In an exciting new take on the traditional sport panel shows, NITV and the AFL are proud to announce the launch of Yokayi Footy. The program marks the beginning of a partnership between NITV and the AFL, ahead of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Broadcasting from 18 March, Yokayi Footy is hosted by former Adelaide, Sydney and Collingwood player Tony Armstrong, AFLW advocate and youth pioneer Bianca Hunt, and former triple premiership Brisbane Lions and Australian Indigenous Team of the Century player Darryl White, Yokayi Footy. The trio will bring AFL debate and conversation to the table through a unique and youthful Indigenous lens.
(L-R) Bianca Hunt, Tony Armstrong and Darryl White Source: NITV
What is "Yokayi"?
The name 'Yokayi' (pronounced: yok-eye), a Noongar phrase meaning ‘a shout of victory’, highlights the importance of culture and community, both of which are core aspects of the program.
Yokayi Footy will film between its Melbourne studio and on Country, with segments exploring participation around Australia and the untold stories from communities.
In addition to catching up on the AFL news of the week, the program will incorporate interactive elements. ‘The Deadliest’ competition, for example, plays out like knockout rounds via. social media, where fans have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Indigenous player. Each week, these results will be discussed by the panel, until the winner is announced in the lead up to the Sir Doug Nichols Round.
(L-R) New panel hosts of Yokayi Footy; Darryl White, Bianca Hunt and Tony Armstrong Source: NITV
NITV AFL Correspondent, Gilbert 'Gilly' McAdam will also play a key part in the program, reporting from communities, as well as hosting several regional AFL games on NITV throughout the season.
Together, NITV and the AFL are committed to more viewing options across some of the biggest TV and digital platforms in the country in order to amplify the AFL stories that matter most to Indigenous communities.
Jarrod Garlett with Gilbert McAdam at a NEAFL fixture. Source: NITV
On-Air & Online — Accessible no matter the location
Yokayi Footy will be broadcast on NITV, SBS Viceland, as well as catch up services available on SBS On Demand, making the program accessible to all AFL fans no matter their location. The first episode will also be streamed on NITV’s Facebook page.
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman, said Yokayi Footy will continue NITV's strong legacy of covering AFL.
"[It will] enable us to reach new audiences through a different lens, and in particular engage the thousands of young people who play and follow the game in communities across the country," she said.
“The love and importance of football to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the positive impact it has in communities around Australia, inspired us to create a program that celebrates the achievements of Indigenous players, as well as telling the stories of the game, in a way that hasn’t been done before.
“We’re also thrilled that this partnership has created employment opportunities within the Indigenous broadcast sector, and that Karla Hart, a proud Noongar woman, will be joining us as Executive Producer.
“NITV is thrilled to be working so closely with the AFL and are excited for the positive impact the two organisations can make together.”
Darren Birch, AFL General Manager - Growth, Digital and Audiences, said the new partnership recognises the incredible contribution to the game from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the new partnership provides an opportunity for these voices to be better represented in our game.
“Indigenous players, past and present, have given so much to our game, and we are proud to create a new platform in partnership with NITV to champion these players and their stories. Yokayi Footy is modern. It’s authentic. And it’s bringing these important perspectives of our game to fans.
“We are honoured to work in partnership with the NITV family and their leadership.”
Catch Yokayi Footy from Wednesday, 18 March at 8pm on NITV.
Fridays at 3pm on SBS Viceland
Catch up on SBS On Demand after broadcast
Join the conversation #YokayiFooty
