The Brisbane Lions, in collaboration with Lardil woman and Mornington Island artist Renee Wilson, are proud to present the Club’s 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey. Wilson, hailing from Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is a relative of Lions forward Charlie Cameron.
The guernsey’s theme is inspired by the Lardil phrase, ‘Merri Dilangka’, which for the Lardil people signifies “listening to the past, present, and moving forward together.” Wilson emphasized the importance of incorporating this sentiment into the design.
“I believed it was important to include in the guernsey’s theme because we must always remember where we come from, where we are now, and where we are heading as a people,” said Wilson. “But we are not forgetting our roots, and that’s why the theme is Merri Dilangka.
“Having Indigenous Rounds in the AFL is crucial as it gives us a sense of pride. It’s significant because it’s our identity—who we are, our culture—and it’s important to share our stories and culture as part of education.”
Guernsey Design Elements
The design reflects the past, present, and future, all connected through the theme of Merri Dilangka.
The Past:
The left section of the artwork represents the first three beings believed to have arrived on Mornington Island, acknowledging the origins of the Lardil people and their rich heritage.
The Present:
The middle section focuses on the present, with the blue ocean surrounding Mornington Island. Beneath the island are a Barun (turtle), Yaka (fish), and Kendabal (dugong), the primary food sources for the Lardil people.
The centre also depicts three people standing above the island, gazing out to a boat and stars, a reminder of the Stolen Generation and its continuing impact on the Lardil community.
The Future:
On the right, the artwork signifies the future, reflecting the preservation of culture and its transmission to future generations. The depiction of Merri Dilangka—a traditional dance of the Lardil people—encapsulates the spirit of moving forward together.
Unified Guernsey Across AFL and AFLW
In a first for the Brisbane Lions, both the AFL and AFLW teams will wear the same guernsey during their Indigenous Rounds. The AFLW fixture will be announced in the coming months.
Inside the neckline are the six totems of the Club’s current Indigenous players:
- Charlie Cameron (Lardil Waanyi man): Shovel-nose Shark
- Callum Ah Chee (Nyoongar Yawaru Nyikina Palyku man): Wallaby
- Keidean Coleman (Dalabon man): Jumping Kangaroo
- Ally Anderson (Ghungalu woman): Emu
- Courtney Hodder (Badimaya and Whadjuk woman): Turtle
- Dakota Davidson (Gunditjimara woman): Black Swan
Fixture and Guernsey Auctions
- Home Guernsey: To be worn against the Richmond Tigers at The Gabba on Saturday, May 18.
- Away Guernsey: To be worn against Hawthorn on Sunday, May 28, at Marvel Stadium.
Match-Worn Guernsey Auctions:
- Home Guernsey Auction: Opens Thursday, July 4, and closes Monday, July 8.
- Away Guernsey Auction: Opens Thursday, May 23, and closes Monday, May 27.
Get Your Guernsey!
The 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Range is available in limited stock at the Lions Shop. Don’t miss out—get yours before the game against the Tigers!