New-look AFL Indigenous guernseys are simply stunning

AFL teams are going to look better than ever when they step onto the field this weekend and next sporting a very different appearance.

The AFL community will celebrate the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the sport this weekend and next with the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Nicholls was the first Aboriginal person to be knighted, and served as Governor of South Australia after his 54-game career at Fitzroy.

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The AFL’s 18 clubs have unveiled their awesome guernsey designs ahead of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round — which helps kick off Indigenous Sport Month — and there are some absolute belters among them.

Indigenous Sport Month will highlight the athletic and moral heroism of Indigenous athletes, but also the moments that inspire, signify progress, and bring change.

The goal of Indigenous Sport Month is to engage, educate and empower all Australians on the successes, challenges and triumphs of Indigenous athletes.

Fremantle

Designed by former player Des Headland, AFLW player Mikayla Morrison and Indigenous artist Kevin Bynder, Fremantle’s Indigenous guernsey acknowledges the tragic loss of at least 373 Aboriginal men at a Rottnest Island prison camp between 1838 and 1931.

“It will be very emotional (to play in the jumper) and I’ll be really honoured,” Morrison said.

“I feel that honour every Indigenous round, seeing the different designs is very special to me. It really celebrates our culture and gives us a lot of recognition.”

The Dockers will done the jersey when they take on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in Round 11 and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Round 12.

A closer look at the clash Indigenous jumper we’ll wear on Sunday.#KalyakoorlWalyallup#foreverfreopic.twitter.com/tqP4aF372g

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 25, 2021

Adelaide

The Crows’ Indigenous guernsey was designed by forward Ben Davis and honours the Kaurna heritage.

“The design symbolises me finding out a bit more about my culture, a bit more about myself and diving into things I didn’t think about too much before,” Davis said.

Adelaide will wear the guernsey during its Round 12 clash against Collingwood.

Looking good, boys. Picture: Sarah Reed

Brisbane

The Lions’ Indigenous home and away guernseys were designed by triple-premiership player Chris Johnson, who described the opportunity a “huge honour”.

“I never had an opportunity to wear an Indigenous guernsey and there has never been a Fitzroy Indigenous guernsey, so this is really special to me,” Johnson said.

Brisbane will don the two kits when they take on GWS in Round 11 and Melbourne in Round 12.

Lions player Callum Ah Chee, triple-premiership player Chris Johnson and small forward Charlie Cameron wearing the club’s 2021 Indigenous guernseys.

Carlton

Designed by proud Gunditjmara woman and Melbourne artist Laura Thompson, Carlton’s Indigenous guernsey was created in consultation with the club’s seven current Indigenous players — Eddie Betts, Liam Jones, Jack Martin, Zac Williams, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Madison Prespakis and Natalie Plane.

“It was a real honour to work with Laura and our six other Indigenous players to create this year’s guernsey, which we all feel a very strong connection to,” Jones said.

Carlton will don the jersey against the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Sunday.

Carlton legend Syd Jackson poses with the jumper.

Collingwood

Designed by proud Yorta Yorta and Gunnai man Dixon Patten, Collingwood’s Indigenous guernsey features two soaring Magpies.

Collingwood also used Patten’s designs in 2014 and 2015.

The Magpie army will be happy with this design: Twitter/@CollingwoodFC

Essendon

The Bombers’ Dreamtime guernsey artwork is dedicated to Norm McDonald, the first Aboriginal player to represent Essendon.

Essendon will don the kit when they face Richmond at the MCG in Round 12.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in Essendon's Dreamtime guernsey. Source: Twitter/@essendonfc

Geelong

Designed by proud Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, Geelong’s strip reflects important landmarks across the Barwon region.

“I wanted to tell the story of Wadawurrung country, the story of Djilang, and take people back on a journey to what the country was like prior to how we see the built environment today,” Eccles said.

Geelong Indigenous players Quinton Narkle, Steph Williams, Nathan Kreuger and Brandan Parfitt wearing the Cats Indigenous jumper. Picture: Alan Barber

Gold Coast

Designed by Yugambeh artist Luther Cora and Larrakia artist Trent Lee, the Suns’ Indigenous guernsey features two sea turtles, representing the Larrakia and Yugambeh people.

“I love the design I did,” Cora said. “It was about community, different mobs coming together, reconciliation and also a celebration for the club.”

Gold Coast will wear the kit against Hawthorn this weekend.

Jarrod Harbrow, Joel Jeffrey, Izak Rankin, Sean Lemmens, Malcolm Rosas, Jy Farrar and Luther Cora during the unveiling of the Suns’ 2021 Indigenous AFL guernsey.

