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NAIDOC jumpers show indigenous pride

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Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
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Denmark-Walpole’s Jono Woods, Royals’ Corey Ward and Railways’ Jonah Muir wear their specially made jumpers for NAIDOC Round this weekend.
Camera IconDenmark-Walpole’s Jono Woods, Royals’ Corey Ward and Railways’ Jonah Muir wear their specially made jumpers for NAIDOC Round this weekend. Credit: Laurie Benson Albany Advertiser

Great Southern Football League clubs have embraced the significance of this weekend’s NAIDOC Round with five clubs set to wear specially made indigenous jumpers in recognition of the occasion.

Last year Royals wore indigenous jumpers in the NAIDOC Round and four other clubs will join them this weekend, as NAIDOC week officially begins on Sunday Australia-wide. The Lions will wear their strips once again and Railways, who played the Lions in the same round last year, will debut their new jumpers which didn’t arrive in time for the clash last season.

Denmark-Walpole showcased their indigenous jumpers for the first time last week and will again wear them in round 10.

Magpies player Jayden Pickett designed his club’s jumper which has a Magpie and the words Denmark-Walpole Koolbardies across the front. The Magpies have elected to wear the indigenous jumpers more than once due to having a strong representation of Aboriginal players at the club.

Mt Barker have also had new jumpers made with indigenous player Jesse Wynne behind their design which incorporates symbols of the Stirling Ranges, Sounness Park plus the sun and stars and boomerangs.

North Albany have partnered with the Proudies Foundation for their special strip, with a Kangaroo prominent on the front of the predominately red jumper.

The Kangas are hopeful their jumpers will arrive in time for Sunday’s crucial clash with the Lions.

Railways’ Jonah Muir, Royals’ Corey Ward and Denmark-Walpole’s Jono Woods in their indigenous jumpers.
Camera IconRailways’ Jonah Muir, Royals’ Corey Ward and Denmark-Walpole’s Jono Woods in their indigenous jumpers. Credit: Albany Advertiser

It will be the final game in charge for Kangas coach Craig Dew, who is heading on holidays overseas following the two-week general bye and will miss the remainder of the Kangas season.

His side will be desperate to cause an upset over the table topping Lions and avoid a fifth loss in the past six matches.

The Tigers will host the Magpies on Saturday in what could be almost their final away fixture of the season with the availability of McLean Park imminent.

In the other Saturday game the Bulls will be out to build more momentum and have Albany as an opponent, the Sharks have committed to designing a NAIDOC jumper for 2020.

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