Photo credit: Salt Diaries
NAIDOC round is always a special celebration for WAFL clubs as the competition pays homage to the wonderful culture and history of First Nations people.
It also allows the WAFL to celebrate the achievements and contributions of so many outstanding First Nations players, coaches and administrators.
WAFL clubs will wear their specially designed Indigenous guernseys across Rounds 12 and 13 to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
West Coast Eagles graphic designer Rory Charles, who plays for Claremont designed the Tigers guernsey, known as the ‘Oongurr Willa.’
“The dotted circle represents underground waterholes that are connected to different tribes and languages throughout the Kimberly,” Charles stated.
“When it’s the full moon all the waterholes (oongurr) rise, as there is a title underground, that is why these waterholes never run dry.
“The smaller circles represent the people coming together sharing knowledge; the background pictures represent the sand dunes where our ancestors lived and hunted near the main waterholes.
The circles represent the different academies through different football clubs. The smaller circles represent the Indigenous players coming together as one.”
WAFL clubs will run activities and cultural awareness sessions with players, culminating in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony prior to games.
In Round 13, The WAFL Eagles will don the First Nations guernsey designed by AFLW player Krstel Petrevski.
