The Gold Coast SUNS have launched their 2018 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Indigenous Guernsey designed by local Yugambeh man Luther Cora.
Cora has played an integral role in generating awareness and educating SUNS players and staff about local Aboriginal & Torres Straight Island culture since the club’s establishment and said he looked to incorporate elements of both cultures in the 2018 Guernsey.
Traditional Aboriginal artwork covers the entire jumper with the traditional headwear of the Torres Straight Island people, The Dhari, featured on the back of the jumper.
“The design remains true to our home the Gold Coast and uses elements of our land through a silhouette of a warrior looking out over to Mount Warning, or Wullumbin, on the back and looking over our players,” Cora said.
“On the front the Mibbin or Eagle and Mullet fish are depicted for their important cultural significance to our coastal region.”
“This jumper represents our players through their totems and peoples name on the back. I also wanted to pay respect to all past and present players by having their names on the collar.”
“I loved designing this year’s Guernsey because I know how much it means to the players and how they honour the opportunity to represent our culture.”
GC SUNS player Sean Lemmens, who has extended his contract with the club until 2021, was at Metricon Stadium on Friday to see the guernsey for the first time.
“It’s a chance to represent my family and my mob and Luther’s done a great job on the guernseys again this year so I’m very excited,” Lemmens said.
“It’s always a good opportunity to showcase what we’re about and our talents.
"To be able to represent my family like I said before is a huge honour.”
The Gold Coast SUNS will wear the 2018 Indigenous Guernsey when they return to Metricon Stadium for the Round 11 match as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.