Surf Coast Suns reveal new Indigenous jumper design
Michael Thomas
The 2019 season will see the Surf Coast Suns launch an Indigenous designed jumper to be worn by their inaugural under 13 team for the season.
The Design was completed by local Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson, who in the past has designed indigenous jumpers for a number of clubs in the AFL.
The Jumper design is titled “Together under one Sun”. The feather and gum leaves represent Bunjils county, the cross hatching through the middle represents Wathaurong Land, the blue strip is the Ocean and the Sun as a meeting place symbolizing the Club and Community, young and old.
Michael Thomas, club president explained, ‘This project solidifies who we are as a club. We believe by doing this, it will show the Torquay and greater regional area that we are community minded and accepting of cultural diversity, while encouraging discussion of local indigenous sensitivities, and recognize the important history of Aboriginal Australia.’
James Prosser, one of the under 13 players said, ‘it’s great to be the first team to wear the jumper, certainly makes the season start very exciting, I’m looking forward to the reaction of other clubs through the season’.
Suns under 13 coach Scott Prosser said, ‘it’s also a great way to celebrate the first Suns team to play competitively since our founding year in 2016. Many of these boys have been playing through from under 10’s together, so it’s a wonderful way to recognize their graduation if you like into the next stage of their football development.’
The Suns were successful applicants for a grant from Torquay Community Enterprise to realise this project.
The Jumper will be officially launched via a round 1 home game once the fixtures are released by AFL Barwon.
Should anyone wish to play for the Suns, check out their website surfcoastsuns.com, or contact admin@surfcoastsuns.com.
