Sporting the sox of the Essendon Australian Rules team , the above unusual work of art , inspired by Essendon champion Michael Long's trek from Melbourne to Canberra as a protest against Prime Minister John Howard's refusal to make an apology to the Stolen Generation , has been offered to the Museum and Art Gallery Board of the Northern Territory, Darwin . It was created by agronomist Robert Wesley-Smith , founding member of the NT Council for Civil Liberties , keen footballer , involved in numerous indigenous issues .
In 1993 Michael Long , a top Northern Territory footballer, playing for Essendon , was named the Norm Smith Medalist . After 10 days into his walk to Canberra , PM Howard agreed to see Long and discuss the issue .
In 1993 Michael Long , a top Northern Territory footballer, playing for Essendon , was named the Norm Smith Medalist . After 10 days into his walk to Canberra , PM Howard agreed to see Long and discuss the issue .
The above photograph was taken at the Bullocky Point gallery , minus a hat marked M. Long , stolen while on display at a Northern Territory Library Timor Leste function where Wesley-Smith spoke several days previously . Over the years , the artwork has changed somewhat in appearance .
On display at an early public function , the object , made from an inverted tree , had different footwear and non Essendon sox , a hat clearly marked M. Long .
Inside the Wesley-Smith residence, in a commanding position , above , this is another view of the figure , with an explanation strip . Each time the figure is put on display it attracts much attention and comment , people taking photos of and with it .
Impressed by the object , in another slightly different configuration , was renowned AFL player and coach , Kevin Sheedy , centre , with Wesley-Smith , right, and Wanderers Football Club official Darryl Window , at the 100th anniversary of the club in the Northern Territory Football League , Darwin , last month . At the function , attended by 400, the object received much attention. Sheedy has been deeply involved with Aboriginal communities in the north , urging them to become involved in football, and supported anti-vilification laws in the game .
At night, Wesley-Smith does a lot of walking about his rural property - killing large numbers of cane toads , their croaking deafening , brought out by the heavy rain which has lashed the Top End .
