Honouring Legacy – The Rise of Indigenous Rounds in NRL, AFL, AFLW, and NRLW
From Celebration to Cultural Shift – What It Means for Australia and the World
In Australia, sport is more than a pastime—it’s a national language. But in recent years, Indigenous Rounds in the NRL, AFL, AFLW, and NRLW have evolved into cultural landmarks that transcend competition. These rounds honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, amplify Indigenous voices, and challenge the nation to reflect on its identity. They’ve reshaped how Australians engage with sport, how Indigenous stories are told, and how the world sees Australia’s commitment to cultural inclusion. What began as symbolic recognition has become a movement of reconciliation, education, and pride.
A Movement Beyond the Field
Indigenous Rounds are no longer confined to match-day spectacle. They’ve become immersive cultural events that ripple through communities, schools, and media. Each year, clubs collaborate with Indigenous artists, Elders, and educators to ensure authenticity and impact. Jerseys are designed with ancestral stories, ceremonies are led by local custodians, and players engage in cultural workshops. The NRL’s 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together,” aligned with NAIDOC Week’s “Strength, Vision, and Legacy,” reinforcing the round’s role in national healing. These rounds are now woven into the fabric of Australian sport—not as decoration, but as declaration.
Reframing Australia’s Sporting Identity
Indigenous Rounds have reframed sport as a platform for cultural literacy and social change. They’ve elevated Indigenous representation, with players like Josh Addo-Carr and Olivia Kernick becoming icons of pride and resilience. AFLW now boasts 5% Indigenous participation—a record that reflects growing pathways and support. The rounds also educate fans, introducing them to languages, traditions, and histories often excluded from mainstream narratives. Globally, Australia is now seen as a leader in integrating sport with cultural diplomacy, offering a model for how athletic institutions can honour heritage while driving progress.
A Legacy in Motion
The legacy of Indigenous Rounds is dynamic and evolving. They’ve empowered communities by showcasing role models, influenced policy through increased funding for Indigenous programs, and inspired storytelling across media and education. From Lionel Morgan’s historic debut in 1960 to Jess Skinner’s groundbreaking coaching role in 2023, the journey is marked by milestones that continue to shape the future. As NRL CEO Andrew Abdo stated something like “It’s far more than just football. It’s a powerful demonstration of rugby league’s ability to influence culture, drive reconciliation, and educate the nation.”
The Power of Storytelling Through Jersey Design
Jerseys worn during Indigenous Rounds are not just uniforms—they’re visual narratives. Artists like Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and Kyara Fernando craft designs that reflect Dreaming stories, local totems, and community values. These jerseys connect players to Country and fans to culture. In 2025, the AFLW collaborated with House of Darwin to produce guernseys that symbolise resilience and unity. The designs are now archived and studied as cultural artefacts, proving that sport can be a canvas for storytelling and preservation.
Intergenerational Impact and Role Models
Representation matters—and Indigenous Rounds have made it visible. From trailblazers like Arthur Beetson to current stars like Connor Watson, Indigenous athletes have become cultural ambassadors. Their presence inspires young First Nations Australians to pursue sport not just as players, but as leaders and creators. The inclusion of junior players from clubs like the Redfern All Blacks at official launches reinforces the message, the future is being shaped now, and it belongs to those who carry the legacy forward.
Indigenous Women Leading the Way
Women’s leagues have become powerful platforms for Indigenous leadership. Jess Skinner’s appointment as the first Indigenous woman to coach the Jillaroos marked a turning point. AFLW players like Danielle Ponter and Krstel Petrevski are not only athletes—they’re storytellers, mentors, and advocates. These women are redefining what representation looks like in elite sport, challenging stereotypes and creating space for future generations to thrive.
Cultural Education for Fans and Clubs
Education is central to the success of Indigenous Rounds. Clubs now host cultural awareness sessions, engage with local Elders, and incorporate Indigenous languages into match-day experiences. Fans are exposed to curated playlists, traditional dances, and historical narratives. The AFL’s annual Spotify playlist, featuring Indigenous artists, has become a cultural touchstone. These efforts ensure that celebration is matched by understanding, and that sport becomes a gateway to deeper cultural literacy.
