The AFLW Bulldogs will wear the Indigenous guernsey designed by proud Kerrup-Mara Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta man Jason Walker, as part of the 2023 AFLW Indigenous Round commencing this Friday night.
The Bulldogs will launch the two-week celebrations when they meet Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Friday, donning the guernsey with red shorts (to avoid a jumper clash), and with their traditional blue shorts next Saturday when they host Sydney at VU Whitten Oval.
The design represents Mirring (country) on Gunditjmara, where the Bulldogs are affiliated with in south-west Victoria, and is inspired by the Lake Condah Possum Skin Cloak.
The etching designs on the cloak represent the Bulldogs’ staff, players and supporters connection to country and journey throughout life.
The front of the guernsey features an eel (kooyang) intertwined throughout the red, white and blue hoops, which represents many things for Gunditjmara people, including resilience, and is an important resource for food and trade.
The kooyang’s inclusion in the design also acknowledges the West-Vic Eels Aboriginal Football Club, where many Aboriginal and Gunditjmara families – including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – have played in state-wide Aboriginal Football Carnivals.
The guernsey was also worn by the Bulldogs’ AFL, VFL and VFLW teams earlier this year during their respective Indigenous Rounds.
The 2023 Indigenous guernsey is available for sale at the Bulldogs Shop, along with a range of exclusive merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts and wool scarves.
2023 AFLW Indigenous Round
Round 7
Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Friday 13 October, 6.45pm ACDT (7.15pm AEDT)
Norwood Oval, SA
Round 8
Western Bulldogs v Sydney
Saturday 21 October, 1.05pm AEDT
VU Whitten Oval
