The West Coast Eagles are recognised for developing connections between communities through a shared passion for football, and providing joy and opportunities for people around the state and the country.
AFLW player Krstel Petrevski took inspiration from those connections within the club, capturing the deeper meaning in the design of this year’s Eagles Indigenous Round guernsey.
Petrevski, a proud Kija and Jaru woman, created the design to be worn by both the men’s and women’s Eagles teams in 2023, further symbolising the unity within the walls of the club and it’s surrounds.
“This week is Indigenous Round in the AFLW and it’s a very special week to be able to educate, to be able to inspire and to be able to celebrate our Indigenous culture and celebrate our people,” Petrevski said.
“Being an aboriginal woman myself and to be able to celebrate my people, my family and where I’m from is something that’s very special, and especially to celebrate it on a football field with many people from all different walks of life and all different backgrounds.
“I hold this design very closely to my heart, and I hold our girls, our team, all our staff very close to my heart as well, so to be able to share the story, share the round and share our jumper together as one on the big stage is something I’m very grateful for and I feel very proud and privileged to be a part of.”
The circles represent the club’s programs and their connection, while the feathers are a symbol of past players and officials who have contributed to the West Coast Eagles.
The pathway drawing reflects the unique journey of everyone who joins the club, with the people symbols displaying acceptance of individualism.
The three boomerangs on the back of the guernsey unite the club through strength of mind, body and spirit, while the front of the jumper proudly displays the Waalitj, the Eagle, spreading its wings.
West Coast captain Emma Swanson shares what Indigenous Round means to her and the significance of having a teammate design this year’s uniforms.
“I think Indigenous Round is just super important for this competition, this game and this country, and it’s an honour to play and be a part of that” Swanson said.
“The last couple of years it’s been fantastic to be able to wear the Indigenous jumper but this year I think it’s even more special that one of our own players has designed the jumper, and it’s the same across the men’s and women’s program.
“I think the centrepiece of Indigenous Round this year for us internally is having ‘KP’, she’s amazing, an amazing athlete and an amazing person designed that jumper and it’s an honour to pull it on and be part of the week.”
The West Coast Eagles will wear their Indigenous Round uniform this Sunday when they face Melbourne Demons at Mineral Resources Park in round seven, and again the following round against Essendon at Windy Hill.
Entry to Sunday’s match is FREE for all AFLW members. If you're looking to purchase additional tickets, head to Ticketmaster now for $10 adult tickets, with free entry for juniors under 18. Please note that all patrons, including juniors, need to book a ticket for the match.
