After two years of pandemic delays, the Macedon Junior Football Club (MJFC) finally launched their indigenous round on Friday, May 20.
The launch coincides with the AFL’s Sir Douglas Nicholls Indigenous Round and will pay respect to First Nations culture, heritage and contribution in the Macedon Ranges.
In a statement, MJFC said it was “honoured” to be the first club in the Riddell District Football Netball League to introduce an indigenous round.
Tony Clarke Reserve, at the base on Mt Macedon on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, hosted each of MJFC’s 10 girls and boys teams on Friday night and Sunday, proudly donning an Indigenous round guernsey.
“The jersey was designed by Aboriginal artist Nathan Leitch, a Quandamooka Man from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland with strong ties to Victoria having grown up in western Victoria on Gunditjmara Country,” the club said.
“The colourful design features the local geography and topography of the Macedon Ranges. The club also embraces Indigenous culture through dedicated polo shirts and beanies.”
MJFC president Ashley Cook said the club was “really proud” of its Indigenous players, and grateful to play on “one of the most picturesque grounds in Victoria”.
“We see this special round as a chance to educate our club about Indigenous culture right through from our under-9s to under-18s players, as well as parents, friends, families, and even touching the broader community”.
Elsie Lange
