NAIDOC Round at the WAFLThursday, July 5, 2018 - 9:35 AM

The West Australian Football League, in partnership with Rio Tinto, will celebrate the contributions that the Aboriginal community has made and continues to make to WA football at the NAIDOC Round of the WAFL commencing on Friday July 6 and Saturday, July 7.

All clubs playing in the Round will don specially designed jumpers that represent the heritage of their club and their Aboriginal players. South Fremantle and Claremont will play with a special NAIDOC football designed by Samantha Mitchell, daughter of Claremont Legend Michael Mitchell.

The large circles on the football, pictured below, represent the football grounds and the games, while the leaves represent the country and the bush. The lines represent all of the people coming and going from the games. The ball symbolises the journey from grassroots football all the way to the big stage. It also features the family names of some of the great Aboriginal footballers who have played in the WAFL.

The significant contribution from Rio Tinto will also help deliver a number of other NAIDOC activities including a Welcome to Country at every game, grass painting, exhibition matches and much more.

WAFL clubs Claremont and South Fremantle initiated WAFL NAIDOC Round in 2007 when they wore jumpers designed by Aboriginal artist Richard Walley. The initiative was embraced by the entire competition in 2009.

Around the Grounds

Subiaco v Peel Thunder – Friday July 6 | 7.10pm at Leederville Oval

A Welcome to Country will be performed under lights before the Friday night contest. Also, with the Landmark Country Week Championships taking place, Leederville Oval will host Division 2 football on Friday afternoon, with Subiaco’s Goldfields zone, featuring Indigenous talent, set to play in two of the pool matches on the day.

More information at the club’s website.

East Fremantle v West Perth – Saturday July 7 | 2.15pm at East Fremantle Oval

The ground’s centre circle will be painted in honour of NAIDOC Round and a Welcome to Country will take place before bouncedown of the League match. East Fremantle’s indigenous players will join captain Jonathon Griffin for the coin toss.

Swan Districts v  Perth – Saturday July 7 | 2.15pm at Steel Blue Oval
A Welcome to Country performed by local elder Di Ryder will feature before the men's and women's teams line up in their NAIDOC jumpers. The Swans Women’s League team will play Perth Angels at 12pm before the men’s game at 2.15pm. The women’s team will be wearing NAIDOC jumpers designed by local artist Kylie Graham. A Marngrook (traditional Aboriginal) exhibition game, facilitated by the Stephen Michael Foundation and Noongar Wellbeing & Sport, will be played at half time. Boomerang and Australian animal painting, mosaic flag making, and bracelet beading will be taking place in the Swans Play Zone.

South Fremantle v Claremont – Saturday July 7 | 2.40pm at Fremantle Community Bank Oval

There will be a special Welcome to Country for the Colts match to be conducted by Shaun Nannup, who will also make a presentation at the President’s Luncheon. A busy Richard Walley will also head to the Port to conduct his own Welcome to Country before the league match. During the half-time break traditional Indigenous games will be held by members of the Stephen Michael Foundation and Nyoongar Wellbeing and Sports.
 

NAIDOC WAFL Club Jumpers