Fremantle have unveiled their 2025 AFLW Indigenous jumper, featuring artwork and design by former Fremantle AFLW ruck Alicia Janz.

The design pays tribute to Janz’s journey, not only as a footballer but also as the inaugural First Nations Erub Islander to design a jumper for the Club.

Janz, who played 14 games for Fremantle between 2017 and 2019 after a career in netball with the West Coast Fever, shares an overarching message of cultural education, resilience, wellbeing, connection, and mindfulness.

“Its embedded in connection - connection to all things, whether it's people, land, animals, or the skies,” Janz said.

“That’s more the First Nations side of it. Then, through the footy side, there's connection between the players, the staff, the members, and the community.

“With the jumper’s meaning of being resilient, mindful, and wellbeing, a lot of it is about being in flow, being present and in the moment.

“The background of the jumper is of the sunset and island life. You are ever-present, you are there in the moment, and it’s very calming.

“The meaning of the skies for First Nations people can be used for many things - the directions of where you are going when using the stars, dreaming stories for many different people, and even telling you about the weather and what’s to come in the following days.”

Fremantle’s classic white chevrons have been replaced by Janz’s family totems, which meet in the middle around three Dharri, a traditional headpiece typically worn for dance and times of celebration for the Torres Strait Islander people.

“You’ve got my family totems, which are the Shark and Crocodile,” Janz said.

“We’ve got the Crocodile on the top half of the jumper, and just beneath it are the Shark teeth.

“We’ve got the Dharri, which is the Torres Strait Islander headdress that’s also on our flag. It’s a huge part of our identity, culture, and connection with people."

“Flowing through the front of the jumper, we have the coral. That was originally designed by my sister, who was actually going to be the artist, then handed the reins over to me."

“It kind of gives me Finding Nemo vibes - underwater, the peacefulness, beauty, and nature."

“The shells are often represented in a lot of our Torres Strait Islander artwork. I did it in a way that reflected how I envisioned the same art but added my own little touch to it."

“I remember when I was two or three and having one of our family members pulling out the meat from the shell, and me just sitting by, grabbing it each time it came off the stove. There are a lot of warm and good memories with that.”

At the top of the jumper is a native hibiscus flower, known as both the Stolen Generation and the National Sorry Day flower. It symbolises strength, healing, and resilience.

The Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation has given Fremantle permission to feature the flower on the Indigenous jumpers across both Freo’s men’s and women’s teams. Visit kimberleystolengeneration.com.au to purchase your own flower and learn more about the important work they are doing in our community.

The lower two-thirds of the back of the jumper feature different turtle shells, while the top third represents woven coconut leaves, often used in Torres Strait Islander culture.

“Turtles can grow to be quite old and are associated with wisdom,” Janz said.

“A turtle shell symbolises protection. A lot of the shells are used for art on the islands, and we eat turtle in times of celebration."

“It is very rare and is for celebration, so it’s like preparing for a game and celebrating."

“The top is kind of like the woven mats. They can be used for many different things. My mum slept on the woven mats as a child - that was her mattress. They can be used as barriers, fences, to carry things - it’s about resourcefulness.”

Walyalup will wear Janz’s Indigenous designed jumper over both Rounds 3 and 4 of the AFLW Indigenous Rounds, with the first being a clash with reigning premier North Melbourne at Fremantle Oval. Ironically, Janz played for Walyalup when the Club first introduced the Indigenous round to its scheduling before it was recognised league wide in the AFLW.

“I find it very touching that was our starting point when we kind of first ever shared and celebrated First Nations culture within the AFLW. The girls are able to run out in my jumper again against the exact same team,” Janz said.

The Club would like to thank its Indigenous Program partner Woodside Energy for their support and continued commitment.