Yartapuulti to don guernsey designed by Gavin Wanganeen

Yartapuulti’s 2025 AFLW Indigenous Round guernsey design was hand painted by AFL legend Gavin Wanganeen.

Jasmin Stewart and Gemma Houghton model Yartapuulti’s 2025 AFLW Indigenous Round guernsey. Image: Matt Sampson.

Earlier this year, during the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the Yartapuulti Football Club unveiled its 2025 First Nations guernsey, designed by AFL legend Gavin Wanganeen.  

For the first time, the same guernsey will be worn across both Sir Doug Nicholls Round and AFLW Indigenous Round, serving as a powerful symbol of connection and unity within the club.  

That moment arrives this weekend, with Yartapuulti proudly donning Wanganeen’s design in celebration of AFLW Indigenous Round on Saturday, 30 August from 4:35pm at Alberton Oval.   

Since retiring from a decorated 15-year playing career, Wanganeen has channelled his passion for art and culture into becoming a celebrated contemporary Indigenous artist and proud Aboriginal activist.  

Yartapuulti will wear its First Nations guernsey across the two weeks of AFLW Indigenous Round. Image: Matt Sampson.

Born in Mount Gambier, Wanganeen is a descendant of the Kokatha people of the Western Desert in South Australia, whose strong connection to Country, the night sky, and stories in the stars continue to inspire his work.  

He said the guernsey reflects both his cultural ties to the Milky Way and his personal memories of Alberton Oval, as well as the people who make up the club.  

“The guernsey design was inspired by the art that I do. On a personal level, I paint about the night sky and the stars,” Wanganeen explained.  

At the centre of the design is a striking teal stripe, created with his intricate brush strokes, symbolising the Milky Way and the club’s heartland.  

“The Milky Way represents all the people across the AFL and AFLW programs, the fans, and the staff who make up the club. It represents everyone involved in this community.”  

Yartapuulti’s First Nations guernsey is based on a painting by AFL legend Gavin Wanganeen. Image: Matt Sampson.

The traditional ‘V’ on the guernsey is formed from delicate white and teal dots.  

“In the V, there’s a single line of teal dots representing the First Nations players since the club’s inception, and the strong connection Yartapuulti has maintained with its First Nations players.  

“The white dots represent all other players who have worn the guernsey, and the culture they have been able to share with their First Nations teammates.”  

Replica First Nations home guernseys in adult and youth sizes are now available at the Port Store at Alberton Oval and online, along with unisex hoodies and tees, and a range of accessories including Australian made merino wool scarves, can coolers, and flags.   

Match-worn and player-issued home and clash First Nations guernseys will be auctioned off in conjunction with club partner Official Memorabilia, with proceeds going back into Power Community Limited’s Aboriginal programs.