But it should come as no shock that former Brocklesby footballer Tony Armstrong is the man breaking new ground.

Armstrong's career on the field never reached the heights of a Shaun Burgoyne or Adam Goodes but 35 games across six seasons with three clubs shows the southern Riverina boy's nothing if not resilient.

He created history in 2014 when, after playing for Collingwood's VFL side during the day, he was called up as a late emergency for the Magpies' AFL side that night, clocking up 25km across eight quarters of football.

Since his career at the top level has finished, Armstrong has proven himself to be an accomplished media performer, calling for the National Indigenous Radio Service.

Like many of us across the Border region, Armstrong was moved by The Final Quarter documentary which detailed the racism experienced by Goodes, who was once his hero but is now a mate.

Armstrong wrote a powerful piece for the Players Voice website, lamenting the fact that in the wake of the fallout "white men who would have no idea what racial vilification is and how it can affect you (were contacted but) my phone didn't ring once".

Armstrong's voice will be front and centre for Triple M on Sunday in what could be a grand final preview between Richmond and the West Coast Eagles.

The former Murray High School student hopes his journey can inspire the next wave of young Indigenous boys and girls and show them that anything is possible.

"To be the first Aboriginal caller on commercial radio is something I'm really proud of. I'm a big believer in seeing and hearing more black voices across mainstream media, at the moment there just aren't enough," he said.

"Being able to do something I'm so passionate about while representing my people and breaking a glass ceiling is an honour and not something I take for granted."

We join him in hoping that Sunday is the first of many matches at the top level.