As we near Rounds 10 and 11, the AFL competition will take a moment to recognise the contributions of the Indigenous people to the game over a two-week block, dedicated to Sir Doug Nicholls.

All 18 clubs have specifically designed guernseys to commemorate the fortnight of football, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Nicholls lived in the 20th century and was a major catalyst for reconciliation, becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to be knighted in 1972.

He also played for Northcote and Fitzroy in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as representing Victoria in football.

Nicholls was a VFA premiership player for Northcote in 1929 and coached them in 1947.

Below are the write-ups from the clubs detailing the meanings and reasoning behind the designs.

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Hawthorn

Designed by proud Noongar and Yamatji man and Hawthorn's Indigenous Player Development Manager Jamie Bennell.

Bennell's design is centred around the Hawk in the middle of the guernsey, which symbolises power and strength with an eye for hunting down prey and protecting its nest.

The Hawk is landing on the players that represent the brown and gold each game, surrounded by the entire playing list as well as coaches and staff.

At the core of the guernsey is the club's 'nest', representing Hawthorn's 'family club' mantra.

The club will also proudly don the guernsey in Round 17 against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

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