For the first time in its history, the Gold Coast Football Club has launched an Indigenous jumper to coincide with the AFL’s Indigenous Round which begins this Thursday.
Indigenous artist Luther Cora came up with the design which features a number of elements which relate to him, his family, and the people of the Gold Coast.
The red and gold on the jumper represent the sun and sand of the region, while the blue relates to the rivers and sea. Handprints represent a coming together of different cultures through reconciliation. The club’s seven Indigenous players also feature with a seven-pointed design on the back which represents our Aboriginal players who are from different parts of the land coming together to meet on the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast SUNS will wear this Indigenous jumper in Round 11 v Adelaide.
Cora said he became involved in the design process after participating in some cultural and community events with the GC SUNS and he took inspiration from his surroundings on the Gold Coast.
“Inspiration came from this beautiful city we live in, which happens to be my family’s traditional country,” Cora said.
“The Gold Coast is part of the Yugambeh language group and the traditional owner is the Kombumerri tribe.
“The design symbolises my country, the sand, sea and sun, which are three important elements to my family and the people of the Gold Coast.
“AFL is a great sport (to promote Indigenous culture) as it has a lot of supporters and people that watch the sport, so it impacts of a lot of people and communities.”
SUNS defender Steven May, who hails from the Northern Territory, is one of the club’s seven players with Indigenous heritage.
The 22-year-old said he is excited to get the opportunity to wear an Indigenous jumper in SUNS colours for the first time.
“I’m very excited. It’s something I’ll hold with me forever,” May said.
“A few of the other boys are pretty excited, as well, as they get to keep something from the game.
“To play there and not only represent my family name, but obviously Indigenous people all around Australia and get some recognition, I think it’s a great initiative by the AFL.”
The SUNS take on the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
