The indigenous carnival will be launched tonight at Maher Oval and the concept has received an enormous boost by the appearance of Sheedy.

Sheedy was recently appointed the inaugural coach of Team Greater Western Sydney and will meet and address the players on Saturday.

Sheedy will be joined by former Sydney Swans great Michael O’Loughlin, while Brisbane Lions premiership player Chris Johnson will be in Wagga on Friday to promote the carnival.

O’Loughlin believes the carnival will be the perfect opportunity to educate footballers.

“While the main focus of the day will be football, Saturday’s carnival also presents a unique opportunity to promote the benefits of education, employment and the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” O’Loughlin said.

“The AFL has seen close to 200 indigenous players who have made a career from playing football who are now role models are for many young players and their communities.

“This weekend presents a great opportunity to talk to young indigenous Australians about programs and initiatives that could benefit them as well as encourage them to stay in school or to enrol in training programs.”

Six teams will contest the one-day carnival, including the Wagga-based South West Magic.

The other five teams are Rumbalara FC (Shepparton), Narrangundra Warriors (Narrandera), Albury, Cowra and Northern Allies (Sydney-ACT).

Each team will play three games with round games consisting of two 20-minute halves.

The grand final will then be conducted over four 15-minute quarters.

A feature under-16 game will also be held as the curtain raiser to the grand final.