It’s the AFL’s Multicultural Round this week, and as part of its annual celebration of the cultural diversity of the game they have named a multicultural team of champions.

With the help of multicultural ambassadors including St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna, the initial squad of 50 will be trimmed to a final team of 22 in late August.

The team is made up of players who were either born overseas or have a parent that was, and twenty countries are represented in the initial squad.

Six of St Kilda’s very own champions made the list, including Stewart Loewe, Ian Stewart, Nick Riewoldt, Barry Breen, Roy Cazaly and George Heinz.

St Kilda’s contribution to the list all originate from European countries.

Loewe, Riewoldt and Heinz are of German descent, Barry Breen’s parents both originated from Ireland, Cazaly descends from an English/Scottish family whilst Stewart is half Italian.

Montagna, who has been assisting the AFL in promoting multiculturalism within Australian football believes Australia is lucky that anyone can play the game he loves.

“The AFL and football in general in Australia is very lucky that is can include anyone. To me, multiculturalism is just about inclusion,” Montagna said.

The slogan surrounding multicultural round this year is “Many cultures, one game” and the midfielder thinks it will encourage people from all backgrounds to play AFL.

“The whole idea of that slogan is just to encourage as many people to play the game from as many different cultures and to embrace the Australian community and football is a vehicle to do that.”

Leigh assisted in the making of the multicultural team of champions, and said it was similar to the celebration of Indigenous players.  

“It’s a celebration of all the past and present players that have a multicultural background. It’s similar to the Indigenous team of the century and promoting Indigenous players so we’re now expanding that and including multicultural players past and present.”