Medal for oval ball convert

By Paul Pickering
SUDANESE-born refugee Duol Yoy couldn’t stand Aussie Rules when he arrived in Melbourne via Ethiopia in 2007.
His cousin, who arrived two years earlier, was already a convert to the game, but Yoy would complain every time the footy came on television.
“When I first came here I didn’t even know what footy was,” the Springvale South resident laughed on Saturday.
“He would turn it on the TV every Saturday and Friday night and we would fight over it, because I thought it was really boring.”
Yoy has certainly changed his tune, because nothing could wipe the smile off his face after he received the MPNFL’s Spirit of Football Award on Saturday.
The award is presented weekly by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation in a bid to encourage fair play on the field and mutual respect among young people.
Yoy, a lanky 17-year-old ruckman for Keysborough’s under-18 side, was a popular choice as the recipient for round seven.
After playing juniors for Noble Park last season, his development – and sheer enthusiasm – has been one of the good news stories of the season for the undermanned Burra 18s.
Coach Nick Costello is one of his biggest fans.
“He’s just blown everyone at the footy clubs away,” Costello said. “He plays in the ruck for four quarters and runs out a whole game.
“His skills were a bit scrappy to start off, but now he’s taking marks, hitting targets and getting right into the spirit of things.”
The mobile big man has been named in his side’s best players in every game this season.
And despite the club’s struggles, Yoy is enjoying every minute on the ground.
“I’m having fun – this is a good game,” he said.
“I still struggle with the marking, picking the ball up and making good decisions, but I just want to learn quickly.”
Footy has also been an important social vehicle for Yoy, who is now very much one of the boys at Rowley Allen Reserve.
“I think sporting culture is the Australian way,” he said.
After growing up with the round ball game, Yoy said he would have no hesitation in encouraging youngsters from all cultural backgrounds to embrace the local code.
And with participation rates in Greater Dandenong plummeting, Costello believes Yoy could become an important ambassador for the game.
“Duol has plenty of friends who come down and watch him play, so it’s definitely an avenue for Keysborough and other clubs to look at,” he said.