Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations across AFL Sydney

Photo courtesy of Leigh Gazzard (IG – @leighgazzard)

 

Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution to Australian Football. Always a highlight on the AFL calendar, this year’s theme for the round is Our Legacy – This is Us.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round is celebrated from the elite level to grassroots and AFL Sydney is proud that clubs in the region are helping their players and communities engage across all levels. In 2021, Sir Doug Nicholls Round formally takes place from 24 May to 6 June.

AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Ambassadors, Jeremy Finlayson and James Bell are both looking forward to the round and pleased that it extends to community footy’s grassroots.

Jeremy Finlayson: “When I think of Sir Doug Nicholls Round I genuinely get goose-bumps. This year though is even more exciting as I found out from my Dad’s cousin that I am related to Sir Doug so the round has a greater significance. He is such an inspiration and I can’t wait to get out there and play.”

James Bell: “My dad’s side is Aboriginal, my mum’s side is Scottish, so I’ve got a different mix there. My Aboriginal heritage is from the south coast of NSW all the way up to Kempsey and the Bellbrook area. It’s great to see so many community clubs getting around Sir Doug Nicholls Round and celebrating the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island players have on the game.”

The following clubs are holding significant events on match days to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round:

Randwick City Saints

– Date: Saturday 29th May 2021
– Time: 10:00am
– Venue: Pioneers Park, Malabar
– The club will be wearing a commemorative guernsey.
– There will be a smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of country.

Sydney University

– Date: Saturday 29th May 2021
– Time: 10:30am
– Venue: Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Camperdown
– The club will be wearing commemorative guernsey.
– There will be a smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of country.

Inner West Magpies

– Senior women’s and U10 girls will wear a commemorative guernsey.
– The guernsey was designed by a player at the club, Zoe Kassem, and it tells the story of women, men, boys and girls playing by the Cooks River.
– Smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of country will be conducted on 6th June 2021.

Manly Warringah Wolves

– Date: Saturday 29th May 2021
– Time: Ceremony will commence at 2:00pm
– Venue: Weldon Oval, North Curl Curl
– Acknowledgement of Country – Performed by MWAFC Lucy Doolan (Wiradijuri and Gomeroi).
– Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Les McLeod (Yuin / Dharawal / Ngarrugu).
– Cultural Performances led by Indigenous player, Jarrod Bridges and family.
– The club will be wearing commemorative guernseys designed by Rheanna Lotter
– Inaugural Indigenous Round perpetual shield to be awarded to winner of Men’s Premier Division match

Balmain Tigers

– Date: Saturday 29th May 2021
– Time: 12:00pm
– Venue: Wagener Oval, Ashbury
– The club will be wearing a commemorative guernsey.
– There will be a smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of country.

Keep up-to-date with all AFL Sydney related news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.