For the Swans’ three Indigenous stars, Adam Goodes, Lance Franklin and Lewis Jetta, it’s also about playing for their people and their families, while honouring the past generation and inspiring the next.
Ahead of next Thursday night’s Indigenous Round opener against Geelong at the SCG, the trio told SwansTV what the annual Round meant to them.
“Indigenous Round is a special part of the calendar for me, for every player that plays AFL, and especially for all of the people out in (Indigenous) communities who get to see their favourite players running around each week,” Franklin said.
“It’s a special round because it recognises the contribution Indigenous players make to the game.
“I’ve been a part of it for a number of years now, so I’m excited to be able to get out there again next week against Geelong.”
For Goodes, this year’s round holds extra significance, with the team set to wear an Indigenous guernsey that was created by him mother, Lisa.
“I know how proud I am to be able to run out there and play and represent my people and even more so to do it in a jumper, which is our first ever jumper with an Indigenous design on it, which my mum actually has done,” he said.
“It gives me even more to be proud about on the night.
“It’s a huge honour, but the most important thing we get out of it all is that we get to represent our people and where we come from.
“I know across the whole AFL, every club will be wearing a jumper with an Indigenous design on it, so that’s pretty special.”
Jetta, who hails from the Noongar people in Western Australia, said he was looking forward to wearing Goodes’ mother’s unique design.
“When I first saw it I thought it was really good,” he said.
“It’s the first time for all clubs to have Indigenous patterns on them and it was Goodesy’s mum who designed it, so it’s pretty good.”
Franklin said he was also a fan of the guernsey, adding that it would take poll position in his memorabilia collection.
“I reckon the jumper is great,” he said.
“It’s designed by Goodesy’s mum, so it’s something very special to him and his family, as well as all of us boys at the football club.
“I’m just looking forward to wearing the jumper and then getting it signed by the boys after the game, so I can put it in the pool room.
“It’s something I’ll look back on fondly when I finish my career.”
