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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Sydney

The new guernsey shares a connection with club's home, Sydney Swans HQ, as it has been adapted from the work of renowned Indigenous artist Jordan Ardler, which is showcased through the Welcome to Country at the club's entrance.

Titled “Wuri Wuri”, which translates from the Dharawal language means “sunshine”, the artwork reflects the Sydney Swans community and is an acknowledgement of the Gadigal and Bidiagal lands on which Sydney Swans HQ stands.

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