Footy and Free Thinking: AFL Crows Ruckman Reilly O’Brien on the Politicisation of the AFL
I recently spoke with Crows Ruckman Reilly O’Brien about Jordan Peterson, BLM, Welcome to Country, and the growing politicisation of the AFL.
Five years ago, many AFL players “took the knee” before the first televised AFL match of the pandemic period.
It’s not exactly clear whether the gesture was performed because of supposed injustices, or whether it was just the “done thing” at the time. Whatever the case, BLM is a foreign organisation which has at various times called for the dismantling of the traditional nuclear family and the defunding of the police!
I doubt that many viewers would have been thrilled about the gesture if these policies had been discussed more openly, yet it went ahead nonetheless.
More recently, an acknowledgement of country ceremony informed those in attendance at a match that indigenous Australians have been conducting such ceremonies for over 250,000 years “before Cook”!
Many sports fans have been routinely subjected to not-so-subtle political messaging for years. Most fans simply want to watch the game but are being bombarded with political ideologies for their trouble. If you are anything like me then you are sick and tired of it.
I recently spoke with Adelaide Crows lead ruckman Reilly O’Brien about life inside and outside the AFL on my podcast ‘BASED’.
Reilly O’Brien on Woke Sports
Reilly O’Brien is an AFL player who is currently the first-choice ruckman for the Adelaide Crows. He has played for the Crows since 2014.
As well as having a successful career in the AFL, O’Brien holds a medical science degree from Flinders University and a Master of Neuroscience from King’s College. In 2024, O’Brien received the Jim Stynes award for his advocacy work relating to mental health with South Australian school students.
On this episode of BASED, Senator Antic and Reilly O’Brien discuss life in the AFL, the impact of neuroscience on preventing concussions in football, Jordan Peterson, and more.
Watch our conversation here:
Reilly and I discussed a range of topics including the diversity of opinions in the AFL and his own sources of inspiration.
I think that you will find Reilly’s thoughts very interesting.
2 Comments
Leave A Comment
Recent Articles:
15 July 2026
4.2 MINS
Multi-platinum rock band Skillet has achieved major mainstream success while openly maintaining a committed Christian faith, resisting industry pressure to downplay their evangelical beliefs. Lead singer John Cooper, known for his vocal faith, has testified to the power of the gospel, which the band brings to a global audience through their music.
15 July 2026
3.9 MINS
UK authorities are treating the murder of devout Christian and former British MP Ann Widdecombe as domestic terrorism.
15 July 2026
4.4 MINS
In an age when our Prime Minister openly jokes about 'shagging' and candidly discusses his marital sex life, we might think the question of modesty is settled. It's not. In fact, it's never been more urgent.
15 July 2026
16.4 MINS
Months of public statements by conspiracy theorist commentator Candace Owens about Charlie Kirk's death are facing a legal reckoning in Utah. As evidence mounts against Tyler Robinson and witnesses take the stand, her narrative is crumbling under courtroom scrutiny.
15 July 2026
4.6 MINS
Despite the medical pendulum swinging against it, a mainline American denomination has thrown its full support behind the crumbling facade of transgender medicine. The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted overwhelmingly to declare support for access 'transgender medical procedures'.
14 July 2026
3.9 MINS
The Greens are pushing an "anti-conversion practices" bill that goes further than anything we've seen in other states — and it should alarm every Australian Christian, parent, and, actually, everyone — not just Tasmanians. Please pray for Tasmania.
14 July 2026
3.7 MINS
Recent reporting — including statements from Israel’s new ambassador to Australia and a powerful press release from the Indigenous Friends of Israel — reveals a disturbing truth: antisemitism in Australia has surged. Australia is facing a moment of moral reckoning.
What ! Aborigines claiming they have been performing ” Welcome to Country” for 250, 000 years”before Cook “, and we are expected to believe this NONSENSE ! IMPOSSIBLE !Sadly, many Australians will swallow that Lie as the standard of education in Australia is very poor, mostly Leftist indoctrination which starts in Childcare.Time for Liberal Party if it wins govt to defund schools + universities which teach this + other RUBBISH ! I had no idea that footballers were kneeling to Black Lives Matter. Time to end all this compulsory ideology in sport + everywhere else. I turn my back to “Welcome to Country ” even though my children have Aboriginal ancestry .
Fed up with historic statues being desecrated+ Aboriginal names substituted for places!Claiming Pt Panorama , the last straw !When is someone going to put an end to this nonsense ?