SOME of the most iconic VFL/AFL moments featuring indigenous footballers have been put on show in a unique display of artwork at the National Gallery of Victoria.
The Our Land is Alive: Hermannsburg Potters for Kids exhibition boasts football-inspired works by renowned indigenous artists from the Northern Territory.
Unforgettable moments such as Nicky Winmar lifting his shirt and proudly pointing to his skin, and Michael Long's goal of the year in 1993 highlight the display at the NGV's Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.
All 18 clubs have been included in the exhibition of 20 vibrant pots, which is free and open until April.
Current-day Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli features on two pots; a brilliant high leap in the 2014 Grand Final and his electrifying chase of Sydney Swans speedster Lewis Jetta down the MCG wing during the 2012 season-decider.
"I think it's pretty awesome to have myself on a couple of pots," Rioli said.
"Indigenous art is pretty special and it takes time, so it's definitely good that the kids here get a chance to see it. They've also got a few stations there where they can do a bit of artwork."
Hawks veteran Shaun Burgoyne said his personal highlight was seeing a pot depicting his brother Peter winning a game for Port Adelaide.
"My older brother's got one there with a goal he kicked after the siren and Cyril's in two, so it's pretty exciting," Burgoyne said.
"It is very impressive. It's my first time here at the gallery to see some work from some indigenous artists from the Northern Territory.
"The kids are greeted with the Nicky Winmar artifact as they walk in. Then you see the Krakouer brothers and Polly Farmer and some immortal current day players as well, so it's a good history lesson as well while they're here."
Senior curator Judith Ryan encouraged people to get along to the exhibition, which includes the chance for children to decorate their own papier-mache pots.
"This exhibition coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Hermannsburg Potters," she said.
"The artists work with terracotta and underglazes, and they figured out how to represent all 18 clubs and special moments in the history of VFL/AFL football involving indigenous players – some of whom are their great heroes.
"There's some amazing moments. It's wonderful to see the last match played by Fitzroy Football Club in the VFL, a time when Footscray wasn't the Western Bulldogs and we've got the old-fashioned jumpers of the Port Power and also the Fremantle Dockers."
The free exhibition is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. Visit ngv.gov.au for more information.
