The decorated Crow boasts an impressive list of achievements, including two premierships, two Norm Smith medals, five All-Australian selections and three best and fairest awards, but his parting message to the game’s indigenous players was as much about off-field actions as it was about football.
McLeod, who grew up idolising Michael ‘Magic’ McLean, has been a role model for kids - indigenous and non-indigenous— across the country for the past 16 years.
A few months ago he wrote a letter to each of the other 83 indigenous players in the competition, urging them to embrace their own positions as role models in the indigenous community.
Young Adelaide defender Tony Armstrong said the letter was the indigenous games record holder’s last selfless act in the game.
“It speaks volumes of Bunji and his character that he would send a letter to 83 guys off his own bat. He always looks out for other people ahead of himself and he’s very passionate about the Aboriginal culture,” Armstrong said.
“He basically told us to make the most of the position that we’re all in. As footballers we’re seen as role models especially by people in the indigenous community and he encouraged us to embrace that position and to use it to have a positive influence.
“Our race has been a bit maligned ... but people like Bunji, Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and Michael Long have worked hard to improve our standing in the community and it’s important we continue that work, so that people, regardless of their race, see the proud culture that we are.”
McLeod started his retirement speech on Monday by addressing and thanking the Kaurna people - the traditional owners of the land on which AAMI Stadium sits.
The star onballer/defender identified two of his greatest achievements as representing the Aboriginal All-stars and being named in the Indigenous Team of the Century, and said he hoped to continue his work with the indigenous community through the AFL.
“It’s nice to be seen as a strong leader amongst my people,” McLeod said.
“I’ve always tried to be a good role model and for me being a good role model is some of the best leadership you can provide.”
