The AFL will this week (May 15-May 18) and next week (May 22- May 25) celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Sir Doug Nicholls round. The round, which is named for Doug Nicholls who was a Yorta Yorta man that played for Fitzroy Football club in the 1920s and subsequently became a pastor, is a celebration of the impact of Indigenous players on the game. There has consistently been talented Indigenous players in the AFL such as Nicky Winmar, Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin and there continues to be a strong presence at each club. This year is also the 20th Anniversary of the Indigenous Team of the Century and the 30th Anniversary of the Peek Rule, which saw the prohibition of any vilification, discrimination and insults.
Doug Nicholls fought extremely hard for the rights of Aboriginal people on and off the football field. He played 54 games for Fitzroy Football club (Brisbane Lions). Importantly, he was a founding member of the Aboriginal Advancement League which was instigated to gain citizenship rights for Indigenous peoples.
Over the years each club has leaned into its Indigenous connections often with the families of players informing and creating unique jumper designs. This Year Walyalup’s (Fremantle Football Club) jumper was designed by past player Jeff Farmer and family which incorporated traditional colours of the Dockers.
See video on Doug Nicholls published by the AFL here.
Article by Harrison French, Communications Specialist at Garlett Group
Image credit: Walyalup