Surf Coast Suns reveal new Indigenous jumper design

The 2019 footy season will see the Surf Coast Suns wearing an Indigenous-designed jumper to be worn by the club’s inaugural under-13 team.

The design was completed by local Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson, who in the past has created Indigenous jumpers for a number of clubs in the AFL.

The jumper design is titled “Together under one Sun”. The feather and gum leaves represent Bunjil’s country, the cross hatching through the middle represents Wathaurong land, the blue strip is the ocean and the sun as a meeting place symbolising the club and community, young and old.

“This project solidifies who we are as a club,” Surf Coast Suns president Michael Thomas said.

“We believe by doing this, it will show the Torquay and greater regional area that we are community-minded and accepting of cultural diversity, while encouraging discussion of local Indigenous sensitivities, and recognise the important history of Aboriginal Australia.

James Prosser, one of the under-13 players, said: “It’s great to be the first team to wear the jumper; certainly makes the season start very exciting. I’m looking forward to the reaction of other clubs through the season”.

Suns under-13 coach Scott Prosser said the jumper was also a great way to celebrate the first Suns team to play competitively since the club’s founding year in 2016.

“Many of these boys have been playing through from under 10s together, so it’s a wonderful way to recognise their graduation if you like into the next stage of their football development.’

The Suns were successful applicants for a grant from Torquay Community Enterprise to realise this project.

The jumper will be officially launched via a round 1 home game once the fixtures are released by AFL Barwon.

Anyone wishing to play for the Suns can check out their website at surfcoastsuns.com or email [email protected].