Michael Johnson wishes there was a program like Footy Means Business when he was an aspiring AFL footballer.

The program provides talent and employment opportunities for young Indigenous men from all over Australia. It consists of two camps, and during the program participants are exposed to the routine of a professional AFL player, including high performance testing, training and conditioning.

Johnson will assist former Melbourne Demon Aaron Davey in coaching the Footy Means Business squad when they play in the curtain raiser to the West Coast Eagles v AFL Indigenous All Stars match on 20 February at Medibank Stadium.

He said the program was a great initiative by the AFL.

“The AFL didn’t have a program like this back in the day,” Johnson said.

“It’s something I would have loved to be involved in, but lucky for these guys they have the chance to get amongst a good program and be amongst the All Stars next week.

“I’ll be helping out… coaching them. Hopefully, I’ll do all right for the boys.”

The Footy Means Business Squad will also play in the curtain raiser before the Dreamtime at the ‘G game between Essendon and Richmond in round 9 later this year.

“Hopefully some of these guys can perform in front of the scouts out there and hopefully we’ll see them in AFL colours in the next couple of years,” Johnson said.

The West Coast Eagles v AFL Indigenous All Stars game will commence at 6:10pm on 20 February at Medibank Stadium, Leederville.

Gates will open from 3pm for the Footy Means Business curtain raiser and a pre-match ceremony including Indigenous cultural performances.

Further match details including the final AFL Indigenous All Stars squad will be released closer to 20 February.