IN A TRADITION across Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Melbourne will exchange cultural gifts with Brisbane ahead of Friday night’s game at GIANTS Stadium.

The Demons will hand over waranganj (boomerangs) ahead of the special match, which were created by Michael Robinson, Wandi Wandian/Murramarang man, artefact maker of the Yuin people and owner of Doolagartefacts. 

Made of red gum sourced from the Yaala tree, the boomerangs feature a carving on the

head, which is of great significance to all Aboriginal people.

The circles represent Aboriginal ancestors, elders and present people, and symbolise sharing knowledge of the land, song, dance and story.

The adjoining rays refer to the connection all have with each other and with Country, through relationships, and the love and respect of ancient traditions.

The giving of gifts has been part of Aboriginal culture since the beginning of days and remains a meaningful custom to express care for each other.

In addition to the exchange with the Lions, which will take place on Dharug Land, the Demons will also gift a special ball to one of their own.

Designed by Ricky Kildea, proud Dja Dja Wurrung man and lifelong Dees supporters, whose work is showcased on his Instagram MarnGrook Designs, the unique Sherrin will be awarded to Melbourne’s best player following the match.

The design is centred around respect for Country and acknowledging the players’ journey to get to the Melbourne Football Club.

The footprints within the design lead from home communities, and reference the different pathways in becoming a Demon, while also symbolising walking respectfully over Country.

The relationship Melbourne has with Aboriginal people and communities is further recognised, along with the positive steps it has taken towards reconciliation, and the importance of all feeling proud to live, work and play on the Country of the oldest living culture.

Kildea has painted a second, yellow Sherrin for the player deemed best in Casey Demons’ VFLW match, which unfortunately has been postponed due to Victoria’s COVID-19 outbreak. 

Friday night marks the first time Melbourne will pull on its 2021 Indigenous guernsey – a jumper clash with the Western Bulldogs prevented players from doing so last week – with much excitement over the special design.

Arrernte artist Amunda Gorey was responsible for the impressive kit, which tells the story of the Demons’ community and its connection.

Although the jumper did not feature as part of the opening of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Melbourne and the Bulldogs did continue tradition, with the Demons gifting a bar’gan (hunting boomerang).

The bar’gan, which is often referred to as ‘number 7’ because of its shape, was made of red box wood from Dja Dja Wurrung Country, and was hand cut and crafted by Kabi Kabi Man, Alex Splitt.

Last week’s match was played on Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Land.