WA Hall of Famer Makes His Mark For Dreamtime Clash

West Australian Football Hall of Famer Michael Mitchell, alongside his two daughters Meghan and Sam, have designed Richmond’s 2026 Dreamtime guernsey.

The jumper will be worn in Friday’s night match against Essendon at the MCG.

The guernsey tells the story of Mitchell’s family and his time at the Claremont and Richmond Football Clubs.

The story and colours also link to Mitchell’s life in Carnarvon, Shark Bay and Western Australia.

The three circles on the guernsey represent Mitchell’s impact at Warriors FC in Carnarvon, Claremont, and Richmond.

Two circles can be found on the front sash, with the other on the back sash.

The red-tailed cockatoo, which is represented on the back of the guernsey, is of great significance to the Mitchell family.

The cockatoo represents Mitchell’s parents, symbolising their love, guidance and protection.

The dugong and turtle on the front sash represent Mitchell’s home of Shark Bay, about 800km north of Perth.

The marine life of dugongs and turtles are prominent features of Shark Bay and are showcased on the guernsey.

The deep colours on the guernsey are also strongly linked to Western Australia and Mitchell’s playing days.

The reds and blues highlight the desert and the ocean that surrounds the Carnarvon area, and the gold yellow represents the shade that was worn during Mitchell’s time at Richmond.

Before joining Richmond in the VFL, Mitchell represented Claremont 89 times between 1982-86, winning a Sandover Medal and being named All-Australian twice.

Mitchell played 81 games and kicked 103 goals for the Tigers from 1987-1991 and was one of the competition’s most exciting players during that time.

1990 was a standout season for the West Australian when the speedy small forward won both Mark and Goal of the Year.

The 64-year-old currently sits on the steering committee for Tackle Your Feelings which is the only First Nation facilitator of it in WA.