THE CARLTON Football Club is today proud to launch its 2020 AFL Indigenous guernsey. 

The Blues will have the honour of opening Sir Doug Nicholls Round when they run out under the Friday night lights of Darwin this week against the Suns in the specially-designed jumper.

 

01:44

Listen and learn: Cripps, Jones on Sir Doug Nicholls Round

Carlton leaders Patrick Cripps and Liam Jones speak on the guernsey, the importance and the honour of kicking off Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The overall theme of the guernsey is a symbol that the positive choices you make as role models have an impact on the broader community.

Australian artist and proud Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narrunga man Tony Wilson created the design in consultation with the Club’s AFL Indigenous players.

A feature of the artwork is the six main ripples on the front of the guernsey, representing the Club’s six current Indigenous players; Eddie Betts, Liam Jones, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Jack Martin, Natalie Plane and Maddy Prespakis.

 

01:21

2020 Indigenous guernsey unveiled

The story behind the jumper: this is what Carlton will be wearing when it kicks off Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Friday night.

A main ripple can be seen down the back of the jumper, which is dedicated to the Carlton members and supporters who are the lifeblood and foundation of this football club.

The next ripple on the back of the guernsey represents the past players and staff who have created a positive and strong culture at the Club, while the third ripple symbolises future players and staff who will be attracted to the Club due to the strong culture that has been set by those who have come before them.

 

Blues CEO Cain Liddle said the Club was proud to wear a guernsey for Sir Doug Nicholls Round that holds such significant meaning.

“This guernsey epitomises the Carlton Way and everything that is important to us, most notably its representation of our unity as a football club,” Liddle said.

“It was important we acknowledged our six Indigenous players as well as every other player, coach staff member and especially our members and supporters. Sir Doug Nicholls Round is not just important to our Indigenous players, it is important to every Carlton person and we think this year’s guernsey is symbolic of that. 

07:09

Full interview: Eddie opens up (AFL360)

Eddie Betts opens up on being the victim of racial vilification and his desire to make the AFL a better and safe place. Vision courtesy of FOX Footy.

“This year’s league-wide message is ‘Believe in a future without racism’ and we know as a club we have a responsibility to be doing everything possible to make that a reality.

“It will be an honour for us to open Sir Doug Nicholls Round in prime time this Friday night in Darwin. The game will no doubt have a special atmosphere and we know we will have great support from the Carlton faithful.” 

This will be the second game the Carlton Football Club will play in Darwin in its history, the first coming in Round 13, 2005 against the Western Bulldogs.