"From Ghana to the AFL: The Journey of Ghanaian-Australian Stars Redefining Australian Rules Football"

When Isaac Quaynor first set foot in his father's hometown in Ghana at the tender age of ten, he was enveloped in a warm embrace of familial love and cultural discovery. Yet, amidst the affection, a curious term echoed around him: 'obrouni.' In the Ghanaian language Twi, this word signifies someone from beyond the horizon, often referring to a white person. For Quaynor, a Melbourne-born child who identified as Ghanaian-Australian, this was a moment of cultural dissonance. Drafted by Collingwood with the 13th pick in the 2018 AFL draft and debuting in the AFL in 2019, Quaynor's journey through the Next Generation Academy, thanks to his Ghanaian heritage, was a testament to his unique identity.

"Growing up, I didn’t really know I was different, but I kind of did," Quaynor shared with ABC Sport, reflecting on the duality of his existence. "I thought maybe Ghana would be where I truly fit in, but I was naive." His trip to Ghana, though enriching, highlighted a lifelong journey of navigating identity. "In Australia, I'm the black guy. In Ghana, I'm the white person," he mused, capturing the essence of his experience.

Raised in a household steeped in Ghanaian culture, Quaynor's upbringing was a tapestry of church visits and community events, mirroring the experiences of many biracial individuals. In Australia, he was perceived as not 'Australian enough,' while in Ghana, he was an outsider. Yet, Quaynor has embraced these nuances, allowing them to forge connections throughout his life. "I can relate with lots of different types of people," he said, a testament to his resilience and adaptability.

In recent years, the AFL has become Quaynor's sanctuary, a place where he feels an undeniable sense of belonging. This sentiment resonates with fellow Ghanaian-Australian players like Joel Amartey of the Sydney Swans, Connor Idun of GWS, and Brandon Walker of Fremantle. Each with their own unique stories, yet all bound by a shared heritage rooted in Ghana.

Walker, raised in Ghana by a white-Australian father and a Ghanaian mother, recalls his early years in Kumasi, where the bustling streets and the taste of puff puff, a Ghanaian doughnut, are etched in his memory. After moving to Perth, Walker found himself amidst a mosaic of cultures, a testament to his mother's protective and morally grounded upbringing.

For Idun, born in the UK to Ghanaian parents before moving to Geelong, the journey to embracing his heritage has been gradual. "At times, it was embarrassing," he admitted, "but that's what makes this journey special." Reconnecting with his father and brother after a decade was a pivotal moment, opening his eyes to a familial realm he never knew.

Amartey's story intertwines with soccer, a sport deeply embedded in Ghanaian culture. His father, a former professional player, had dreams of his son following in his footsteps, dreams that shifted when Amartey embraced Australian Rules Football. Despite initial resistance, Amartey's father became his biggest fan, a testament to the power of familial bonds.

The AFL's commitment to multicultural inclusion is embodied in initiatives like the Next Generation Academy, which has paved the way for these players. Clubs have fostered environments that celebrate diverse cultures, allowing players to explore and express their heritage freely.

Quaynor, now part of Collingwood's leadership group, envisions a legacy beyond the field. "I dream of organizing something through the AFL with other African players," he expressed, hoping to introduce the sport to Ghana, potentially transforming lives as it did his.

In the tapestry of Australian Rules Football, the threads of Ghanaian-Australian players are woven with stories of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. Their journeys reflect a broader narrative of diversity and inclusion, enriching the sport and inspiring future generations.