The West Coast Eagles will celebrate NAIDOC week this Friday night at Optus Stadium against GWS.
The match day will involve several First Nations highlights, including the club's 2025 First Nations jumper, match day footballs and a pre-game gift exchange.
NAIDOC week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) will be celebrated across the country, from July 6 to July 13.
Before the match, the Waalitj Foundation's Deadly Sista Girlz will play a curtain raiser game, starting at 4.20pm. Waalitj Foundation volunteers will be in the stadium precinct selling 20th anniversary scarves to Eagles fans, for $30 each.
As the home side runs out, their guard of honour will feature 29 NAIDOC award finalists across several categories, with the award ceremony to take place on Sunday in Boorloo (Perth).
Eagles will proudly don the jumper designed by Wongutha man Kevin Wilson and Maduwongga and Noongar woman Taryn Woods.
One striking element of the design is ’56 sharp points’, representing the First Nations players drafted since the Eagles’ inception, symbolising the strong warriors who paved the way, and continue to watch over the players carrying the legacy.
The kangaroo and emu were designed by Woods, symbolising the players always moving forward and progressing as a team.
The pre-game gift exchange will involve a football painted by Kamilaroi woman Rebekah Delaney, named "The Spirit of the Journey".
This football design shares the story of a white snake, a powerful spirit guide moving across orange country, rich with sun, strength and energy.
The journey lines around the snake show paths of connection - between land, people and purpose.
The white snake is a symbol of wisdom, healing and protection. It travels across Country to pass knowledge and build respect between Nations.
As a gift from the West Coast Eagles to the Greater Western Sydney Giants, this football represents more than sport. It stands for unity, shared journeys and strength through culture. Two teams, many stories - one game, one future.
Delaney has close ties to the club and works for the Waalitj Foundation in their Deadly Sista Program, based at Yule Brook College.
The West Coast Eagles WAFL side will also wear the stunning 2025 First Nations jumper in their round 13 and 14 matches against Subiaco and West Perth, respectively.
The WAFL Eagles take on Subiaco at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 5 at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.
