This article contains references to racism.
Victoria Police is investigating after AFL great Eddie Betts shared footage on social media showing children being racially abused as they played basketball in a front yard.
The AFL and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan are among those who have condemned the racial abuse on Friday as "sickening" and "another example of overt racism" which this time, targets children.
Betts, a Wirangu, Kokatha and Guburn man, posted the clip to social media on Thursday, showing a white car driving by as the children played basketball.
A male is heard repeatedly shouting a racial slur as the car goes by, before the children leave the court.
"Aboriginal kids deserve to be able to play safely, free from racism and abuse over the fence," Betts wrote on Instagram.
"We are not even safe in our own homes.
"If you know who this is please let me them know that I'm open to having a chat about how much this hurts our kids."
Victoria Police confirmed to SBS News on Friday afternoon that it had received information regarding "verbal racial abuse toward children outside a property in Glen Iris on 28 March".
Police allege a vehicle drove past the property just after 8:30pm and someone yelled from the window before the car drove away.
"The matter is currently being investigated," a spokesperson said.
Earlier, Victoria Police said it was aware of a video circulating but had not received an official complaint about the incident.
"Victoria Police take these matters very seriously," it said.
"Crimes motivated by prejudice cause serious harm to victims, often leaving them, and their communities, feeling vulnerable, threatened and isolated.
"Victoria Police do not tolerate violence, including that which is motivated by prejudice, racism or discrimination."
'Overt racism targeting children playing sport'
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and general manager for inclusion Tanya Hosch said the behaviour has no place in sport or wider society.
"We must express our strongest condemnation against another example of overt racism, this time targeting children playing sport in their own front yard," the pair said in a statement.
"We acknowledge the leadership of Eddie Betts for bringing this to national attention. Racism is wrong. Racism is harmful. Racism requires a response.
"The AFL takes this opportunity to remind everyone at all levels of the game, that racist behaviour is never welcome."
The AFL said representatives had offered support to the Betts family on Friday morning.
Betts has previously spoken out about racism experienced by Indigenous AFL players and has been subjected to racist attacks on and off the field.
Eddie Betts played 350 AFL games. Source: AAP / Michael Dodge
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge further addressed the incident at his weekly press conference on Friday morning, saying it made him angry and emotional.
"Obviously, as a club ... everyone has put something out there to express their support and love and concern for the Betts family," Beveridge said.
"Quite simply, it just makes my blood boil.
"Everyone feels the same. I hope everyone does."
In a follow-up message on Instagram, Betts said: "thanks everyone for your support".
"It's not going to stop the kids from playing ball."
'We stand with you, Eddie'
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also condemned the incident and offered her support to Betts' family.
"It is sickening and disgusting that kids playing basketball in their own backyard have to be subject to such disgusting racial abuse," she said.
"He has talked a lot about his own personal experience with racism and he has been a strong and proud Indigenous man."
The AFL Players' Association also offered support, calling the incident awful.
"No one should ever have to experience this. We stand with you Eddie," the group wrote.
Federal MP for Higgins, in Melbourne's southeast, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, said she had experienced similar situations.
"As a person of colour, I have dealt with this too," she said.
"Now I stare down the haters. The children belong here, they make our community more vibrant and stronger.
"They should not fear being here."
Betts played 350 games for Carlton and Adelaide before retiring in 2021. He was named in the All-Australian team three times and won four AFL Goal of the Year awards.
At his retirement announcement, Betts said he was tired of fighting racism and declared the AFL was not a safe environment for Indigenous players.
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