"Our culture is still here and we're still alive and thriving" - AFL launches Sir Douglas Nicholls Round

Yorta Yorta AFL star Jy Simpkin says the celebration of Indigenous culture current players can embrace owes it all to those who came before them.

Ahead of two weekends with First Nations culture front and centre, the league launched Sir Doug Nicholls Round for 2025 on Tuesday.

Named after Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls, 2025 marks the 10th year of football recognising his contributions to the game and Australia.

Born at Cummeragunga Mission, he played played VFL football for Fitzroy and state games for Victoria.

Sir Doug Nicholls was also staunch activist for Aboriginal rights and the first Indigenous Australian to serve as a Governor with his appointment in South Australia, 2025 is the 19th year of the AFL's dedicated Indigenous Round.

Sir Doug Nicholl's daughter Aunty Pam Pedersen hopes her father's legacy continues in the game.

"It means a lot to me. It means a lot to our community. I think about our young children coming along to the MCG to watch football…it gives them such a thrill," Aunty Pam said at Naarm's event at the NGV's Wurrdha Marra and Bark Salon.

"I feel so proud of our boys..this gives them the opportunity to celebrate…and be proud. I feel proud for our community and everyone."

Western Bulldogs forward Arthur Jones said Sir Doug Nicholls Round is the chance to represent his culture in full view.

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"I think it plays a massive role in our community to have Indigenous players represent our culture on the AFL stage. It gives someone a dream and inspires…and also to show Elders that our culture is still here and we're still alive and thriving. I's massive round," Jones told National Indigenous Times.

Pakana man and Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell said his contributions to designing the Tiger's guernsey for this year is the proudest achievement of his career.

The number of clubs adopting traditional language and place names for the two weeks has grown to six; it includes Naarm (Melbourne), Walyalup (Fremantle), Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide), St Kilda (Euro-Yroke), Kuwarna (Adelaide) and Waalitj Marawar (West Coast).

Two-time Sandover Medallist Stephen Michael is this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree.

An Indigenous team of the Centruy member, All Australian captain, Australian and WA football Hall of Fame member and South Fremantle great, he told National Indigenous Times it's an overwhelming piece of recognition amongst elite company from previous years.

"I'm very humbled," Michael said.

Michael attended the launch in Garramilla (Darwin) on Tuesday, ahead of the Suns and Hawks kicking off round 10 at TIO Stadium on Thursday night.

It's closing on 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century was named.

In Naarm, fellow selection and former Fitzroy-Brisbane champion Chris Johnson joked he wasn't sure he'd get a mention if the team was announced today.

"It was an honour, not just for me, but for my family as well."

Johnson said before his retirement in 2007, the annual Dreamtime at the 'G game was the only celebration of the kind across the footy calender.

"Towards the back end of my career, we started getting the Aboriginal flags on the ground. Now, it's so great, the way the clubs embrace it. The AFL has embraced it," he said, adding it feels like a long time coming.

Simpkin, captain of North Melbourne, said Indigenous Round has grown even in through his time in the competition.

To older generations who didn't see the same level of recognition, he said current players owe it to them.

"They paved the way for us boys now to have the rewards of what they started."

Sir Doug Nicholls Round's theme this year is 'Past Legacies, Future Legends'.

"This season is one of significance for the game, with the industry celebrating the 10th year of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the 20th anniversary of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and 30th year of The Peek Rule which continues to play an important role in tackling racism and discrimination in our game," AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said on Tuesday.

"Sir Doug Nicholls Round provides another opportunity for the industry to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait excellence, building on the momentum and success from the Indigenous All Stars match held earlier in the year.

"It is a round that everyone looks forward to and with a host of blockbuster matches and marquee games in Darwin, the annual Marn Grook game in Sydney and Dreamtime at the 'G held on a Friday night for the first time, it's sure to be one all fans can enjoy."

Article Credit | "Our culture is still here and we're still alive an... | National Indigenous Times