We’re proud to unveil our 2024 Marn Grook guernsey, designed by proud Yuin artist Richard Campbell in conjunction with our ARA First Nations Foundations program.
Richard, who is the uncle of former Sydney Swans player James Bell, joined kids who took part in cultural sessions as part of the inaugural ARA First Nations Foundations in Shellharbour. He worked with the kids to design an artwork that was later chosen to be adapted for this year’s guernsey.
The Sydney Swans 2024 Nike Mens Indigenous Guernsey is available to purchase from the Swanshop, here.
The guernsey in detail
The artwork depicts Richard’s totem, Gunyu, the black swan. The swan’s feathers transform into an elder, Gumaraa, meaning ‘wise old man’.
Gumaraa is looking back through his totem and sees the past, present, and the future of his country. He is the warrior of his people who represents the land of which he is from.
The Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge represent the present and the future. They are built on Gumaraa’s homelands and are surrounded by the vast waters where he fished.
The four circles represent Gumaraa’s family and his tribe. They represent unity and tribes coming together from all over Sydney.
The three Aboriginal warriors are spearing fish for the Sydney Swans. They represent the past and present Swans players.
The two hands on the back of the guernsey represent coming together and connection.
Gumaraa still roams around in his spirit form of Gunyu, the black swan, looking back on country.
Community connection
Our ARA First Nations Foundations program was launched in 2022, providing opportunities for First Nations boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years old to engage in sport, while supporting culture and community.
The program is delivered at five hubs across New South Wales including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney, and Shellharbour. Participants take part in weekly training sessions, cultural education sessions, and mental health workshops.
So far, the ARA First Nations Foundations program has reached 400 participants with 55 of them advancing to the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
SELLING FAST! Limited Sydney Swans 2024 Nike Men’s Indigenous Guernsey’s are available to purchase in The Locker Room on game day. The Marn Grook woollen scarf is available to purchase from the Swanshop, here.
