AFL
FEATURE: ‘I'll be looking at the sky thanking my brother.’

As Walyalup prepares for their Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Friday night, a deep sense of pride and tradition is woven into the fabric of the Club's new Indigenous jumper, designed by Club legend Michael Johnson in collaboration with his cousin Daniel McHenry.

Johnson, a revered Walyalup figure with 244 games (equal fourth all-time) to his name, has poured his heart into this project, making it a milestone moment for both his family and the Club.

“To be an Aboriginal man growing up and designing the Indigenous jumper, especially for the Club’s 30th year is a special moment for myself, Daniel and our family,” Johnson expressed.

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The story of our 2024 AFL Indigenous Jumper

Club legend Michael Johnson and cousin Daniel McHenry have paid respect to their family bloodlines in the Club’s Indigenous Jumper this year.

Johnson and McHenry sought to honour the past while rejuvenating the Club's heritage by reintroducing the original colours - green, red, purple and white. 

This nod to history was especially meaningful for Johnson, who has been a lifelong supporter of the Club and cherished wearing these colours during his playing days.

“The Club was happy for me to target that year (30th year) and I was stoked to be part of this process and journey,” Johnson said.

“Part of the process of designing this jumper is reaching out and talking to the Elders. Bringing my mum into it and letting her know this is what we are going with… I think the process of coming together was the best part about it."

As Walyalup prepares to unveil the jumper in front of its home fans on Friday, Johnson’s pride is palpable.

“It’s a surreal feeling... To actually feel the jumper, look at the jumper, see the colours and how it’s come together, hopefully we make our families proud with what we’ve created,” he said.

Walyalup will proudly wear Johnson and McHenry's designed jumper on Friday night at Optus Stadium against Collingwood, marking a significant and emotional moment for Johnson, his family and the Club. 

“When I’m standing in the guard of honour, it will be a moment I will cherish forever,” Johnson said gleamingly.

“I’ll be sitting back really proud to see the jumper running around over those three weeks.

“I just can’t wait to show it off to the supporters now.”

This project, deeply embedded with pride and tradition, epitomises the spirit of the Walyalup Football Club's 30-year legacy.