For the first time in the club’s history, the GIANTS will wear an Indigenous jumper designed by one of their own players in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Young GIANTS forward and Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar man Bobby Hill has designed the 2020 jumper that will be worn in Sir Doug Nicholls Round this weekend.
The round 13 match will have extra significance for Hill, with the 20-year old hopeful of lining up for the GIANTS in his home state against the West Coast Eagles.
The design, titled Bobby’s GIANT Journey, tells the story of Hill from his upbringing in Northam, WA to moving to Sydney in 2018 to represent the GIANTS.
The story, that is predominantly told on the back of the jumper, is one of growth and the importance of community on both sides of the continent.
The boomerangs and campfire represent hunting, which was a big part of Hill’s upbringing within his community and family as a young man.
The circle below the boomerangs represents Hill’s family, who despite being based on the other side of the country have remained a major source of support during his journey.
The footprints in the middle of the back of the jumper represent Bobby’s journey to the GIANTS. It’s a reflection of not only his physical relocation from WA to Sydney, but the mental and emotional journey that a young player goes on from being a potential draftee to becoming an AFL player.
On the right-hand side of the jumper, the many hands around the fire represent the GIANTS team and is symbolic of how Hill has been embraced by the playing group since he entered the club. The hands represent the collaborative and welcoming environment.
The smaller circle below this with four people seated around the fire represent the four major groups that make up the GIANTS community; the AFL team, the AFLW team, GIANTS Netball and the club’s collective members and fans.
The front of the jumper includes the totems of the GIANTS’ three indigenous players – Hill (Goanna), Wiradjuri man Zac Williams (Frill Neck Lizard) and Yorta Yorta man Jeremy Finlayson (Long Neck Turtle).
Hill has played nine AFL games in his two seasons at the GIANTS.
The Indigenous jumper is now available for purchase here.
