Adelaide Premiership star Troy Bond has always had a passion for Aboriginal culture and helping fellow Aboriginal people understand where they come from.
Despite being unsure exactly what career-path he wanted to go down post-football, Bond always knew what his passion was.
Fortunately, the former small forward has been able to combine his love with his work.
“When I finished playing football, it was like ‘What do I do now?’,” Bond told AFC Media.
“But I always thought if I could get a job somehow working with an Aboriginal community in some form, it would be great.
“I was lucky enough that it happened.”
The now 48-year-old is AnglicareSA’s Aboriginal Cultural Practitioner and works with Indigenous youths.
“I’ve only been in the role (at Anglicare) for about four months now.
“But it’s about making sure these kids are getting as much (knowledge) on their culture as they can growing up.
“I’ve always loved working with kids, whether that was while I was playing, and now with my work life.
“I enjoy seeing kids develop to be the best they can be and be proud of themselves, being Aboriginal and growing up in community.”
Bond’s work with Indigenous communities began when he hung up his AFL boots at the end of the 1999 season.
He spent 14 years with the SA Government in the Drug and Alcohol Services, before becoming a Project Manager to help reduce smoking within Aboriginal communities.
“I enjoy working in the Aboriginal community and giving back,” Bond said.
“Hopefully my work can assist and benefit people to make their lives better in some way, if possible.
“I just like to see people in the Aboriginal community given the chance to be the best they can be.”
Bond, who played 58 games in four seasons at the Crows including the 1997 Premiership after being traded to Adelaide from Carlton, also co-hosted a radio show post-footy.
The radio show was called ‘Corka Yarnin’ (Deadly/Good Talking) and interviewed stars and celebrities of the Aboriginal Community.
“It ran for over 10 years, though, and promoted positive activities and information in the Aboriginal community,” Bond said.
“We used to talk to workers in the community, Aboriginal sports stars - we spoke to a lot of Crows and Port stars which was fantastic.
“But that stopped about seven or eight years ago.”
Bond, who is a proud father-of-four, is known for booting four goals in the 1997 Grand Final win against St Kilda, including the sealer.
Playing in Adelaide’s inaugural flag decider victory was extra special for Bond who was left out of the Blues’ 1995 Grand Final team.
Bond says he still supports the Crows and watches games when he can but much of his time is taken up by spending time with his family, including his children Blake 21, Jordan, 18, Kristin, 12, and Tre, 10.
“I still love watching football but I probably don’t watch as much as I used to,” Bond said.
“I’ve got a family which keeps me busy and they’ve just started playing football in the past couple of years, which is great.
“I enjoy having the opportunity to watch my kids play, it’s all about making sure they’re having fun.
“Being a parent is the best thing, I absolutely love it and it’s great to see your kids grow up.”
Bond returned to the Crows on Wednesday as part of his role with Anglicare, helping to give young Indigenous children a chance to mix with their favourite Crows players.
“The Club’s Crows Foundation has been fantastic and they invited us down,” Bond said.
“Some of the families and First Nation kids were able to watch the Crows train and it was absolutely fantastic to see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
