PLAY FOR OUR PEOPLE
FAMILY will be the most important theme while AFL Cairns holds the Sir Douglas Nicholls Indigenous Round.
The round was launched by Centrals Trinity Beach at Crathern Park on Wednesday night, and will culminate with tomorrow’s senior games.
Players will wear specially designed guernseys at the Dream Time by the Sea match between Cairns City Lions and North Cairns, which has been played for the past eight years.
Cairns City’s Luana Healey said it was an opportunity to represent her family, who have a long history with the Lions.
It doubles as her first game against her former club.
“It comes back to the indigenous round, and the role indigenous people have contributed to AFL and the players, what they bring, and playing for our families,” she said. “It’s exciting. It’s the first time we play Tigers this season so there will be a rivalry, but more laughs at the end.
“I can’t wait to lead the pack out on Saturday. A lot of family will be here, it’s a big day.”
Breanna Enoch designed the guernseys, which Healey said symbolised a connection with the land, the people and water. “This signifies family and our ties. The people who played before me: my dad, my uncles, those of influence,” Healey said. “I think family is the biggest tie, and playing for each other.”
North Cairns leader Leashay Warburton-Richards said passion and pride would lead her in the game.
“Playing for my culture, it’s amazing going out there representing what I’ve been brought up (on) in footy,” she said. “I’m very proud and passionate. (The guernsey) is something that shows our culture and what we represent through our Dreamtime and how we talk about everything that goes on from past and present.”
Lions won their first game last week, and will look to repeat that result tomorrow.
“I think everyone knew it would be tricky,” Healey said.
“We got our first win last week which was exciting, everyone liked the feeling so hopefully we can keep digging deep, pushing hard and see where the season goes.”