Melbourne Storm have shown their support for the Black Lives Matter movement by taking a knee at training on Friday following a suggestion from international winger Josh Addo-Carr.
After players from Richmond and Collingwood did the same before their AFL clash at the MCG on Thursday night, Addo-Carr sent a message to his teammates on their WhatsApp group for them to take a knee at training in solidarity with the protests that have been widespread in the United States and throughout the world in recent weeks.
Addo-Carr, an Indigenous All Stars representative, told his teammates they were under no obligation to do so but the players and coach Craig Bellamy joined him in taking a knee after Melbourne's training session on Friday.
"I just thought it would be a good way to address you boys about how you've seen the AFL boys taking a knee, taking photos, just supporting what's been going on in the world," he said in addressing his teammates.
"I just thought it would be a good way for everyone to support that. Don't feel pressure to do it, I just think it would be a good way to spread the awareness of Black Lives Matter."
In posting the photo of the team taking a knee, the Storm reaffirmed its support for Addo-Carr's stance.
"A statement we at Melbourne Storm firmly believe, which is aligned with our club values of family, respect and accountability: If it’s important to one of us, it’s important to all of us."
At Bankwest Stadium on Friday night the Eels and Panthers players also took a knee at full-time to raise awareness for Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Eels winger Blake Ferguson was the driving force behind the show of support for Indigenous Australians.
Moment of reflection