In the world of Australian sports, we often witness a peculiar phenomenon that could be likened to a draft - not for players, but for causes worthy of our compassion. This "Compassion Draft" reveals how Australians selectively choose which issues to support and which to criticize, even within the same sporting code.

The Australian Football League (AFL) has long been at the forefront of combating racism in sport. Since 1995, when after Nicky Winmar's famou stance, and Michael Long organised a First Nations player strike, the league has been forced to implement and continuously updated its vilification rules, now known as the Peek Rule, to address racial discrimination both on and off the field.

Despite these efforts, the AFL still faces criticism regarding its anti-racism initiatives. While 'Dreamtime at the G' and Sir Doug Nicholls Round is generally a success, often selling out, online, barrages of racist comments can be found.

Contrast this with the overwhelming support for the Big Freeze event, even on social media, which raises awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. Spearheaded by AFL legend Neale Daniher, the Big Freeze has become a beloved fixture of the AFL calendar, drawing massive crowds and raising millions of dollars. The event sees nearly 80,000 fans donning blue beanies, united in their support for Daniher's cause.

This stark difference in public reception, in particulat online, highlights a classic example of selective compassion. While both initiatives aim to make positive changes, one faces ongoing scrutiny while the other enjoys near-universal acclaim. And the rality is, both are a big issue, and both cause a breakdown to one's physical body, as it is proven that racism causes physical illness.

It's as if Australians have "drafted" the fight against MND as their top pick for compassion, while leaving anti-racism efforts on the board for later rounds.

The reasons for this disparity are complex. The Big Freeze benefits from Daniher's personal story and his status as a beloved figure in Australian sport. His courageous battle with MND has touched many hearts, making it easy for people to rally behind his cause. Additionally, the event's festive atmosphere and celebrity involvement contribute to its popularityonline and in person. 

On the other hand, addressing racism in sport often involves uncomfortable conversations and confronting personal biases. It requires ongoing effort and self-reflection from all involved, which can be challenging for some fans to embrace fully.

This selective compassion extends beyond sports. In various aspects of society, we see people more readily empathise with certain causes while remaining indifferent or even hostile to others. This tendency can lead to inconsistent moral standards and undermine social cohesion.

As we navigate this "Compassion Draft," it's crucial to recognize our biases and strive for a more balanced approach. While it's commendable to support causes like the Big Freeze, we must also acknowledge and address systemic issues like racism with equal vigor. Only by broadening our compassion can we hope to create a truly inclusive and equitable society, both in sports and beyond.

In the end, compassion shouldn't be a limited resource that we draft and allocate sparingly. Instead, it should be an abundant wellspring that we tap into for all worthy causes, regardless of our personal comfort or the popularity of the issue at hand. By doing so, we can ensure that all important social issues receive the attention and support they deserve, creating a more just and empathetic world for everyone