Teenager Bailey O’Neil carries a huge weight on his lean shoulders — and he couldn’t be happier.
The left-footed defender is part of the next wave of young talent coming through the ranks of the A-League, but earning his first professional contract has come with a self-imposed responsibility.
“If I can do as well as I can and perform on the pitch, I can try and influence young Indigenous kids to play the game,” he said.
It’s no small task, given the damning numbers at senior levels.
The 18-year-old Adelaide United defender, and Arrernte and Yankunytjatjara man, is one of just three male Indigenous players on an A-League squad list this season, alongside Perth Glory veteran David Williams and Western United’s Tate Russell.
Adelaide United’s Bailey O’Neil dribbles the ball during a training session at Hindmarsh Stadium. (Adelaide United: Courtney Pedlar)
It’s a statistic that dismays former Socceroo and now Adelaide United assistant coach Travis Dodd, who believes blanket coverage of rival codes — namely the AFL and NRL — is a major reason.
“Kids can see their heroes [from those codes] on TV any week, any given day,” Dodd said.
“Whether they’re playing or if it’s a media opportunity, they see these Indigenous stars regularly.”
The young O’Neil defied that trend — growing up, he found himself most strongly drawn to neither Australian Rules nor rugby league, but the world game.
The explosive, powerful Dodd was his inspiration.
“Travis was my idol growing up. I watched him play for Adelaide and for the Socceroos,” O’Neil said.
“He was the first Indigenous player to score for the Socceroos. That really inspired me a lot.”
O’Neil has represented Australia at junior levels. (Instagram: _baileyoneil)
Dodd is doing everything he can to ensure O’Neil makes it in the tough world of professional football.
Their association began last year, when Dodd formed a team to compete in a First Nations cup in Queensland and joined O’Neil on the field.
Dodd has since been appointed to Adelaide United’s coaching staff, and will focus on developing the club’s younger players, including O’Neil.
Dodd said that, on the pitch, his young charge demonstrated obvious “street smarts”.
“He’s got great aggression,” Dodd said.
“I saw that when I was coaching against the Adelaide United NPL [National Premier Leagues] team last year.”
‘I want to be a role model’
The speedy O’Neil is lapping up Dodd’s advice and is intent on “listening to him, learning from him”.
“He’s had a very successful career in the A-League,” O’Neil said.
“He talks to me every training, every day, [and I] just try and listen to him and take some of his advice and keep improving.”
O’Neil with possession of the ball during a drill at training. (Adelaide United: Courtney Pedlar)
O’Neil is yet to make his senior debut but wants to play as many minutes as possible this season.
However, he’s waiting behind captain Ryan Kitto for a starting spot in defence.
His aim, like so many footballing youngsters, is to eventually play in Europe.
But he believes he carries a much bigger responsibility than mere personal glory.
“I want to be a role model to the younger Indigenous kids and they can look up to me,” he said.
Football Australia seeks to improve pathways
Governing body Football Australia recognises that the low number of Indigenous players at senior level is a problem and a challenge.
It has already set up a National Indigenous Advisory Group and appointed a First Nations General Manager, and is currently seeking a Programs and Pathways Manager to “design, implement, and manage football programs tailored to First Nations communities”.
In the meantime, Travis Dodd is backing not just O’Neil, but his push to get more Indigenous children playing football.
“You try and make progress, and I certainly feel like we’re trying. It’s just baby steps,” he said.
“We can get that ball rolling.
“[I’d] love to see it snowball into an avalanche and hopefully we can see an influx of players in years to come.”
