Since the inception of the Indigenous Round in 2007, the spectacle has grown into a celebration of thanks, respect and recognition for Aboriginal players and the wider Indigenous community.

The round kicks off on Friday night when Carlton and Sydney battle it out for the Marngrook Trophy at the SCG. Marngrook is the name given to a traditional game played during a corroboree of the Djawurrung and Jardwadjali clans in Victoria’s Western District.

The Blues have four Indigenous players: Andrew Walker, Chris Yarran, Liam Jones and Clem Smith. They all say it’s an important round to promote understanding and acceptance, as well as allowing their families to play a part in the game they love.

“It means a lot to me," Walker said. "It's not only a great round for the players but also for their families to get involved."

Defender Chris Yarran also agreed.

“It means a lot - you're not only representing yourself but your family and friends back home. I’ve only missed one (Indigenous Round) over seven years so I’m very thankful I get the opportunity to play,” he said.

Yarran, Smith and Jones all hail from Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Jones is from the ‘Gija’ region in the Halls Creek and Kimberly area, while Yarran and Smith identify with the Noongar people.

Walker is from Echuca in Victoria, which is part of Yorta Yorta Nation. His uncle Clive Atkinson designed the Blues’ Indigenous Guernsey this year, which encompasses many symbols that are important to Yorta Yorta Nation.

When asked what the round means to him, Jones said he believes it’s important to recognise the contribution Indigenous people have made to the game over a number of years.

“It means a lot to my family and the wider Indigenous community across Australia. It’s a great time for Indigenous people to be proud of their contribution to our great game,” Jones said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of AFL’s Racial Vilification Policy and Jones said the initiative has been a significant step in the right direction.

“The AFL has certainly taken the right steps forward to make sure that no one gets racially vilified again,” Jones said.

You can get your own Carlton Indigenous Guernsey at the The Carlton Shop online, with all proceeds going towards Yorta Yorta language programs.