The West Coast Eagles have unveiled their 2026 First Nations Guernsey, a powerful design by Andrew Beck (Ngadju Mirning) that celebrates culture, connection and the club’s enduring links with First Nations people.

The specially designed guernsey will be worn across Sir Doug Nicholls Round, at home against Greater Western Sydney in round 10 and in round 11 against Collingwood at the MCG.

Shop the Member Pre-Sale

Beck has drawn on story, symbolism and the club’s history to create a guernsey rich in meaning.

At the centre of the design is a strong reference to the waalitj (eagle), an important and respected symbol across many Aboriginal nations, including Noongar Country.

“The eagle is really significant within Aboriginal culture,” Beck said.

“We talk to our young people about what the eagle does when it’s being annoyed or frustrated.

“Instead of reacting, it rises above. It goes to an altitude where nothing can bother it anymore, so it’s really important symbolism as well.”

02:06

Telling the Story of Our 2026 First Nations Guernsey

Ngadju Mirning man Andrew Beck shares the story behind the symbols and meaning of our 2026 First Nations guernsey.

West Coast’s senior First Nations player Tim Kelly was full of admiration for the design.

“Andrew has done an amazing job I was blown away when I first saw it,” Kelly said.

“The first thing that stood out to me was the beak, the colours are good and I love the look of the Eagle.

“I’m absolutely rapt with it. He’s done an amazing job, and I can’t wait to wear it.”

Young forward Malakai Champion shared a similar sentiment and was drawn to its colour and presence.

“I like the different shades of colours, the light and dark yellow,” Champion said.

“The eagle really stands out, which is who we are. I love it.”

The front of the guernsey features a large circle representing the club, surrounded by figures that honour the first three Aboriginal players to represent West Coast in Wally Matera, Phil Narkle and Chris Lewis.

“They played a significant role because they paved the way for many other Aboriginal and First Nations people to come through the club,” Beck said.

Flowing from that central circle are dots, shields and boomerangs, symbolising the competitive spirit of the game.

Those connecting dots include men and women, reflecting the growth of the club and the opportunities created for First Nations players across generations.

Another key element is the circle of footprints, which carries deep meaning about movement, purpose and progress.

The footprints are made up of the human, the waalitj (eagle), the waitj (emu) and the kangaroo (yongka). Both the emu and kangaroo don’t walk backwards, and I feel as a club we shouldn’t be walking backwards either. As a club but also as a nation, making sure that we are always forging our way forward and becoming better.

- Andrew Beck

The design also includes references to Mandooboornup, an important cultural story tied to country around Cape Le Grand, which carries enduring lessons of respect, responsibility and care for community.

On the side of the guernsey, four distinct symbols pay tribute to the club’s premiership history.

For Beck, the significance of Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the guernsey itself extends far beyond the football field.

“Having a dedicated round and a First Nations guernsey in the AFL is pretty special,” Beck said.

“It honours the First Peoples of this country, while recognising we’re all part of Australia now, in a sense, we’re all custodians of this place now.

“To see fans representing our culture is absolutely amazing. It's not just for Aboriginal people to wear, it's for everyone to be part of and embrace.”

West Coast Eagles members will receive a 24-hour priority period to purchase the First Nations guernsey from 10.30am (AWST) on Thursday, April 30, before it becomes available to the general public.