A CAPE York artist has designed the AFLW Indigenous Round guernsey for the Western Bulldogs.
It was worn on Sunday when the Bulldogs lost by 25 points to Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Designed by artist Rubii Red, a proud Lama Lama woman from Cape York, in collaboration with participants from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Nallei Jerring program, the guernsey focuses on connection and growth.
“I wanted to represent the young people’s growth, their cultural journey as individuals, as well as the importance of their communities and their safe circles being present with them for their journey,” Rubii said.
“I included the rings, as pathways for the young people, which also represents their connection to the club and the program, and helping them connect with their culture.
“The circles in the background represent the many communities and safe spaces these young people have, while the figure which looks to be standing on one of the rings represents the journey, the young person, walking their own path and discovering themselves.
“The footprints indicate two things; the journey as well as following their ancestors and role models to learn who they are as young Indigenous people.”
Bulldogs defender Naomi Ferres said it was special for the players to be able to represent the guernsey on the field.
“I love the story behind the design – I think I really relate to what it means so it’s awesome,” Ferres said.
“We’re such a community club – to have the program participants help design the guernsey is great.”
Marayne Muller, Palawa and Wiradjuri woman, and program mentor from the Nallei Jerring program, said it was pleasing to see the design come to life.
“I think this is a really special opportunity because it empowers our young people, and shows that the club values our community and our young people as a whole,” she said.
“(The players) really took the time to hear our stories, and reflect on the impact it also has on them.”
The design process began in a session at Whitten Oval where the program participants told their story to Rubii. She then went away and designed the artwork, which was then submitted to Cotton On for production.
