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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Geelong

Designed by Worrora, Oomiday and Nyul Nyul artist Meeza Humphries, with contributions from her siblings Lawson, Joshua and Stephanie, and input from parents Jodi and Ross.

The guernsey, titled ‘Saltwater Stories', depicts a typical day in the West Kimberleys, where Meeza and Lawson are traditionally from, and is deeply connected with their family's story and Lawson's journey to the AFL.

The guernsey incorporates colours that are representative of the area, including the turquoise blue of the water throughout the coast, and bears a snake in the colour of the iconic pindan dirt. Animals also hold a significant importance in the design, and have been drawn traditionally by Meeza, depicting the connection they have with water.

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