WAFL Naidoc Week to feature ball designed by Aboriginal artist Richard Walley

THIS weekend’s Naidoc round in the WAFL will feature a ball designed by Aboriginal artist Richard Walley.

It will also feature the family names of some of the competition’s great Aboriginal players.

The clubs will wear jumpers designed by local Aboriginal artists to represent the heritage of the clubs and their Aboriginal players.

WAFL general manager Steve Hargrave said Naidoc Week was an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Aboriginal players to the game, from the community level right through to the elite.

“Some of Western Australia’s most talented players of all time are Aboriginal and football is very fortunate to have had such a long and proud association with Aboriginal people,” he said.

“Again this year, WAFL clubs will wear Aboriginal-themed jumpers throughout. We would like to thank the Department of Aboriginal Affairs for funding these jumpers and the Department of the Prime Minster and Cabinet for their support.”

Claremont and South Fremantle initiated WAFL Naidoc round in 2007 when they wore jumpers designed by Walley.

The initiative was embraced by the entire competition in 2009, with all WAFL clubs wearing guernseys featuring Aboriginal artwork during the round.

Fixtures:

Saturday, July 9

Swan Districts v East Perth 2.15pm, Bassendean Oval

Perth v Subiaco 2.15pm, Lathlain Park

Peel Thunder v West Perth 2.15pm, Rushton Park

South Fremantle v Claremont 2.40pm, Fremantle Oval