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HomeAustralian Centre For Indigenous HistoryACIH NewsTom Wills Documentary
Tom Wills Documentary
Tuesday 23 September 2008

In August 2008, Abby Cooper was interviewed for a television documentary to be screened on SBS in early 2009 celebrating the life of Tom Wills, one of the founders of Australian Rules football.

Wills, who grew up in western Victoria amongst the local Djab Warrung people, had a remarkable life which reflects a plethora of elements and arguments central to Australian History. In this interview, Abby was invited to enter into the ongoing debate about the possible influence of Marn Grook (Indigenous football game) on Australian Rules Football. Abby drew on her research of the Indigenous people of Western Victoria and many oral interviews discussing Wills' relationships with the Djab Wurrung and the belief that he was highly influenced by the Aboriginal game.

Abby Cooper, 3 Stages Studio, South Yarra , August 2008