Roos unveil new indigenous jersey

North Melbourne has unveiled its 2025 AFL Indigenous guernsey ahead of the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Inspired by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO and brought to life by Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung artist Emma Bamblett, the guernsey will be worn against Richmond in Round 10 and Collingwood in Round 11.

The design titled ‘walert morrok goattak’, which means possum skin cloak in Woi Wurrung language, honours the club’s existence on Wurundjeri Country for 100 years and Aunty Joy’s connection to the club for over 10 years.

“I am proud to be involved with the Kangaroos over the years and feel honoured to have been asked to be part of this year’s guernsey design. Country is where we come from, culture is who we are, and to have that illustrated in the guernsey for our people and future generations is important,” Aunty Joy said.

A possum skin cloak is worn by Aunty Joy when delivering the traditional Welcome to Country.

For tens of thousands of years, possum skin cloaks have protected First Nations people from cold and rain, mapped Country and told lifelong stories.

A possum skin cloak is also worn by Aunty Joy when delivering the traditional Welcome to Country greeting at many events and to many distinguished visitors on Wurundjeri land.

The design came to life after Bamblett and a group of North Melbourne’s First Nations players and staff sat down for a deep listening with Aunty Joy, who shared stories about her cultural connections to Wurundjeri Country.

“Working with Aunty Joy was such an honour and pleasure to do,” Bamblett said.

“You’ll see Aunty Joy perform ceremony with the possum cloak with her beautiful Welcome to Countries.

“Possum skin was used for warmth to welcome a baby, so one or two skins sewn together. As baby would grow, every year you’d sew another possum skin to that cloak because each possum skin told a story of your connection, where you come from, who you are, and then when you pass away, you’re wrapped in the possum skin cloak and buried, so your life story is on that cloak.

“It’s a significant piece of Aboriginal culture and history, that I think should be shared.”