Indigenous Round competition winners
The following clubs made an exceptional effort to recognise 2014 Indigenous Round, both creating special jumpers and including local Indigenous elders in their match day proceedings.
Sydney Swans signed jumper winner: Bega Bombers
In just their second season, the Bega Bombers have made it a priority to build a strong relationship with their local Indigenous community. Planning for celebrations of the Indigenous Round began during the pre-season with a strong desire to develop a special jumper to be worn to mark the occasion.
While the club was not able to afford a special jumper, one club member undertook to underwrite the cost with individual players pledging to buy the jumper at the end of the round. As a consequence players were involved in the design of a special jumper featuring the established symbols of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island nations.
The club had two teams playing at home on Friday 30 May and one team playing away the following day.
In the lead up to the round arrangements were made to have local elder Aunty Faith Aldridge perform a welcome to country ceremony and pastor
GWS GIANTS signed jumper winner: Turvey Park Bulldogs
This is the first time that an Australian Football Club in the Riverina has celebrated the round and formally acknowledged the contribution of their Indigenous players and supporters, both past and present and also paying their respects to the Traditional Owners of the Land that they play on week in and out.
The Indigenous designed Guernsey worn on the day incorporated the TPFNC Bulldog emblem whilst also depicting the Murrumbidgee River and the connections between all the Clubs playing in the RLF.
TPFNC have a number of official ceremonies planned for the day to highlight Indigenous Country and Culture. Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Dot Whyman will give the Traditional Wiradjuri Welcome to Country and will also present the Club with a Message Stick thanking them for their support. In a sure to be moving moment for all, a Didgeridoo will be played whilst the Aboriginal Flag is raised.
