Knights player Ashley Gordon honoured in indigenous jersey design
IMAGINE being a player and almost 20 years after you hang up the boots, you receive a jersey that becomes your most treasured. For Ashley Gordon, that is what happened.
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IMAGINE being a player and almost 20 years after you hang up your boots, you receive a 2018 jersey that becomes your most treasured.
For former Newcastle player Ashley Gordon, that is what happened.
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As NRL Indigenous round kicks off tonight [Thursday] the Knights’ original player will see his family history take the field against the Panthers in a jersey that now takes pride of place in the Gordon household.
“It’s going to have a special place this one,” he said.
“I was given the first indigenous jersey this club made as a gift for being the first player signed, so I have that at home in a frame. I don’t know what to do with that one now!”
Gordon was 17 when he signed the first Newcastle Knights contract in 1987 and though he wouldn’t make his debut with the club until 1989 because of his age, he went on to take the field 71 times in the red and blue between then and 1995.
In 1990 he achieved another milestone for the club, earning their first Dally M honours when he was named winger of the year.
But this moment in 2018 rates just as high. This Indigenous jersey has brought together his love for his club with his love for his family.
“Playing for the Knights, it was a very special part of my life. It’s a game, but it means a lot to me to be part of this club,” he said.
“Then you join that with your family and your history, it’s a great initiative and makes it more special to see my mum’s heritage on top of that jersey.
“It demonstrates for us, Aboriginal people around Australia, how important rugby league is to Aboriginal families.”
The Knights jersey — designed by local Indigenous artist Elise Randell — features the totems of Gordon, Connor Watson, Owen Craigie and Timana Tahu.
Gordon’s totem is a turtle for his mother’s heritage, as well as an echidna, which has special meaning on his father’s side.
After his father was turned down to marry his mother, he was driving home and found six echidnas on the road.
His father took them to Gordon’s grandparents to show he was worthy. It worked.
It is these stories, Gordon says, that make this Knights jersey special.
“People can do designs, but the designs have to have stories. When we look at artwork and we look at that jersey itself, to me it’s very powerful and it’s genuine. It’s authentic.”