History making afl broadcast to be called in language 20210901 p5y9rp.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 5 years ago

History making AFL broadcast to be called in language

Amy Clements

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Two Territorians will call Saturday's AFL semi-final between the Lions and Western Bulldogs in Brisbane, but there's a twist.

It will be the first time a match is broadcast in Yolngu Matha language, live from an AFL game.

Nhulunbuy local William Gumbula and Elcho Island product Baykali Ganambarr travelling to the Gabba to take their spot in the commentary box.

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William Gumbula (middle) will travel to the Gabba to take a spot in the commentary box.  9News

William is a mad Brisbane fan and has been known to put strapping tape under his knee like his hero Jonathan Brown, despite him never having knee issues.

"This is a great opportunity to inspire young Yolngu people and to celebrate our culture and language," the 29-year-old said.

"I am happy to be on the national stage and make my family proud."

Yolngu Radio broadcasts into the six major communities and 15 homelands throughout the North-East Arnhem Land region and across Darwin and Palmerston.

Yolngu Radio Manager Nicholas O'Riley said football plays a massive role in North East Arnhem Land.

"On Elcho Island, there's 2000 people and of those there's 12 senior Men's sides and 8-10 Female sides," O'Riley said.

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"It's really important and special that they can hear their favourite game in their first language rather than English."

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