In the lead-up to Sydney’s clash with Carlton in Marn Grook at the SCG on Friday night, Swans utility Dean Towers last Wednesday attended AFL NSW/ACT’s flagship Indigenous Round Gala Day.

The inaugural First Nations Cup took place at Drummoyne Oval as more than 80 Indigenous high school students participated in a fun-filled afternoon of AFL 9s and a range of traditional games, including Marn Grook and Parndo.

AFL NSW/ACT partnered with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) to host the event.

AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Programs Manager Charlee-Sue Frail said the First Nations Cup served a powerful cause in the lead-up to the Marn Grook game.

“To look at the AFL and the influence of Sir Doug Nicholls Round is just really important,” Frail said.

“It’s an opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate our culture.”

Sydney’s match with Carlton will open Sir Doug Nicholls Round as the AFL celebrates the game’s Indigenous roots and the impact a host of Indigenous players have had on Australian rules football.

A total of 17 Indigenous players have donned the red and white, including Swans greats Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, as well as star forward Lance Franklin who will face Carlton on Friday.

The player judged best afield will receive the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal and the Swans and Blues will play for the Marn Grook Trophy.

Sydney will wear its new Indigenous guernsey featuring a Black Swan on the front, designed by South Coast artist Cheryl Davison.

Towers praised the impact of the Swans’ past and present Indigenous players and the importance of the Marn Grook match.

“We’ve had some pretty strong characters come through our Club and some pretty great players come through our Club who have been Indigenous Australians,” Towers said.

“Marn Grook deserves the recognition it gets and I hope it continues to build and the meaning of it grow more and more.”