At the coin toss ahead of the Sydney Swans Marn Grook game, it has become customary for both teams to exchange a gift of significance to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.  

This year, the Swans will present Carlton with an artwork created by local Redfern artist Nadina Dixon. 

The work depicts the bogong moth, a species of night-flying moth notable for long distance migrations and found mostly in New South Wales.

Dixon’s family hails from the Snowy Mountains where for centuries they would feast on bogong moths.

The moth’s migration habits are a reminder of the importance of travelling to reconnect with people and places, which is an important part of Aboriginal culture.

For Nadina Dixon, the bogong moth is a symbol of her family coming together to maintain tribal connections through food, ceremony and song.

Sydney Swan James Bell accepted the artwork on behalf of the club on Tuesday, while Lance Franklin will present the gift to Carlton in Friday night’s Marn Grook clash at the SCG.