House of Darwin’s Shaun Edwards collaborates with AFLW for limited edition Indigenous Round t-shirt

A St Mary’s alum and former AFL player’s fashion label has hit the national stage, collaborating with the AFLW for the league’s annual Indigenous Round. SEE THE DESIGN.

Courtney Hodder wearing her House of Darwin x ’Spirit Strong, Game On’ limited-edition t-shirt. Picture: AFL Media.

Northern Territory fashion label House of Darwin has teamed up with the ALFW for their annual Indigenous Round.

The league chose to partner with the Darwin brand to celebrate this year’s theme ‘Spirit Strong, Game On’ with a special limited-edition t-shirt created in collaboration with dual premiership player, Courtney Hodder.

A proud Badimia and Whadjuk woman from Perth, Western Australia, Hodder explained the design honours her ancestors and the community that has shaped her.

The Brisbane Lions player’s story is also showcased in the design, featuring personal details including her totem and the scrunchie she wears during every game, as well as her personality and family.

Spirit Strong, Game On celebrates the enduring spirit and significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and their impact on the game.

Dual Premiership player Courtney Hodder proudly displaying her Indigenous Round and Spirit Strong, Game On themed limited-edition House of Darwin t-shirt. Picture: AFL Media.

“Spirit Strong, Game On means I’m able to showcase my talent, represent my culture, and make my family proud,” Hodder said.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed that I’ve been picked to do this collaboration, it just shows the outside world can see how much my heritage actually means to me.

“It’s a story about me, but it’s also a story about our culture and our people.

“There are lots of Indigenous communities that are less fortunate, and don’t have the opportunities that city kids have, so I hope this collaboration inspires kids to pick up a footy and want to get into the sport, because it’s such an amazing culture.”

Founder of House of Darwin, Shaun Edwards. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

HOD founder and former St Mary’s NTFL and Essendon/GWS AFL player Shaun Edwards said he was honoured to be part of the Indigenous Round celebrations.

“Spirit Strong, Game On reflects the incredible resilience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring across this country,” he said.

“It’s a moment to acknowledge the role that Indigenous players have had on the game, and we’re really proud to be part of that,” Edwards said.

“After chatting with Courtney, it became quite evident that we needed to showcase her story of growing up in Western Australia, how important her family is, and the footsteps she leaves in every iteration of her life, whether it be off the field or on the field.”

The limited edition T-shirts are available for purchase now, with all proceeds going towards AFL’s Cape York House, a not-for-profit organisation that provides education, employment and training opportunities for young Indigenous men and women from Far North Queensland.

Profits will also go towards House of Darwin’s Hoops Dream program.