Proud Yolngu man, rapper and Young Australian of the Year, Danzal Baker OAM- known as Baker Boy will headline Friday Night’s Marn Grook at the SCG.
Baker Boy, who was raised in Arnhem Land and now based on Wadawurrung Country, will perform at half time of the Swans vs Richmond match which will honour the Indigenous roots of Australian football and recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the game.
The rapper performed at last year’s AFL Grand Final and his music is well-connected to Sydney Swans fans with his song Survive the team’s entrance song to home games at the SCG.
The performance, which will take place at half time, is thanks to Investment NSW as part of the Sporting Precinct Activation Pilot program.
Marn Grook at the SCG will also include a pre-game ceremony with Indigenous and Torres Straight Islander performers. A Welcome to Country will be performed by Uncle Lloyd and the Gumay Dancers, the Harbour Beizam Torres Straight Islander Dancers and didgeridoo performer Jeremy Donovan will also be part of the pre-game activities.
Also present at the pre-game ceremony will be Aunty Gail Mabo, daughter of Eddie Mabo, to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the Mabo Decision.
A representative from the GO Foundation (Goodes-O’Loughlin Foundation) will toss the coin and a gift exchange will occur at the toss and players from Sydney and Richmond as well as the umpires will run through one banner.
Members and fans attending Marn Grook at the SCG can also enjoy pre-game activities on Driver Ave. A Didgeridoo performance and smoking ceremony will take place from 6:00pm and there will be two Tribal Warrior dance performances at 6.30pm and 7.30pm (10 minute performances), thanks to Investment NSW.
Attendees can also contribute to a Sydney Swans canvas art piece on Driver Ave courtesy of artist Will Caldwell and have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous artefacts by visiting the artefacts stall, presented by Renee Cawthorne from The Australian Institute of Botanical Science.
MARN GROOK AT THE SCG
The meaning of Marn Grook translates to 'Game Ball'. It’s the name given to a traditional game played during a corroboree, which was played with a ball made from possum skin. The Swans have played Marn Grook since 2002.
MARN GROOK GUERNSEY
The Sydney Swans will run out in a new Marn Grook guernsey which has been designed by GO Foundation scholar, artist and a proud Wiradjuri woman Lua Pellegrini. The artwork on the guernsey is titled Duguwaybul Yindyamangidyal which means altogether respectfully: respect, gentleness, politeness, honour, careful, altogether as one. It represents connectedness, depicting the story of the 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who have played for the Sydney Swans, both in the past and the present.
MARN GROOK TROPHY AND GOODES-O’LOUGHLIN MEDAL
The winning team will receive the Marn Grook Trophy and the player judged best on ground will be presented with the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal to honour the contribution of Swans greats Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin. Isaac Heeney (2018 and 2021) is the only multiple winner of the medal.
GOODES-O'LOUGHLIN MEDAL WINNERS
2016: Tom Michell
2017: Lance Franklin
2018: Isaac Heeney
2019: Sam Reid
2020: Luke Ryan (Fremantle)
2021: Isaac Heeney
MARN GROOK AT THE SCG KEY TIMINGS
2.05pm- VFL Game (Tramway Oval) vs Richmond
5.50pm- Gates Open
6.00pm- Didgeridoo and smoking ceremony on Driver Ave, thanks to Investment NSW
6.30pm- Tribal Warrior dance performance on Driver Ave, thanks to Investment NSW
7.30pm- Pre-game ceremony on the SCG
7.35pm- Team entry and Welcome to Country
7.50pm- First bounce
Half Time - Baker Boy performance, thanks to Investment NSW
Post Match- Presentation of the Marn Grook Trophy and Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal
