As part of NAIDOC week celebrations, the young First Nations girls played a small exhibition match before coming together to form the guard of honour as the AFL squad took to the field.
The girls all participate in the Deadly Sista Girlz program, a Waalitj Foundation led program designed to improve school attendance and education while fostering pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity for young women.
The curtain raiser provided an opportunity to spotlight 20 years of collaboration between the West Coast Eagles and Waalitj Foundation in empowering First Nations youth across WA.
This collaboration was made official as the Waalitj Foundation were announced as partners for the upcoming 2025 AFLW season, with their logo set to feature on the back of the team’s guernsey.
Deadly Sista Girlz Career Pathways Manager Alicia Janz reflected on how significant an opportunity being part of the match-day NAIDOC celebrations was.
“We celebrate our identity and culture every day of the week, but it's always heartwarming to have the wider community join in on celebrating our rich history and successes. Football is an inclusive sport and can bring people from all cultures and nations together,” Janz said.
“The excitement of getting to play on Optus stadium in front of family, Eagles fans, and being on the ground with AFL players nearby gives players a bit of fire to show off their abilities.”
“The players made the most of their opportunity and represented our community with strength and pride.”
The Deadly Sista Girlz program has supported over 4500 young girls since 2021, inspiring and empowering young women through First Nations mentors, something the new AFLW partnership will continue to support.
“The sista girlz have relatable First Nations women to mentor and support them, and they can build their sistahood and support network with other girls in the program.
“Hopefully, it’s the first step for our young sista girlz in their football journey, and they will be playing at Optus in the blue and gold jumper in the near future. Paving the way for the next generation of young sista girlz to follow in their footsteps.”
The West Coast Eagles and Waalitj Foundation will continue to foster positive First Nations communities through impactful programs and collaboration; Creating change and making history.
Learn more about the Waalitj Foundation.
