INDIGENOUS football will be celebrated at Swan Districts’ annual Naidoc round on July 6.
The club is holding a triple-header with the WAFL reserve players, starting off against East Perth at 9.20am before the WAFLW team plays Subiaco at 12.05pm and the league men’s team finishes the day against the Royals at 2.15pm.
Young artists Clayton Graham, Jammison Ugle and Edward Lyndon, who were mentored by indigenous artist Kylie Graham, designed a Naidoc guernsey for the men’s team.
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READ NOWFellow artist Maddison Alone designed a women’s guernsey.
Cheryl Thomas and Indigenous players from the women’s team helped brief the artists during the design process.
All WAFL games will feature a ball designed by Ballardong teenagers Monique and Shaye Humphries.
The design represents communities coming together and sharing both inside and outside of football through the Dreamtime.
Indigenous league player Jiah Reidy said it was a privilege to play at home for Naidoc round.
“We always get a big bunch of supporters down,” he said.
“Being Naidoc round is close to the heart and it is always a good time.”
He said East Perth was in better form than Swans at the moment but he was hopeful that his team would “take home the cookies”.
“We have been unlucky but there are still no excuses,” he said.
“We have been pretty confident going into each game and have been optimistic.”
Indigenous WAFLW player Rikki Ryan, who will make her return after a few injuries, said it was her first time playing in Naidoc round.
“It will be special to play at home in front of family and friends,” she said.
“(Subiaco) is a strong side. They are a good bunch of girls, so I am keen to get out there and play against them.”
She said Swans had a chance to win the premiership despite the league being more competitive with only five teams.