The NAB AFLW will celebrate this year's Indigenous Round theme 'Spirit Strong, Game On' with a special limited-edition t-shirt created in collaboration with AFLW star Courtney Hodder and Northern Territory fashion label the House of Darwin.
A dual premiership player for the Brisbane Lions and a proud Badimia and Whadjuk woman from Perth, Western Australia, Hodder has combined her two worlds – sport and culture – to create a limited-edition tee in partnership with Shaun Edwards, the founder of House of Darwin.
Honouring her ancestors and community that has shaped her, Hodder's story is showcased in the t-shirt design, featuring personal details including her totem and the scrunchie she wears during every game, as well as her personality, family and her 'Sass Queen' quirkiness.
The 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round theme 'Spirit Strong, Game On' celebrates the enduring spirit and significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and their impact on the game – this is also showcased in the design.
Courtney Hodder said the theme, occasion, and opportunity to collaborate on the limited-edition t-shirt, was a proud moment for herself and her culture.
"Spirit Strong, Game On means I'm able to showcase my talent, represent my culture, and make my family proud," Hodder said.
"I'm a little bit overwhelmed that I've been picked to do this collaboration, it just shows the outside world can see how much my heritage actually means to me. It's a story about me, but it's also a story about our culture and our people.
"There are lots of Indigenous communities that are less fortunate, and don’t have the opportunities that city kids have, so I hope this collaboration inspires kids to pick up a footy and want to get into the sport, because it's such an amazing culture."
The limited-edition t-shirt will be available to purchase during Indigenous Round, with proceeds going to the AFL's Cape York House – a not-for-profit organisation that provides education, employment and training opportunities for young Indigenous men and women from Far North Queensland – and towards House of Darwin's Hoops Dream program.
AFL Executive General Manager of Social Inclusion and Policy Tanya Hosch said the collaboration and Round was a chance to reflect and celebrate the contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.
"The 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round and the theme Spirit Strong, Game On is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the significant contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities have on the game," Hosch said.
"Courtney is a remarkable player and representative of her community and culture, so we are delighted about collaboration with House of Darwin to help the League celebrate Indigenous Round and embody Spirit Strong Game On through this limited-edition piece. It is another way we can amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in our game, and in this case Courtney's voice.
"AFL Cape York House is an important organisation doing incredible work in Cairns and Far North Queensland, and proceeds from the Indigenous Round tees will help contribute to their ongoing efforts."
Former AFL player and founder of House of Darwin, Shaun Edwards, said the organisation was honoured to be part of the celebrations of the NAB AFLW Indigenous Round.
"Spirit Strong, Game On reflects the incredible resilience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring across this country. It's a moment to acknowledge the role that Indigenous players have had on the game, and we're really proud to be part of that," Edwards said.
"After chatting with Courtney, it became quite evident that we needed to showcase her story of growing up in Western Australia, how important her family is, and the footsteps she leaves in every iteration of her life, whether it be off the field or on the field."
To purchase the AFLW Indigenous Round limited edition t-shirt head to indigenous.afl.
Held across Week 9 and 10 of the 2024 NAB AFLW Season, Indigenous Round will celebrate Spirit Strong, Game On with matches from Thursday, 24 October to Sunday, 3 November. The annual Dreamtime match will take place on Saturday, 26 October in Darwin for the first time, as Richmond and Essendon go head-to-head.
Tickets are on sale now for only $15 with kids under 18 free at tickets.afl.
The collaboration has been brought to life in partnership with The Brag, PHD and DRUM, including creative collaboration, film and media content. The collaboration will be amplified across The Brag's platforms and brands including The Brag, Hypebeast and Rolling Stone.
About Cape York House
AFL Cape York House is a not-for-profit organisation that provides educational, employment and training opportunities for young Indigenous men and women from some of Far North Queensland’s most remote communities. Cape York House provides boarding facilities for boys and girls that provide culturally appropriate, supportive environment where young people can be proud of their heritage while building skills, learning and seeking new opportunities.
About House of Darwin
House of Darwin, is not only a fashion label – it's a social enterprise focused on designing Northern Territory-inspired pieces and running social programs for remote indigenous communities. Through initiatives like their Hoop Dreams program, which restores basketball courts in remote Indigenous communities, House of Darwin aims to leave a lasting impact beyond fashion.
