"Unfortunately, despite greater education towards tolerance of persons of all races, racial vilification still happens in the AFL... It is timely to consider whether more can be done to address more entrenched and subtle discriminatory attitudes and practices," Mr Cubillo said.

Cubillo has cited issues of racial vilification, increased levels of scrutiny placed on the players and the cultural issues faced when players move from remote communities in the Northern Territory, to large, populated cities such as Melbourne.

To decrease the number of players lost to the game and increase retention of Indigenous players, Cubillo has asked for more support, both in terms of facilities and counselling.

"One option would be to develop and implement a communal apartment/boarding school style complex in each AFL city in which Indigenous draftees can stay and receive support, irrespective of which team they play for," Mr Cubillo wrote.

Previously there have been issues with racial vilification during games, both from fans and opposition players.

In 2011, Western Bulldogs midfielder Justin Sherman was suspended for 4 games for racially vilifying a Gold Coast Suns player.

During a SANFL match, Port Adelaide’s Danyle Pearce was subject to racial abuse from a spectator in 2011, along with former player, Daniel Motlop. 

Another highlighted issue was Melbourne Demon forward Liam Jurrah’s arrest over the pre-season, charged with unlawfully causing serious harm and being armed with an offensive weapon, after a machete brawl in Alice Springs.

Cubillo believes supported housing would keep these players in the game.

"The provision of this type of complex would allow the employment of staff/housekeepers who are familiar with the cultural issues experienced by young Indigenous people," Mr Cubillo said.

"Meals and transport to and from training could be arranged, along with other measures that would give the Indigenous players every opportunity to succeed."

Image: afl.com.au