to educate ourselves around it.”

A proud Aboriginal woman, Plane is constantly looking to understand more about her own culture over time.

“My Aboriginal culture is on my mum’s side of the family,” she said.

“We’re from Kamilaroi country but we don’t really know a lot about our family history, we’re still trying to find out a bit about our Aboriginal side of the family.

“My grandfather, I don’t think he was very proud to be Aboriginal, so he didn’t really talk about it, so my mum doesn’t really know a lot about it. We’re trying to learn as much as we can as we go.”