Gold Coast Suns reveal Darwin guernseys for matches against Bulldogs and Hawthorn

The Gold Coasts Suns have revealed their special 2025 guernseys ahead of touching down this week for what is shaping up to be two huge encounters. Check out the design.

The Gold Coast Suns in their special edition Darwin/Larrakia Indigenous Guernsey for the two Darwin matches.

The Gold Coast Suns have revealed their special Darwin / Larrakia Indigenous guernsey for the upcoming double header blockbusters at TIO Stadium.

The Suns will take on current top eight sides Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn in their week long Territory stay, and with a strong start to the season themselves both promise to be thrillers.

It marks the fourth consecutive season in the Top End for the Suns, who have developed a strong unbeaten record at their northern fortress.

Several of the club’s Darwin products, including the likes of Daniel Rioli, Ben Long and Joel Jeffrey will be eyeing the opportunity to don the jumpers in front of family and friends at TIO Stadium.

Jy Farrer, Dan Rioli and Joel Jeffrey in the Gold Coast Suns' special edition Darwin/Larrakia Indigenous Guernsey for the two Darwin matches.

The guernsey is designed by Larrakia artist Keelan Fejo and inspired by the Nightcliff Jetty, one of Darwin’s most scenic viewing locations where locals and visitors alike gather to watch the sunset.

The design is centred on the sun and features elements representing strength and guidance, including a unique crosshatching technique passed by Fejo’s predecessors.

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to design the Gold Coast SUNS’ Darwin/Larrakia guernsey,” Fejo said.

“The Sun in our culture represents the giver of life and way of light to the land.

“Everyone has a special spot around the cliffs of Nightcliff Jetty which is what I wanted to capture in the design.

“The boomerangs inside the Sun represent strength and guidance within the club. The #7 boomerang is one of the strongest weapons and instruments of the Aboriginal people across Australia and is used in many cultural ceremonies.

Dan Rioli and Ben Long in the Gold Coast Suns' special edition Darwin/Larrakia Indigenous Guernsey for the two Darwin matches.

“The dots and rays are the heat that surrounds the Sun, representing what players bring and give towards each game they play, and the pressure other teams feel when up against the Suns.”

Gold Coast Suns defender Rioli is one of seven players in the squad with connections to the NT and will play in Darwin for the first time since the 2020 Dreamtime match.

“I love the design and what tops it off is that we get to run out on TIO Stadium in it, in my hometown,” Rioli said.

“It’s going to be incredible having the chance to play on the stadium where I played a lot of junior footy.

“If you had told me that one day I’d be able to pull on an AFL jumper at TIO Stadium in front of my people, my family and friends, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“I’m really looking forward to the occasion, being able to put this jumper on and represent both the Gold Coast and Darwin communities.”

The Gold Coast Suns in their special edition Darwin/Larrakia Indigenous Guernsey for the two Darwin matches.

The Suns will host the Western Bulldogs May 10 before launching the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round in a prime time Thursday night blockbuster against the Hawks on May 15.

They will wear a second Indigenous guernsey, designed by Yugambeh and Bundjalung artists Christine Slabb and Kyle Slabb, for the Round 11 meeting against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

It’s the second time the Suns will have a unified Indigenous design with the club’s AFLW squad to also wear the jumper during the 2025 AFLW season.

Limited stock of both the Darwin/Larrakia and Indigenous guernseys are available now through the Suns Shop.

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns reveal Darwin guernseys for matches against Bulldogs and Hawthorn