The second of the AFLW’s two Indigenous rounds kicks off this weekend, with matches taking place on Yidinji (Cairns), Karuna (Adelaide), Gadigal & Wangal (Sydney), Yugambeh (Gold Coast), Whadjuk (Perth), Larrakia (Darwin), Wadawurrung (Ballarat), Wurundjeri (Melbourne), and Yagara/Yugara (Ipswich) country.
This year’s theme, “Spirit Strong, Game On” celebrates the enduring spirit and significant impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on football. It’s been brought to life not only in the design of each team’s playing guernsey, but also a limited edition t-shirt created in collaboration with Northern Territory fashion label the House of Darwin and Courtney Hodder, a Brisbane Lions dual premiership player and proud Badimia and Whadjuk woman.
We interviewed Courtney and Danielle Ponter, Anmatyerre, Marranunggu and Tiwi woman who is a star player for Kuwarna (Adelaide Crows) and is also the club’s First Nations programs coordinator.
To learn more about the AFLW Indigenous Round and buy the “Spirit Strong, Game On” t-shirt, click here.
What does the theme ‘Spirit Strong, Game On’ mean to you?
Danielle Ponter: It reflects the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It honours our rich history and traditions, showing how our identity influences our performance in football and beyond. This theme reminds me of the importance of representing my culture and inspiring my community, carrying our unbreakable spirit onto the field.
How does it feel different taking to the field in the Indigenous rounds compared to a standard game?
DP: There’s a deeper sense of pride. I always feel proud to wear the Adelaide guernsey, but during these rounds, that pride is amplified. I know I’m not just playing for my team; I’m helping to highlight and celebrate our culture on a larger stage, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
Courtney Hodder: It’s the round that I feel most connected to, it’s my identity. I get to wear my mob’s name on my sleeve to make them proud. It’s a round of celebration of how far Indigenous people have come. It’s a round where I can tell my story and share my experiences… it’s extremely important to me.
Have you had interactions with young Indigenous girls who now see footy as something they want to do when they’re older too?
CH: When I was younger, I was always surrounded by mob so there was no denying that I was Aboriginal and I always knew how important our culture was. But being so young I didn’t ask many questions until I was drafted, such as, ‘Who’s my great great great grandparents?’, ‘What’s my family totem?’, ‘Where does my family extend to?’ and ‘What’s my actual tribe name?’ I guess, as you get older you want to know more and start asking questions. I’m grateful that AFLW brought me confidence to be able to go to my elders and find out things that I just didn’t think to ask as a kid.
I think another challenge I faced growing up as a young footballer was being judged for one reason – being that AFL wasn’t a girl’s sport. I was always the only girl in every boys team that I had played for and it was quite an uncomfortable feeling. Hearing young girls express their dreams of becoming players is really rewarding, it shows that they see a pathway for themselves in this sport. I love being able to share my journey with them and encourage them to stay true to their passion.
Cathy Freeman was someone I looked up to as a kid. I wanted to always be that 400m runner, she put Indigenous people on the map and it’s something I’ll never forget.
DP: Young Indigenous girls are starting to see football as a real option for their futures. Knowing they view footy as something they can achieve fills me with hope for the game and our community. Representation matters, and as Indigenous players, we want nothing more than to support the next generation, and I hope our presence helps them see that it’s possible.
What positive change do initiatives like the Indigenous Round help drive in Australian society?
DP: It creates positive change by raising awareness and appreciation for Indigenous cultures. It’s highlighting Indigenous talent and stories, helping to educate everyone about the rich history and contributions while challenging stereotypes. This kind of celebration brings people together and encourages respectful conversations, helping promote reconciliation and support for Indigenous rights in a more inclusive society.
CH: The round is about visibility and representation, showing that First Nations people can achieve anything if they put their minds to it. By celebrating our stories and achievements, we can start conversations that lead to a greater appreciation of our culture.
Courtney, what was the inspiration behind your design for the limited edition TK TK tee?
I wanted to showcase a little bit of my personal journey and personality.
Crown – for being a sass queen
Feet- for leaving my mark everywhere I go and being a leader for my people
Cups – represent my success at the brisbane lions
Turtle – totem that was given to me when I was a baby
Fish – for fishing and outdoor activities that I love
Footy – for the AFLW Competition and how much it has made an impact on me.
Flag – being proud to be a First Nations person who loves everything about the stories, the art and the traditional dances.
WA – My home, born and raised
Family – my family play a big role in who I am today
Seeing fans wear my tee will be an amazing experience, something I’ll never forget. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to do this collaboration. I’ve loved every moment of it.
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