Roos unveil First Nations guernsey

L-R: Anglesea Football Netball Club players Max Simpson, Phoebe Lingam and Myles Brinkworth adorned with the club's first Indigenous football guernsey, designed by local artist Donna Conley. Photo: MARCEL BERENS/SPORTS MEDIA IMAGES

ANGLESEA Football Netball Club has unveiled its first Indigenous football guernsey ahead of AFL Barwon’s Indigenous Round.

The Kangaroos’ new uniform, designed by Torquay-based artist Donna Conley of SallouArt, will be worn by all under 18, reserves, seniors, and women’s footballers on July 8 and 9.

Anglesea female football co-ordinator Jenny Lingam initiated the project of creating the club’s new Indigenous jumper almost 18 months ago and was thrilled with the final product.

“I just loved them when they first arrived and I couldn’t help but become super-excited,” she said.

“The netball program had their Indigenous dresses made last year and that made me really want to get something similar for the football program.”

Myles Brinkworth says he is proud to be a part of a club that embraces Indigenous culture.

The artwork acknowledges the traditional custodians of Ellimatta Reserve and Anglesea, Gadubanud of the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung people.

Conley’s design features concentric circles on the guernsey, representing community meeting places and connection to one another.

The surrounding U shapes symbolise coming together to sit, yarn and share in learning from each other.

Anglesea footballer Myles Brinkworth said he felt proud to be a part of a club that embraced Indigenous culture among its playing groups.

Brinkworth said his grandmother was part of the Stolen Generation in far north Queensland and he had personally been on a journey of self-discovery in recent years to find out more about his heritage.

“I’ve been a part of clubs that haven’t even tried to put out a jumper like this.

“When I heard about Anglesea’s new uniform and saw it for the first time, it made me feel really good to be a part of this club.

“I definitely see this jumper as a big step in my journey of finding out where my family is from and what it means to be Aboriginal.”

Myles Brinkworth, Phoebe Lingam and Max Simpson holding Donna Conley’s original design donated to the club.

Anglesea’s seniors and reserves sides will play away at Portarlington on July 8, while the under 18s will host Inverleigh at Ellimatta Reserve on the same day.

Players can also obtain special-made head socks featuring Conley’s design.

The club’s female football squad will host a major function on July 9 when it hosts Thomson, with entry proceeds going towards the Pay The Rent program.