Before Victoria went into lockdown, the Casey Demons were planning to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round, in line with the 2021 AFL season.

Acknowledging and celebrate Indigenous culture, the Demons were to pay respect to the community and the land in which they play on, running out to the club song in local language.

A cultural ceremony and gift exchange were also planned, to further highlight the significance of the round.

Alongside the Melbourne Football Club, both the VFL and VFLW teams were going to wear the special Indigenous guernseys that the club had designed.

The women’s guernsey was designed by Indigenous Melbourne AFLW player Krstel Petrevski.

Petrevski’s design acknowledges both the past and the present, with references to former Demon Aliesha Newman, as well as the Indigenous boys on Melbourne’s current AFL playing list. 

Petrevski also featured all 29 of her teammates on the guernsey, paying her respects to those that embrace and love her culture, just as much as she does.

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AFLW | 2021 Indigenous Guernsey

Krstel Petrevski tells the story behind her design of Melbourne's 2021 AFLW Indigenous Guernsey.

The men’s guernsey has the Demons community at the core of the design.

The guernsey, named ‘Ayeye Anwernekenhe’ (Our Story in Arrernte) was designed by Arrernte artist Amunda Gorey, who hails from Santa Teresa.

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Our 2021 Indigenous Guernsey

Designed by Amunda Gorey, this year's AFL Indigenous Guernsey is one of community and connection. It recognises all people who are proud to call themselves Demons.

Whilst the Demons are disappointed that they won’t have the chance to pull on the guernseys this weekend, they will pursue the opportunity to do so in future rounds. 

Historically, the lands around Casey were inhabited by the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples and the Wurundjeri peoples.

The Casey Demons would like to take the opportunity to thank all of its Indigenous players, staff, members and supporters that make such great contributions to the game and club.