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Celebrating Indigenous Culture in the AFLW

This weekend, the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) will hold its fifth Indigenous Round, with the marquee Dreamtime match taking place between Richmond and Essendon in Darwin. As part of the celebrations, each club will wear a dedicated guernsey designed by Indigenous artists, with six clubs also swapping their name for traditional in-language names.

The Story Behind Each Guernsey

• Adelaide Crows – Kuwarna: Designed by Izak Rankine and his cousin Harley Hall, the guernsey celebrates their shared Ngarrindjeri heritage. The design features key parts of their heritage, including the names of all Adelaide’s past and present Indigenous players.
• Brisbane Lions: Designed by Renee Wilson, the guernsey tells the story of Merri Dilangka, representing the past, present, and future. The design features symbols of the Lardil people, including the first three people to land at Mornington Island.
• Carlton – Ngiyanhi: Designed by Stewart James, the guernsey incorporates elements of Wiradjuri culture and the totems of Carlton’s Indigenous players. This is the first time all four Carlton teams will wear the same Indigenous guernsey.

More Than Just a Guernsey

For many of the Indigenous players, the guernsey designs hold deep personal significance. For example, Yartapuulti midfielder Jasmin Stewart blended artwork created by her late grandfather into her design, which pays tribute to the story of her Nan who was taken forcibly from her family as part of the Stolen Generation.

A Celebration of Culture

The AFLW Indigenous Round is an important celebration of Indigenous culture and the contribution Indigenous players make to the sport. As Western Bulldogs player Tarni Jarvis said, “It’s amazing to see all the different designs and the stories behind them. It’s a great way to share our culture with the wider community.”

The Importance of Representation

For Indigenous players, seeing their culture represented on the field is a powerful symbol of pride and belonging. As Sydney Swans player Lua Pellegrini said, “It’s amazing to see our culture being celebrated in such a big way. It makes me feel proud to be an Indigenous player in the AFLW.”

A Legacy of Pride

The AFLW Indigenous Round is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the legacy of this round will be one of pride, respect, and recognition of the important contribution Indigenous players make to the sport.