Rounds nine and ten of the AFL season fall under the AFLW Indigenous Round.
During the AFLW Indigenous Round, all clubs have the opportunity to wear Indigenous Rounds guernseys. 2024 also saw the inaugural AFLW Dreamtime match in Darwin.
As in 2023, AFLW umpires will once again wear unique Indigenous Rounds unforms too. Designed by goal umpire Joshua James, a Noongar Wandandi Boodja man, the adorning the umpire’s tops is titled ‘Mooritji Koondarm’ – meaning ‘strong dreams’ in the Noongar language.
“The design showcases he strength and resilience by Aboriginal people and also the pathways by Umpires to reach the AFL/AFLW levels of football”, said James.
Jame’s design Moorditj Koondarm
James, who was the first Indigenous person to officiate and AFLW match, has been contributing to Indigenous Round for a number of years by successfully combining his twin passions of Indigenous art and AFL football.
James’ designs have been featured on umpire’s kit in both the AFL and AFLW. In 2024 James was recognised during the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards for his contribution to sports officiating.
Joshua James presenting umpires with painted boots during the 2023 AFLW Round 7 match between the Tigers and Bombers at IKON Park (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos).
As well as designing tops, James has contributed to Indigenous Round with hand-painted boots for umpires. He recently described what Indigenous Round means to him.
“Indigenous Rounds is a celebration of culture and also pays recognition to the contribution to the game that first nations people have made and continue to make in coaching, umpiring, playing and many more roles in our great game of Australian Rules Football from community level to the elite level of AFL.”
Congratulations Josh on once again having your artwork featured.
Article by Jackson Kerr