Western Bulldogs players Lin Jong and Jason Johannisen have donated a range of personnel memorabilia to the Melbourne Immigration Museum that are featured in the museum’s Diversity in Football exhibit.
The exhibition, which was officially opened on Wednesday, explores indigenous and multicultural representation in the AFL and AFLW.
Johannisen, speaking to media after the launch said that visitors will be able to see everything from his Norm Smith Medal to his South African passport.
“My mum from Perth has donated a few items from my childhood from when I grew up playing different sports,” he said.
“It’s a crazy experience to think that I’m part of an exhibition in a museum. It took me a while to understand it but I’m pretty privileged… It’s an awesome experience.”
As part of the exhibition, you’ll also see Johannisen’s baby blanket, again donated by his Mum, much to his embarrassment.
“I’m a bit upset at my Mum about that, Johannisen said tongue firmly in cheek.
“She’s donated that baby blanket I’ve had since I was a year old. It’s pretty cute but I’ve definitely grown out of it.”
The Diversity in Football exhibit has opened to coincide with Toyota AFL Multicultural Round, where the contribution multicultural communities have made to the game’s history is highlighted.
The Bulldogs will wear a specially designed guernsey on Sunday against Essendon to mark occasion. Click here for photo and some the story of its design.
To celebrate and showcase the exhibition, the Immigration Museum are offering Western Bulldogs supporters a two for one price on a full adult ticket on the following dates:
- 11th August
- 12th August
- 13th August
- 25th August
- 26th August
- 27th August
All you need to do is show your allegiance to the club, whether it be a scarf or a ticket to a Bulldogs game, and the offer will apply.
