Two-time AFLW Premiership star Danielle Ponter knew she had an aunty who was a painter.
But she had never spoken to her aunt, April Napangardi Campbell, let alone met her.
Their family lost connection when Ponter’s grandfather on her mother’s side was forcibly removed from traditional lands as a two-year-old.
So when Ponter was asked if she knew anyone who could design the Crows’ 2023 Indigenous guernsey, the 23-year-old thought it would be the perfect opportunity to connect with her aunt.
Speaking to Sauce and Thommo on The Crows Radio Show, Ponter said the process of bringing the guernsey to life was seamless.
“I said (to the Club) that my aunty could paint but I had never actually met her, so I flagged that as an option if nobody else came forward, and they were pretty keen to get it going,” Ponter said.
“I gave her a call, it was actually the first time I had ever spoken to her, and asked if she was keen and she said yeah I’ll start painting straight away.
“And literally in seven days she was done, it was pretty amazing and it was on canvas with no digital editing.”
Campbell had finished her design and sent it through to Ponter before receiving any briefing on what the Club wanted it to represent.
And to the amazement of Ponter, her aunt’s design perfectly matched what the playing group was after.
Hear more from Ponter, plus a chat with ex-Crow Josh Jenkins by clicking the link above or on the LiSTNR App.
Tune into Triple M Adelaide this Sunday at 9am or on the LiSTNR App for the next edition of the The Crows Radio Show, with small forward Lachlan Murphy.