In Friday night’s clash with Carlton at the SCG, the Sydney Swans will run out in a new Indigenous guernsey.
The jumper, that tells the story of the black swan, was designed by NSW artist Cheryl Davison.
The Swans were introduced to Davison through Blak Markets, an initiative that supports small businesses run by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The latest Blak Markets was held at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern on Sunday, with Cheryl Davison among a number of artists and craftspeople exhibiting their work.
Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions which runs Blak Markets, said the organisation is proud to have played a part in the development of Sydney’s new Indigenous guernsey.
“Designing the Swans jersey is a huge, huge thing for not only Cheryl but for us as well, to be able to facilitate that connection,” Cooley said.
“Had we not put together our exhibition and included Cheryl as part of that exhibition, then that jersey might night have happened, so we’re really proud to be able to be a part of that.”
Meanwhile Davison was thrilled to see her artwork come to life and is looking forward to seeing the Swans run out in the black swan guernsey on Friday night at the SCG.
“It was so much pride, when I showed it to my family and seen the reaction on their faces, it’s hard to explain,” Davison said.
“Knowing that there will be a heap of young Aboriginal people from all over Australia wearing my jersey and feeling a part of the game, that’s really special.”