Kangaroo Jack re-releases popular Sherrin

A POPULAR footy is back on the market thanks to a Torquay-based allied business, raising crucial funds for an Indigenous community located in the Northern Territory.

David Zaffina, owner of Torquay-based Kangaroo Jack, made national headlines following a collaboration between his business and footy manufacturer Sherrin, creating a football boasting an Aboriginal design.

The football, designed by Indigenous Australian artist M. J. Badagarang, has raised more than $30,000 to date, with all proceeds being diverted to students at Warruwi School and Indigenous community in West Arnhem Land in the form of football boots.

“It has really been something that the community has gotten behind, both here in Torquay and all across Australia, so I’ve re-released the football to keep the funds coming in and assist the initiative we run,” Zaffina said.

Zaffina pivoted his business at the start of the pandemic to include various projects and initiatives in March 2020, raising funds to give back to communities across the country in dire need of support.

This led to another Aboriginal-inspired football, honouring AFL and Essendon legend Michael Long, designed by First nations artist Merryn Apma Daley and Kevin Gold, helping to raise $40,000 for The Long Walk campaign.

However, the Kangaroo Jack x Sherrin Indigenous Football garnered the attention of national media in conjunction with the AFL’s Indigenous Round, bringing a large amount of attention to Zaffina’s project.

Since re-releasing Kangaroo Jack’s newest football, the community has jumped on board, with Zaffina receiving hundreds of enquiries for the highly sought-after ball.

“The ball really is one of a kind, the first of its kind,” he said.

“In order to put a print on a Sherrin football, there’s a lot involved.

“Bearing that in mind, with this particular design we had in mind, it had never been done on a black football before and had never been done with two differently designed panels.

“So, for Sherrin, it was the most intricate ball they had ever developed.”

Those interested in purchasing a football ahead of summer can do so in two ways: $79.95 for the football only (deflated or pumped up), or $99.95 for the football in a limited-edition collector’s box.

Head to kangaroojack.com.au to purchase a football online or in-person at the Searoad Ferries terminals in either Queenscliff or Sorrento.