Fremantle’s 2026 AFL Indigenous jumper design has been brought to life through artwork by Mariah Yarran, in collaboration with Fremantle Club great Stephen Hill. The central theme focuses on strong family connections and history. 

Hill played 218 AFL games for Fremantle between 2009 and 2020, sitting 10th all-time on the Club’s games played list. He kicked 112 goals during his time as a winger. 

THE DESIGN 

The overarching colour theme and look of the jumper calls back to Stephen’s debut in the Club’s 2009 Purple Haze game, a moment his entire family will cherish forever. 

“My favourite part of the jumper would probably be the anchor,” Mariah said. 

“It’s the shirt that Stephen debuted in, so purple with the white anchor, and that’s where it also includes the symbols for Nan (Violet, nee Jones) and Pop (Derek)… and links that Nan and Pop were the anchor of the family.”

The callback to the white anchor on the front of the jumper also features two elements symbolising their family origins. Looking directly at the jumper, the right side of the anchor represents Stephen and Mariah Pop’s story, while the left side symbolises their Nan’s story. 

The left side of the jumper begins with the symbolisation of Violet hailing from Broome, with her journey to Perth taking place in 1942 when Darwin was bombed as part of the WWII conflict. She lived at Sister Kate’s, a Stolen Generation institution. 

Hill’s Pop’s story begins in the small town of Popanyinning in the Wheatbelt region, where he was born before growing up in the neighbouring town of Pingelly and eventually moving to Burekup and Collie. 

Hill’s Nan and Pop eventually crossed paths one weekend in Perth. At the time, it was still customary to ‘court’, so Derek’s father (Stephen’s great-grandfather) would drive him from Collie to Perth for dates.

“The story of their marriage is that Pop came back from his lunch break one day after work and said, ‘Violet, I want to marry you,’” Mariah said. 

“They went down to the court and got married, and when they got back, they told all their family members. Everyone was like, ‘No, you’re joking, you’re not being serious.’ 

“When they soon looked at the date, it was April Fool’s Day in 1966, so everyone thought they were joking.” 

Following this, the Hills’ story continued to evolve as they started their own family, which would eventually lead to Mariah and Stephen embarking on their own journeys. 

“They had eight children. My mum was the youngest of the eight, and they also cared for many other children, taking them in as their own,” Mariah said. 

“On Nan’s side, there are symbols for food and gathering. Pop was the hunter, so he has the hunting on his side, and Nan has the food on her side, preparing meals for the family.” 

The bottom half of the jumper reflects the impact Hill’s grandparents have had throughout their lives and again represents the paths they have taken over time.

The symbols of Hill’s Nan and Pop’s families are displayed: Violet was the eldest of eight siblings, while Derek was the third youngest of 14.

Above these, further symbols of children are shown, representing Violet’s children and extended family, embodying the impact they’ve had on so many. 

“Nan and Pop made a big impact in the community,” Mariah said. 

“Below, there are more symbols for travelling, and at the bottom are symbols for happiness, because Nan and Pop brought a lot of happiness and joy to our family.” 

The back of the jumper continues this theme, with the symbol of family between kangaroo tracks showing continuous movement forward. 

“There’s a small symbol for family, and symbols for kangaroo tracks, because kangaroos symbolise moving forward and not looking back, along with more symbols for family, travelling and happiness.” 

A design brought to life in tribute to a story that began long ago and culminates in Stephen Hill’s AFL journey with Walyalup will be proudly worn for the Club’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with Essendon in Round 10 at the MCG, before being unveiled in front of home fans against Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) at Optus Stadium in Round 11. 

“As soon as Stephen joined Fremantle, Nan and Pop were just their number one fans,” Mariah said. 

“Every single time Freo was on, they’d say, ‘Get out, you kids, go away. We’re watching Stephen on TV.’ 

“Everyone was so proud of Stephen.” 

At the top of the jumper is a native hibiscus flower, known as the Purple Rose and also as the Stolen Generation and 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 Indigenous jumpers across both the men’s and women’s teams. Visit kimberleystolengeneration.com.au to purchase your own flower and learn more about their important work in the community. 

The Club would like to thank its Indigenous Program partner, Woodside Energy, for its support and continued involvement in the delivery of its Reconciliation Action Plan.