As the AFLW’s fifth Indigenous Round approaches, clubs across the league are unveiling their 2024 guernsey designs, each one a stunning tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These unique artworks, created by Indigenous artists with deep connections to the clubs and their communities, celebrate the rich heritage and resilience of First Nations peoples while showcasing the power of storytelling through design.
A Canvas for Cultural Expression
For many clubs, the Indigenous Round guernsey serves as a canvas for cultural expression, allowing artists to share their stories, traditions, and connection to Country. Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine collaborated with his cousin, artist Harley Hall, to create a design that highlights their shared Ngarrindjeri heritage and Rankine’s football journey. The artwork, titled “The story of Merri Dilangka,” symbolizes the past, present, and future of the club and its Indigenous players.
Healing and Unity
Other clubs, like Collingwood, have used their Indigenous Round guernseys to represent themes of healing and unity. Artist Uncle Trevor Davis, a Wadjuk, Ballardong, Wilman, Wongi and Noongar man, created a design titled “Healing” for the Magpies, symbolizing the club’s journey of growth and the coming together of people from all walks of life.
The symbolism of rain represents a cleansing of the club, and the centre of the artwork represents the Collingwood Football Club, that it is a meeting place for all people across the land to come together to share their experiences.
– Uncle Trevor Davis, artist behind Collingwood’s Indigenous Round guernsey
Honoring Family Legacies
For some players, the Indigenous Round guernsey is an opportunity to honor their family legacies. Richmond’s design, created by Maurice Rioli Jr. and his mother, Alberta Kerinauia, speaks to the deep connection between the Rioli family and the Richmond Football Club. The guernsey features the family’s totems – the turtle and the crocodile – representing their ties to the Tiwi Islands.
Celebrating Resilience and Strength
Port Adelaide’s guernsey, designed by midfielder Jasmin Stewart, pays tribute to her grandmother’s experience as a member of the Stolen Generation. By incorporating artwork created by her late grandfather, Stewart celebrates the resilience and strength of her family and community in the face of adversity.
The design draws inspiration from a profound Tiwi legend, the tale of Purrupali. This symbolizes the enduring connection of the Tiwi people to their land, sea, and ancestors.
– Tiwi artist Russellina Puruntatameri on Essendon’s Indigenous Round guernsey
Educating and Inspiring
The Indigenous Round guernseys not only serve as a celebration of culture but also as an educational tool, helping to raise awareness about Indigenous history, art, and traditions among the wider Australian community. By sharing these stories and designs on a national stage, the AFLW is contributing to a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
A Show of Unity and Respect
As the 2024 AFLW Indigenous Round approaches, the unveiling of these unique and meaningful guernsey designs serves as a powerful show of unity and respect among clubs, players, and fans alike. By honoring the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the league is helping to foster a more inclusive and understanding society, both on and off the field.
The Indigenous Round guernseys are more than just eye-catching designs; they are a testament to the resilience, strength, and cultural pride of Indigenous Australians. As each club takes to the field in their unique artwork, they carry with them the stories, traditions, and hopes of countless generations, ensuring that these important narratives continue to be shared and celebrated for years to come.
