Two-time Adelaide AFLW Premiership star Danielle Ponter says she is looking forward to finally donning this year's Indigenous guernsey in a game of footy, following the launch of the design earlier this year.
The Crows' 2023 Indigenous guernsey holds extra significance for Ponter, with her aunty, April Napangardi Campbell, designing this year's jumper.
Launched in May, the guernsey is the same one which was worn by the Crows AFL and SANFL sides during their respective Indigenous and First Nations Rounds.
It marks the second year that all teams have worn the same guernsey, embracing the Adelaide Football Club’s three teams, one club mantra.
Speaking to AFC Media ahead of the first week of the AFLW Indigenous Round, which kicks off with the Crows taking on the Bulldogs on Friday night, Ponter said wearing the guernsey is set to be a special moment for her and her family.
“It was a really exciting journey for me to be a part of and to rebuild this relationship through this bit of artwork," Ponter said.
“To see the AFL and SANFL boys wear it earlier this year was very special.
“For me to now personally wear it and the girls who have supported me for so long to wear it and share that story of mine will be very special for me and my family.”
The designing of this year's guernsey gave Ponter an opportunity to connect with her aunty, who she had never met - their family lost connection when Ponter’s grandfather on her mother’s side was forcibly removed from traditional lands as a two-year-old.
A proud Anmatyerre, Marranunggu and Tiwi woman, Ponter knew she had an aunty who was a painter, so saw this as a perfect opportunity to re-connect with her aunty.
“I have always said that this round (in the AFL) and the two rounds we have in AFLW is really special and is more than just a game,” Ponter said.
“I think this story this year with the guernsey really proved that in the way that we were able to rebuild the connection that was lost so long ago through something as simple as a guernsey design.
“The other aspects of the education that comes with the round is around Indigenous history and with this Indigenous Round falling on the eve of the Referendum, there has been a lot of education around that with our girls.
“It is a really special moment for me to be able to educate those around me, to share stories and make Australia a more unified country where we can all walk together.”
An aspect of the guernsey which resonated with Ponter was the white lines, with the 23-year-old wanting to be a role model for other Indigenous girls aspiring to play AFLW.
“Something that really resonated with me from the guernsey was the white lines that lead into the stadium,” Ponter said.
“That sort of reflects the journey that we make as athletes and the path that we leave behind for those to follow in.
“That is something really important to me because I am trying to lead the way and be a role model for more Indigenous girls to follow that path.”
Aunty April will travel to Adelaide from the Northern Territory to be at the Crows' game on Friday night, adding to the significance for Ponter.
“She is making the trip down in the next few days,” Ponter said.
“She will be there for the coin toss as well, which will be very exciting to get to rebuild those connections again.
“It will be special to have her there and special for the girls to meet her and get to know her and the story that we share.”
Adelaide takes on the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval on Friday night at 6:45pm.
Tickets available here.
