NARRM has continued its Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations, with a special Thursday at Casey Fields.

It was a day full of family and food, alongside surprise, as the Demons were joined by some important people ahead of their clash with Euro-Yroke (St Kilda).

Vanessa, mum of Steven May; Molly, mum of Shane McAdam; and Ardu and Belleny, partner and daughter of Kozzy Pickett; made the special trip to Casey, forming part of a surprise post-training that brought a tear to the eye of many.

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Surprise family visit from across the country

We organised a special surprise for our Indigenous trio as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Demons’ players and football department staff were then treated to a meaningful, and equally delicious, lunch that was planned, prepared and cooked by chef Angela Wiegard.

The carefully curated menu featured dishes that reminded May, McAdam and Pickett of home.

For May, a Larrakia man brought up outside Darwin, magpie goose and barramundi hold a special place in his heart. The magpie goose, which is usually cooked over an open fire, was supplied by May’s cousin, Daniel Motlop, who also provided insights into how best prepare it.

Brahman beef was McAdam’s choice, with the meat a fond memory of the Kija and Jaru man’s childhood in Halls Creek, Western Australia. This dish was prepared using Brahman hump, due to availability in Melbourne, and cooked similar to that of corned beef.

Pickett, a Yamatji Noongar man, was quick to request kangaroo marinated in soy, ginger and garlic for lunch. Cooked on the BBQ, it is a recipe that brings back core memories for Pickett, and one that reminds him most of home.

Angela’s accompanying dishes included native ingredients sourced from local Indigenous suppliers, while she was assisted by David from Mabu Mabu in preparing the feast on the day. Mabu Mabu also provided an afternoon snack of coconut chia pots with native and seasonal fruits.

The celebration was topped off by tunes from DJ Soju Gang, who played a set during training and throughout the players’ gym rotations.

Narrm will take on Euro-Yroke this Sunday at the MCG, wearing its 2024 Indigenous guernsey titled ‘My Heart Beats True’, designed by Arabana and Kokatha artist Mali Isabel.