Adelaide midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen only knew half his family growing up.
Cam was raised by his mother, Kylie - a member of the Stolen Generation - and his adoptive grandparents.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my nanna and my grandpa” Cam told The Crows Show, brought to you by Optus.
“I owe them so much, they helped me through schooling and getting to where I am as a footballer and a person.”
It wasn’t until he was older that Cam was introduced to his Indigenous heritage in Ceduna.
“Unfortunately I didn’t get to know that side of my family until I was older,” he said.
“Coming over to Ceduna helps me re-engage with my family and meet new members.
“Because I play footy, I don’t get to come up here as much as I would like.”
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Although Cam wasn’t able to embrace his Indigenous ancestry until later in life, he now sees himself as lucky to have two strong family networks.
“I love my family, and the way I’ve grown up... I’ve made the best of both situations,” he said.
“Obviously (I’m) coming from different circumstances to most people.
“But I’m just happy to be where I am and to have the support of family on both sides.”
Earlier this year, Cam travelled with a group of Crows players to host a clinic in Ceduna.
Speaking to the kids involved, he had one clear message for those dreaming to play AFL.
“I try and tell the kids, (play) as much football as you can,” he said.
“Whether it’s going to clinics, playing club footy, local footy, a kick with your mates…
“It’s the best way to get you where you want to go.”
Also on The Crows Show this week, Chayce Jones fires questions at Brodie Smith, Andrew McLeod discusses his Indigenous guernsey design and Don Pyke meets Triple M’s Chris Dittmar on the golf green.
The Crows Show will air on Sunday at 11.30am on Channel 7.