Year-Round Commitment Beyond the Round
While Indigenous Rounds are annual highlights, many clubs now maintain year-round initiatives. The NRL’s partnership with grassroots organisations like the Redfern All Blacks supports mentorship, scholarships, and community outreach. AFL clubs have launched Indigenous academies and leadership programs. These efforts ensure that the spirit of the round continues long after the final whistle, embedding cultural respect into the daily operations of Australian sport.
Artistic Collaboration and Cultural Preservation
Art is central to Indigenous identity, and sport has become a new medium for its expression. Collaborations with artists like Jordan Ardler and Shaenice Miles have elevated Indigenous art into mainstream visibility. Their designs incorporate traditional motifs and contemporary interpretations, bridging generations and preserving culture. These partnerships also provide economic opportunities and recognition for Indigenous creatives, proving that sport can be a platform for artistic empowerment.
Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Media
Media coverage of Indigenous Rounds has evolved from token mentions to full-scale storytelling. Players now share personal journeys, cultural connections, and reflections on identity through interviews and documentaries. Platforms like NITV and ABC Indigenous provide space for these voices to lead the narrative. This shift ensures that Indigenous perspectives are not just included—they’re central.
Global Sporting Diplomacy
Australia’s Indigenous Rounds are gaining international recognition. Visiting teams, broadcasters, and global audiences witness a unique fusion of sport and culture. The rounds position Australia as a leader in using sport for reconciliation and cultural diplomacy. They offer a blueprint for other nations seeking to honour Indigenous heritage while promoting unity and progress.
Reconciliation in Action
Indigenous Rounds are tangible expressions of reconciliation. They acknowledge past injustices while celebrating resilience and contribution. The alignment with NAIDOC Week themes reinforces their role in national healing. Every Welcome to Country, every jersey design, every story shared is a step toward truth-telling and unity. These rounds prove that sport can be a force for justice.
The Future – Embedding Culture in Sport’s DNA
The next frontier is structural change. That means more Indigenous coaches, administrators, and decision-makers. It means culturally safe pathways and inclusive policies. Indigenous Rounds have laid the foundation—now the architecture of Australian sport must evolve. The goal is not just celebration, but transformation.
Sport as Ceremony – A New National Ritual
Indigenous Rounds have introduced ceremonial elements into mainstream sport. From smoking ceremonies to traditional dances, these rituals connect players and fans to Country. They transform stadiums into sacred spaces, where sport becomes a form of cultural expression. This ceremonial dimension adds depth and meaning, turning matches into moments of reflection and reverence.
Indigenous Round as a National Curriculum
Educators are now using Indigenous Rounds as teaching tools. Schools incorporate match-day content into lessons on history, identity, and social justice. Players visit classrooms, share stories, and inspire students. This integration turns sport into a living curriculum, where learning is experiential and values-driven.
The Role of Language and Song
Language is central to Indigenous identity, and Indigenous Rounds have helped revive and celebrate it. Songs in local dialects are performed before matches, and players learn key phrases to honour their heritage. These efforts contribute to language preservation and cultural pride, proving that sport can be a vessel for linguistic revival.
Community Ownership and Local Impact
Indigenous Rounds are not top-down events—they’re community-driven. Local artists, dancers, and Elders shape the experience. Clubs work with regional communities to ensure authenticity and impact. This grassroots involvement ensures that the rounds are not just symbolic—they’re lived, felt, and owned by the people they honour.
Challenging the Status Quo in Representation
Indigenous Rounds have sparked broader conversations about representation in sport. They’ve challenged institutions to examine their hiring practices, media coverage, and cultural competency. The rounds have become a mirror, reflecting both progress and the work still to be done. They demand accountability and inspire change.
Conclusion
Indigenous Rounds have redefined the role of sport in Australia. They’ve turned matches into moments of national reflection, jerseys into canvases of cultural pride, and athletes into ambassadors of change. As these rounds continue to evolve, they offer a blueprint for how sport can honour heritage, foster unity, and project a more inclusive identity to the world. The game has changed—and so has the country.
Join the Discussion
How have Indigenous Rounds impacted your view of Australian sport? What stories or moments have stood out to you?
#IndigenousRound #NRL #AFL #AFLW #NRLW #FirstNationsSport #CulturalInclusion #AustralianSport #ReconciliationThroughSport #SpiritStrongGameOn
