As the only currently serving AFL captain of Indigenous descent, Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round holds vast significance for Steven May.
The 25-year-old is also only the sixth Indigenous player to be named captain of an AFL side, something May said he was very humbled by.
“I’m extremely proud to be one of the only Indigenous captains ever,” he told the media on Tuesday.
“When I found out I was the sixth, I was tremendously humbled by that.
“This week, Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a very special moment for us.”
As revealed by goldcoastfc.com.au on Monday, the six current SUNS' Indigenous players will be represented on the 2017 Indigenous Guernsey by their individual totems.
READ: Ah Chee's Indigenous Totem
May’s totem, a salt-water crocodile, was designed by his Aunty, a gesture he said was a great way to get the families further involved with both the club and Indigenous Round.
“Mine is called the Kinga- it’s a salt water crocodile from East Arnhem Land in the NT,” he said.
“That was a good way to get the family involved.
“It’s a nice little personal touch to the jumper this week.”
The defender’s jumper will have another personal touch on Saturday, when his usual number 17 is replaced by the number 67.
MORE: Steven May and Tom Lynch to wear #67 and #50
“I’ll be wearing number 67 in Alice Springs, signifying at 1967 referendum that was passed,” he said.
“Indigenous Australians were counted as part of the Census.”
“I’m very humbled, I want to be a leader not only for the Gold Coast SUNS but for Indigenous people all around Australia.”
An original drawing of May's totem, designed by Monica Taylor.
