Adelaide has unveiled its 2020 Indigenous guernsey for Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Adelaide Oval on August 23.

Designed by former Crow Eddie Hocking, the Club’s first Indigenous player, the guernsey represents Hocking’s journey with the Adelaide Football Club.

Hocking, who played 11 games for the Club, worked with local artist Shane “Mankitya” Cook to craft the design and said it was a “proud” moment in his life.

“I’m very happy and very honoured,” Hocking said.

“I think it’s a fantastic design and I’m sure the boys will be very proud to run out in it.

“I’ll be extremely proud to watch that happen… it will be a special day.” 

The design pays homage to not only Hocking’s journey, but the players and the extended Adelaide Football Club family. 

“I love how Shane has come up with the Crow,” Hocking said.

“The handprint in the middle is mine, which is my respect and contribution to the Adelaide Football Club, being the first Indigenous player… that’s me flying in with the current group.

“The playing group is represented around the chest of the Crow, and down the bottom, with the families and people congregating at Adelaide Oval.

“Shane has captured everything I’ve asked him to… he added his own style, which is really good, so we sat down a few times and tweaked it from there.” 

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Eddie's Inspirational Journey: Our 2020 Indigenous Guernsey

Designer Eddie Hocking, artist Shane Cook, and current Crows Wayne Milera Jnr and Ben Davis tell the story behind the Crows 2020 indigenous guernsey.

For Cook, it was a “massive opportunity” to work on the Indigenous guernsey.

“My favourite part about it is the story Eddie wanted to convey,” Cook said.

“It represents what he’s done for the Club, and how he’s embraced the players.

 “Eddie had an idea and that’s what I like to do, hone in on what Eddie wanted to represent and help him envision that.

“I think we’ve nailed it and I’m really proud of it.” 

Every element: 

  • The big Crow represents Eddie, embracing all the players who have worn the guernsey over the past 30 years
  • The symbols in the middle of the Crow represent the playing group
  • The yellow dots in the Crow represent the away venues the Crows play at through Australia
  • The handprint is Eddie’s, representing Eddie’s belonging and respect towards the footy Club
  • The big circle under the hand represents our meeting place, our home ground, Adelaide Oval
  • The white symbols beneath this circle represent families that make up supporters
  • On the back, the red journey line is shown to strengthen from when Eddie joined the Club 30 years ago to present day
  • Written around the journey line are all language groups of past and present Indigenous players who have been at the Club
  • A small Kaurna shield is included on the back neck to represent the Kaurna people as well as a badge of honour for the players
  • We Fly As One has been translated in Kaurna and included on the inside neck line (Ngadlu Kumangka Karrinthi)

Adelaide will wear the Indigenous guernsey in Round 13 - Sir Doug Nicholls Round - against Geelong at Adelaide Oval.

A hoodie jumper, that uses the same design as the Indigenous guernsey, will also be released.

Both will be available for purchase from Sunday via CROWmania online and in person at the Round 13 match.