Family Ties for McGuire in NAIDOC RoundWednesday, July 9, 2025 - 8:39 AM

Star Swan Districts player Emily McGuire is a proud advocate of NAIDOC Round in the WAFLW this weekend.

With more than 100 games experience, McGuire has long been a stand-out performer for Swan Districts playing in defence and attack, this year helping the black and whites sit in third position on the WAFLW ladder.

 “NAIDOC Round is important to me as we get to proudly display our culture in a game that means a lot to me,” McGuire said.

“My connection to culture is something I value deeply and keep looking to educate myself on through my dad, aunties and uncles. 

 “Swans have embraced NAIDOC through community engagement with local schools and utilising our indigenous warm up tops.

“We have organised a gift exchange for NAIDOC Round that South Fremantle are also taking part in. 

“Swans have also engaged with Indigenous players (both male and female) to gain our input on match day celebrations.” 

McGuire, who took a break from footy in 2023, has forged a successful career, including representing the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at AFL level.

An experienced figure at the club, she is keen to make Steel Blue Oval a welcoming environment.

“We do have a few younger Indigenous players coming through and this has been something I’ve wanted to set up for a while to help get more Indigenous girls down to Swans,” she said.

“When I started at Swans, I had great leaders like Kirby Bentley and Courtney Ugle who guided me through my journey, and I would love to be able to give back in that respect.”

A player, but also a fan, Emily has long admired other Indigenous football talent.

“David Wirrpanda, Cyril Rioli and Buddy Franklin are clear favourites,” McGuire said.

‘As an Eagles fan I always loved watching Wirra and his competitiveness.”

Swan Districts are well placed to play finals in what remains a tight race to finish in the to four.

“This season has been a challenge with some strong competition,” she said.

“As a team we have our sights set on a premiership and are doing all we can to ensure we have every chance to get there.”

Fresh from a thumping 101-point win over East Perth last weekend, Swans host the fourth placed Bulldogs at Steel Blue Oval on Sunday at 2.30pm.