A new comedy drama series set in the world of AFL is filming in Melbourne for ABC.

The Warriors stars Lisa McCune, John Howard and Vince Colosimo and emerging Indigenous actors.

It will also feature Indigenous writers and directors including Jon Bell (Cleverman), Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and newcomer Tracey Rigney.

The 8 part series is created by Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Barracuda), and explores the elite world of professional sport through the eyes of recruits and established players living in a share house.

According to the press release, “With temptation at every turn and a lot of football, there’s no guarantee these young men will run through the banner for the first game of the season.”

The cast includes Lisa McCune as the team’s communications manager, Vince Colosimo as coach and John Howard as club president -a nod to his 1980s role in The Club.

18 year old Gordan Churchill from the Kimberley will make his acting debut as Maki, the number one draft pick. WAAPA graduate Nelson Baker plays Zane, the number five draft pick. Ben Knight, Reece Milne (Home and Away) and newcomer Tasia Zalar also feature.

“What attracted us to this project was both the concept of following four mischievous footballers experiencing the highs, lows and often funny situations of life as an elite athlete, as well as the opportunity for Indigenous creatives to partner with highly regarded practitioners and accelerate along their career trajectory” said Penny Smallacombe, Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia.

“Film Victoria is delighted to be supporting the team behind The Warriors and also providing skills development opportunities for a number of Victorian Indigenous screen practitioners” said Jenni Tosi, CEO at Film Victoria.

“The Warriors is a wild ride that sees our characters teeter between temptation and dedication with the added layer of cross-cultural relations. It’s brilliant to be able to deal with this subject matter through a no-holds-barred comedy” said Sally Riley, the Head of Scripted Production.

It will air in 2017.

Directed by Adrian Russell Wills (Wentworth), Beck Cole (Black Comedy), Steven McGregor (Croker Island Exodus, Redfern Now) and straight from a director’s attachment on Alien: Covenant with Ridley Scott – Catriona McKenzie (The Circuit, Redfern Now and The Gods of Wheat Street). Produced by Arenamedia with John Harvey.

Produced by Arenamedia with the assistance of Screen Australia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Film Victoria. Worldwide distribution by Entertainment One (eOne).

Production Credits: An Arenamedia production in association with Screen Australia, ABC and Film Victoria. Written by Jon Bell, Tracey Rigney, Tony Briggs. Directed by Adrian Russell Wills, Beck Cole, Steven McGregor and Catriona McKenzie. Story Producer Justin Monjo. Produced by Robert Connolly, John Harvey and Liz Kearney. Screen Australia Executive Producer: Penny Smallacombe. ABC Executive Producers: Sally Riley and Jo Bell. eOne Executive Producer: Jude Troy.

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