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2024 O'Neills Indigenous Jersey
DESIGNED BY: Letitia Smith (Wiradjuri Woman with Dunghutti Connections. Contemporary Aboriginal Artist and Business Owner of “Mawang Aboriginal Art” and cousin of Reimis Smith. TITLED BY: Local Elder Aunty Joy in Woiwurrung Language. KERRBOOONOOL (Meaning: Connection) Pronounced cur-boo-on-ool.
The jersey symbolises the players, the team, the staff and the wider Community and the Land they walk and play upon respectfully acknowledging the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation
It showcases the Indigenous players (Reimis Smith, Ammaron Gudgeon, Stanley Huen, Matthew Hill, Gabriel Satrick) individual families & their tribal clans which recognises their own identities and their connections to country.
The indigenous players own signed handprints are embedded into each jersey to recognise and respect traditions and show the significance of belonging and unity.
In the Design are the billabongs and the flowing Yarra River.
Above the river is a Symbol of a Gathering Circle surrounded by Men & Woman.
This signifies the Staff and stakeholders that work effortlessly every year.
Within the Gathering Circle is the symbol of a Meeting place. This Meeting Place represents where we all come together at AMMI Park.
The dots in and around that meeting place are all the supporters, they are the heart of the club, and they are what makes the blood flow through the club to keep it alive and thriving.
The coloured dots on the jersey represent the land and its flora and fauna that our ancestors once walked upon.
Around the back of the Jersey is an Aboriginal Symbol meaning a “journey” around that journey is 23 men. This represents 23 cultures playing in the club together, united at the Melbourne. Storm.
The footprints of the 5 current indigenous players represent their connection to the land they walk upon and their connection to Country.
In 2024 the Melbourne Storm Club wanted to pay tribute to another Indigenous Warrior and Leader by embedding an acknowledgment on the inner lining of the jersey. This year’s recipient was Tony Mundine Senior. He is a former Australian Champion Boxer and the grandfather of Melbourne Storm player Reimis Smith.
*(The story telling, and symbols used in this contemporary art design does not represent all First Nations cultural groups or people, if in doubt always check within your community).