GWS

Giants star and proud Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar man Bobby Hill has designed his club’s Indigenous guernsey for the second year in a row.

It features his and Jeremy Finlayson’s totem, and tells the story of Hill’s move from Western Australia to Sydney to play in the AFL.

The footprints in the middle of the back of the jumper symbolise Hill’s journey, and the boomerangs and campfire on the front represent how important hunting was during the footy player’s upbringing.

For the second consecutive year we will wear an Indigenous jumper designed by young forward and Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar man Bobby Hill, that includes the totem of Hill and Jeremy Finlayson 🧡 pic.twitter.com/fjxiPOAlpX

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) May 26, 2021

Hawthorn

Using the same guernsey as last year, proud Nyarinyin, Pitjantjantjara and Yankuntjantjara woman Justine Ronberg’s design features footprints signifying the players’ steps to reach the highest level, as well as symbols to represent the wide Hawks family.

Proud Kokatha man Shaun Burgoyne shows off Hawthorn’s impressive guernsey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Melbourne

Designed by Arrernte artist Amunda Gorey, the Demons’ Indigenous guernsey recognises the impact every person has on the club and its surrounds.

Melbourne will don the kit during their Round 12 match against Brisbane.

Toby Belford, Deakyn Smith Steven May, Neville Jetta and Kysaiah Pickett pose with the Melbourne Demons 2021 Sir Douglas Nicholls AFL Round Indigenous Jumper.

North Melbourne

Yamatji Martu woman Emma Macneill designed the Kangaroos’ guernsey, which represents all of the Indigenous men and women involved with the club.

“The joeys underneath represent the opportunities to succeed. These are our babies who continue to keep the love of the game alive and encourage our leaders to be strong and bold in their pathways,” the Roos said on their website.

“The circle in the centre collectively represents our club; the people who have built it, the families that fill it, our players who represent it, our supporters that carry it.”

Kangaroos players will be taking everyone at the club onto the field with them.

Port Adelaide

Last week, Port Adelaide revealed their Indigenous jumper for a clash against Fremantle, but the announcement was embroiled in controversy.

South Australian artist Elle Campbell claimed on social media the design was inadvertently taken from one of her past works.

Thankfully the club rectified the issue and invited Campbell to re-launch its guernsey. All proceeds from sales of the jumper will go back into Port’s Indigenous programs.

Elle Campbell’s work looks awesome on Port’s guernsey. Picture: Tom Huntley

Richmond

Designed by Michelle Kerrin, the Tigers’ Indigenous guernsey symbolises the story of Shane Edwards and Jack Riewoldt, who arrived at the club together in 2006.

“One thing I am really embarrassed about in my life is that I did not learn about Indigenous Australia and true Australia until I came to Richmond,” Riewoldt said.

Maurice Rioli and Daniel Rioli of the Tigers.

St Kilda

The Saints’ Indigenous guernsey was designed by club legend and proud Noongar man Nicky Winmar, and is inspired by his family, his history and his love for the club.

St Kilda will don the kit in their Round 11 match against North Melbourne and Round 12 match against Sydney.

St Kilda’s Indigenous jersey.

Sydney

The Swans will celebrate the Indigenous roots of Australian football with their Marn Grook jersey at the SCG this weekend, recognising the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the sport.

The story of the Black Swan, as told by our artist Cheryl Davison, and reflected on our 2021 Marn Grook guernsey.#Bloodspic.twitter.com/TKVTjwJ3hg

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) May 24, 2021

West Coast

Designed by artist Darryl Bellotti, the Eagles’ Indigenous guernsey features a Rainbow Serpent, an important figure to the Noongar people.

“To Nyoongar people, the Waugul is widely regarded and is known as the Creator Spirit and in the Dreaming, what Nyoongar call the Nyitting, only spirit beings inhabited the land,” Bellotti said.

The Eagles will be looking to soar high in Sir Doug Nicholls Round. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs

Former Western Bulldogs player Lindsay Gilbee and renowned Aboriginal artist Nathan Patterson combined to create the Western Bulldogs’ Indigenous guernsey.

“It’s something I’m extremely proud of, and I’m happy to share my story,” Gilbee said.

“I’ve got a lot to learn. I don’t know it all. I’m really looking forward to the journey of finding out more about our history and our people.”

The Western Bulldogs will don the kit in their Round 11 match against Melbourne.

By learning more about the story of his late grandmother, @LindsayGilbee has started a journey of understanding his indigenous heritage…

This is his story of belonging. pic.twitter.com/nlQXeS3WOP

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 13, 2021