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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Carlton

Carlton have revealed its 2025 Indigenous guernsey, designed by Yorta Yorta siblings and founders of Bayadherra, Luke and Siena Tieri. 

The Indigenous guernsey brings to life the story of connection, resilience and cultural identity.

The artwork pays homage to Luke and Siena's Yorta Yorta ancestry, weaving together cultural patterns and the Club's connection to community, strength and unity.

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