WAFLW Indigenous Round a Chance to Innovate

THIS weekend’s WAFLW action has significance on two fronts as players celebrate Indigenous Round at the start of National Reconciliation Week.

With the support of Rio Tinto, WA Football’s Indigenous Program Partner, all WAFLW League and Rogers Cup teams will wear Indigenous jumpers throughout the round.

West Australian Football Commission Female and Diversity Co-Ordinator Jade Narkle has made a special contribution to this weekend.

“Every year I look forward to Indigenous Round as we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution and impact made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, umpires, staff, and volunteers,” Narkle said.

“I was excited to be asked to create this year’s artwork for the Umpire’s shirt and the WAFLW game day ball.

“I’m honoured to have my artwork on display as it explains the history of my family.”

Representatives from WAFLW clubs and Rogers Cup teams are rightfully proud of the designs they’ve developed for Indigenous Round.

Artwork contributors include:

• Shardah Parker from South Fremantle

• Iesha Farmer from Subiaco

• Maddison Alone from Swan Districts

• Sharon Wood-Kenney from West Perth

• Tasha McAlpine from East Fremantle

• Daniel McHenry and Robin Keen from Peel

• Jade McGuire from East Perth

• And Sky, a student from the Halls Creek Shooting Stars program, representing Claremont

Narkle says the journey towards change for Indigenous Australians takes courage.

“The 2022 theme for National Reconciliation Week, “Be Brave, Make Change” is a strong message,” she said.

“We all need to be brave sometimes by having those hard conversations to make change.

“I encourage footy fans to attend WAFLW games this weekend and celebrate Indigenous Round with us.

“Please join us on our journey.”

WAFLW Indigenous Round begins with Peel Thunder hosting Claremont at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah on Saturday afternoon at 2.20pm.