Visions of Buddy: Tabuai-Fidow Gets to Fulfill MCG Dream For years, Isaiah Tabuai-Fidow dreamed of following in the footsteps of his hero, Indigenous AFL legend Buddy Franklin. On Thursday night, that dream became a reality as the young forward made his debut for the Sydney Swans at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Growing up in the remote Indigenous community of Maningrida in the Northern Territory, Tabuai-Fidow was captivated by Franklin’s exploits on the field. He would spend hours practicing his kicking and marking, dreaming of one day playing on the AFL’s biggest stage. “Buddy Franklin was my idol. I used to watch him play and try to copy everything he did,” Tabuai-Fidow said. “He was the reason I wanted to become an AFL player.” Tabuai-Fidow’s talent eventually caught the eye of Swans scouts, and he was drafted to the club in 2021. After a year of development in the VFL, he was finally ready for his MCG debut. The occasion was not lost on the 19-year-old. As the Swans ran out onto the ground, Tabuai-Fidow felt a surge of pride and emotion. “It was an amazing feeling. I had dreamed of playing at the MCG for so long, and it was finally happening,” he said. While the Swans ultimately lost to Richmond, Tabuai-Fidow gave a glimpse of his potential with a strong debut performance. He kicked a goal, took several impressive marks, and showed off his blistering pace. After the game, Tabuai-Fidow was greeted by Franklin, who congratulated him on his debut. It was a moment that both players will cherish forever. “It was surreal to have Buddy come up to me after the game,” Tabuai-Fidow said. “He told me to keep working hard and that I had a bright future ahead of me.” Tabuai-Fidow’s MCG debut is a testament to the power of dreams and the transformative nature of sport. It is a story that inspires hope and shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination. As Tabuai-Fidow continues his AFL journey, he will carry the memory of his MCG debut with him. It will fuel his motivation and remind him of the countless people who believe in him. And who knows, one day he may even emulate his idol and become a Swans legend in his own right.Micheál Martin Appoints Jack Chambers as Fianna Fáil’s New Deputy LeaderMicheál Martin Appoints Jack Chambers as Fianna Fáil’s New Deputy Leader Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and leader of Fianna Fáil, has announced the appointment of Jack Chambers as the party’s new deputy leader. The news follows the recent resignation of Simon Coveney as Taoiseach and Leo Varadkar as Tánaiste. Chambers, 33, has been a member of the Dáil since 2016 and has held several ministerial positions, most recently as Minister of State for Transport. In a statement, Martin praised Chambers’ commitment to politics and his recent success as Fianna Fáil’s director of elections for the local elections. He noted that Chambers had “demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to political life” throughout his career. Chambers’ appointment marks the end of a four-year period without a deputy leader for Fianna Fáil. The previous deputy leader, Dara Calleary, resigned in August 2020.Visions of Buddy: Tabuai-Fidow gets to fulfill MCG dream After dreaming of playing at the iconic MCG for as long as he can remember, young indigenous star Maurice Tabuai-Fidow will finally get his chance when he dons the famous navy blue guernsey for Carlton in Thursday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash against Richmond. The 20-year-old speedster has been one of the Blues’ most exciting players since crossing from Greater Western Sydney at the end of 2021, and he is relishing the opportunity to showcase his talents on one of footy’s grandest stages. “It’s a dream come true,” Tabuai-Fidow said. “I’ve always wanted to play at the MCG, and to do it in a Dreamtime game makes it even more special. “It’s going to be a big moment for me and my family, and I can’t wait to run out there and make them proud.” Tabuai-Fidow is one of a number of indigenous players who will take to the MCG on Thursday night, and he is hoping that the occasion can inspire other young indigenous kids to follow their dreams. “I want to show them that anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” he said. “I’m living proof that you can achieve anything you want if you work hard and never give up.” Tabuai-Fidow’s journey to the MCG has been far from easy. He grew up in a remote indigenous community in Western Australia, and he had to overcome a number of challenges to make it to the AFL. But he never gave up on his dream, and he eventually made his AFL debut for the Giants in 2021. He played 11 games for the Giants before requesting a trade to Carlton at the end of the season. Tabuai-Fidow has been a revelation for the Blues this season, playing 11 games and kicking 12 goals. He has quickly become a fan favorite, and he is expected to play a key role in Carlton’s push for finals this year. On Thursday night, he will get the chance to fulfill his dream of playing at the MCG. It will be a special moment for him, his family, and the entire indigenous community.