Summary

AFL Women's competition Indigenous Round demonstrates the clubs' commitment to fostering a culturally and socially inclusive culture.

Introduction:

The Museum is developing a collection which documents the Australian Football League Women's competition, which was launched on 3 February 2017. In 2023, the season commences in September, with 16 teams and 14 rounds including ten home and away matches and four finals. The women's AFL competition has been recognised for its culturally and socially inclusive culture, and its community connections, which see it played at suburban football grounds and attended by families and grassroots fans.

Indigenous Round:

The Geelong Indigenous Round guernsey in the Museum's collection was worn by Georgie Prespakis during the AFLW Indigenous Round (across two weekends rounds 3 and 4, 9-18 September), Round 3, Season 7, 2022. Geelong lost to Collingwood at Kardinia Park, 10 September 2022. The guernsey was designed by Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner.

Designer:

Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, provided the following artist statement:

'I wanted to tell the story of Wadawurrung country, the story of Djilang, and take people back on a journey to what the country was like prior to how we see the built environment today.

In the design I have the Kardiniyu, the sunrise taking place and the two teams coming together to play what we call Marngrook. The Barwon River is a place that our eels would travel down. The eels then meet on our coast, our saltwater country.

Then we have our mountain country, our big hills and Bunjil. Bunjil watches over this country he created, he will often fly over the stadium, watching over country and the river. Bunjil the eagle is placed on the guernsey in honour of the recent tragic loss of two lives among the Aboriginal community, both strong supporters of the club and the Djilang program.

The back of the guernsey also features 'Djilang', the Wadawurrung word for Geelong.'

Wearer:

Georgie Prespakis provided the following statement to accompany the guernsey:

'It's always an honour to wear the First Nations guernsey each year and to learn about the story behind the design. It's a great way for everyone to learn more about First Nations stories and culture. Corrina's design has the story of the local region which was great to know more about.' (2023)

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