The true story of Sir Doug Nicholls

A week after the AFL renamed Indigenous Round in his honour, Film maker Peter Dickson unveils his new film, paying tribute to Sir Doug Nicholls.

Sir Doug Nicholls playing AFL. (Nicholls family archive) Source: Supplied

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the above film contains images and voices of people who have died.

Last weekend the AFL celebrated Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.

All 18 AFL clubs wore Indigenous inspired guernseys and recognised Marngrook as the native game.

But although many may now have heard the name Sir Doug Nicholls, few know just how remarkable his story is.

Nicholls made an enormous contribution to Australian football and the nation as a whole.

AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and AFL Indigenous Advisory Council Chairman Paul Briggs in front of the statue of Sir Doug and Lady Nicholls. Source: AFL

Film maker Peter Dickson has produced a 15-minute short film on the life of Sir Doug Nicholls, chronicling his life from the Cummeragunja mission, to his AFL career and role as the South Australian Governor.

“Having the opportunity to tell his story was a privilege,” Mr Dickson said.

“Sir Doug’s extended family embraced me with warmth right from the start. They are fiercely proud of their father, grandfather, uncle and were extremely giving in helping to get his story across. 

“From the short time I have spent with them, I have found them to carry a lot of the qualities Sir Doug himself possessed - they have wonderful spirit and energy to continue the work of Sir Doug in Indigenous rights and awareness of past injustices.

“The impact on making the film has been personally significant, I have come out the other end with so much respect and admiration for Sir Doug and for his family,” said Dickson.

Aunty Pam Pedersen at AFL's launch of #Indigenous round dedicated to her late father Sir Doug Nicholls. Source: Danny Teece-Johnson

Aunty Pam Pedersen, Sir Doug Nicholls’ daughter, details in the film how her father was lightning fast on the field but spread the word of God as a Pastor before being Knighted.

“History has been created for the boy from Cummeragunja,” Aunty Pam said.

“My father is an icon of Australian Football, his contribution to the code, community and culture is the great untold story of the game.

“We look forward to sharing this story with the whole of Australia, maybe even the world,” she said

The 15 minute short film will be broadcast in NITV’s North East AFL program @ 9:30pm Tuesday, May 31. And replayed at 11am Wednesday.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the film contains images and voices of people who have died.