BFNL clubs to wear special jumpers in indigenous round

The BFNL's annual indigenous themed round has been developed through partnerships with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and AFL Central Victoria.

All 10 BFNL clubs will participate in the round, with South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat to play in the feature standalone match on Sunday at the QEO.

The match provides an opportunity for learning and paying recognition to the living Aboriginal culture of the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung.

"We are once again thrilled to partner with the Dja Dja Wurrung people to present the BFNL Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round,'' BFNL manager Cameron Tomlins said.

"It has become a marquee event for the league, bringing the community together and using local football and netball as a platform to initiate continued conversation and further promote a deeper education surrounding respective local indigenous history, emphasized by all BFNL clubs competing in the specially designed football and netball uniforms.

"We have ensured this year that all BFNL senior football and netball teams have now been provided with custom playing uniforms designed by local indigenous artists across the last five years, with designs that are specific to each club's indigenous regions.

"The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'Grounded in Truth' and both clubs competing in the senior feature matches will be playing for the Wirama Shield in football and netball."

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Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Trent Nelson praised the BFNL for its work to promote the round.

"This is an exciting time for Dja Dja Wurrung people as events like this place us back in the landscape that we were removed from,'' Nelson said.

"It also provides a relaxed place for the whole community to get together and support local sport.

"It is also a great opportunity to get the Dja Dja Wurrung artists involved in the design of game day jumpers.

"We are really proud that for the first time since beginning this partnership, all senior netball and football teams are wearing designs by Dja Dja Wurrung artists.

"For this game the artists are Drew Berick (Kangaroo Flat) and Ron Kerr Jnr (South Bendigo)."

On the field, the Bloods and Roos are both chasing their seconds wins of the season.

Schedule for Sunday's BFNL Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round:

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