The AFL Players' Association congratulates West Coast Eagles star defender David Wirrpanda upon being named as one of the ten most influential indigenous people by The Bulletin magazine.

David's long term passionate advocacy on behalf of Indigenous people was recognised by the Bulletin with David being named number 9 by in the list of influential Indigenous people, put together by Mick Gooda, CEO of the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health.

David's tireless work with his David Wirrpanda Foundation, which sees David working with young Indigenous people in remote areas of Western Australia was recognised, with the Bulletin Magazine report stating:

"Wirrpanda, 28, has two public lives. Most think of him as the standout ball-clearing machine for the West Coast Eagles, though Gooda considers his work with the David Wirrpanda Foundation as exemplary. The foundation aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices and bring role models to meet remote Aboriginal kids.

"If I can help the kids even a little bit, I will be able to sleep each night," Wirrpanda says.

The suspicion is that we are only seeing the start of the influence Wirrpanda will have on his country. Highly articulate, always involved, Wirrpanda is a passionate young campaigner for bettering Aboriginal lives."

The list of the top 10 most influential Indigenous People, according to Mr Gooda is:

Tom Calma

(Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner)

Noel Pearson

(Aboriginal Activist and Leader)

Warren Mundine

(Former National President, Australian Labor Party)

Chris Sara

(Director, Indigenous Education Leadership Institute)

Tom Lewis

(Actor, Musician)

Rose Kunoth-Monks

(Leader and Tertiary Educator)

Sue Gordon

(Chair, National Indigenous Council)

John Mawurndjul

(Artist)

David Wirrpanda

(AFL Footballer and Educator)

Barbara Malarndirri

(Labor MP, Northern Territory Legislative Assembly)

In a 2008 a record number of Indigenous players featured in the AFL.

The AFL Players' Association, on behalf of all AFL players congratulates David on his nomination and his work with Indigenous people in Western Australia.