Sean Gorman might not be a North Melbourne supporter, but he knows more about two of the club’s greatest players than most.

A research Fellow at Curtin University, Gorman is the author of Brother Boys, the story of Jim and Phil Krakouer and he was a special guest at Aegis Park on for The Huddle’s Indigenous Academy.

Speaking to 50 young students and their parents, Gorman spoke about the groundbreaking Krakouer brothers and said he was thoroughly impressed by the work North is doing through its Indigenous initiatives.

“I think the program you’re running here is really great. In terms of engaging the community, particularly the Indigenous community, it is absolutely vital and North Melbourne is leading the way in this area,” Gorman told kangaroos.com.au.

“To see the turn out here today is really fantastic, given the legacy North Melbourne has from a football perspective with their Indigenous players is really positive.”

Growing up in the same town as the Krakouer’s in Mount Barker Western Australia, Gorman got to know all about the struggles these young Indigenous footballers had to face and it has made him passionate about encouraging others.

“There are so many stories of difficulty, pain and challenges that a lot of our great Indigenous players have gone through which these kids wouldn’t know about. It’s good to be educated on the things these guys went through to show the students how setting goals helped improve their life.

“It’s always important to talk about these challenging things and football is a different way of approaching it.”

Gorman believes Australian rules football is extra special to Aboriginal people and it has the power to make a positive change, unlike any other.

“The game speaks to many Australians but it speaks to Indigenous Australians very specifically I think. Players who played back in the old days, this was their way out, it was their way to engage with other people in the community and change people’s perspective.

“It’s not just about the amazing things they can do on the footy field but to see how it has impacted people’s lives in a broader, historical sense is very significant.

Despite his Western Australian roots, Gorman will always have a connection with the Kangaroos.

“Even though I’m a Fremantle supporter, North Melbourne have a soft spot for me in my heart. It’s a wonderful organisation to be a part of and I’m very lucky to have had the opportunities and experiences I’ve had with the players and officials here.”