Professor Colleen Hayward, Fremantle’s outgoing board member, has shared the story of her journey with the Club as part of this year’s AFLW Indigenous jumper design. The jumper will be worn in the Club’s Round 3 clash with Carlton, with an alternative away version to be worn in Round 4 against the Tigers.

A Fremantle member since 2004, and a Club Board Member since 2017, Hayward’s personal story pays tribute to her journey with Fremantle, and to her strong family connections through the Artwork by Kevin Bynder in collaboration with Colleen Hayward.

Bynder said bringing the story to life with the special design is one of his favourite pieces of artwork.

“I've had five AFL jobs, including this one, and I absolutely love this one. I just think it just goes well together – the colours, the story,” Kevin said.

The chevron sign is represented by the flowing waterways. Water has a very important spiritual connection to the Noongar people. It is sacred and a central element to the culture and connection to boodja (land). In the middle of the waterways are Noongar people camping by the river.

The Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) was created by the Waagyl (Rainbow Serpent).

The 14 dots that are connected represent the Indigenous players who have played for Fremantle’s AFLW side. This is also the songlines. Songlines are the ancient pathways of knowledge that are taught from generation to generation. Fourteen is also the number of clans in the Noongar nation.

The bottom right is the kaarla – fire. The fire is used for smoking ceremonies, whether it be before, during or after significant events. The red and white colours are significant to Colleen, who has grown up around South Fremantle Football Club.

Colleen’s dad – Len, grandfather – Maley and two great uncles, Bill and Eric, all played for South Freo, which prides itself on being a family club, just like Fremantle.

“When I go to Fremantle Oval in the function room where they have the premiership photos, my dad is actually in two,” Hayward said.

“One as a player, and one when he was on their committee of management.

“He followed in his father's footsteps and the footsteps of two of his uncles.

“It didn't stop there. There's been countless relatives who've played for South Fremantle, and every one of them, of course, is a Fremantle supporter as well.”

The central element to the design is the manatj (white cockatoo), Hayward’s totem, fittingly holding a central place on the jumper and embodying the significance of the story she is portraying.

“My totem is the manatj, the white cockatoo, that is central to this particular artwork,” Hayward said.

“For Aboriginal people, of course, totems are central (in their meaning).

Holding strong beneath the cockatoo’s wings are two circles which represent Colleen’s two great uncles.

The large circle on the bottom represents the town of Gnowangerup, Colleen’s family town, and the Stirling Ranges can be seen in the background. The right-hand side shows eight circles that all connect; this represents Colleen’s eight completed years as a Board member of the Football Club. Collen's ninth year will be completed next month.

The large circle on the left represents Colleen’s granddaughter Juliette. Juliette has been a Fremantle supporter from day one.

A special part of the process for Hayward has been keeping the representation of Juliette on the design a secret from her until a surprise unveiling on gameday.

“Juliette still doesn't know she’s on the design,” Hayward said.

“Even though time-wise and approval-wise, we got everything done before Christmas, she still doesn't know.

“Her parents do. Her mum cried when she read the story and saw the jumper.

The U-shaped circles represent Colleen’s family and ancestors.

The enormity and occasion of Indigenous Round is never lost on Hayward. With her time on the Fremantle Board drawing to a close in 2027, there is a profound feeling of life going full circle as the game day approaches when her design will be worn by Fremantle’s AFLW side.

“For me, Indigenous rounds are always special,” Hayward said.

“The fact that over time the AFL has expanded the notion of Indigenous Round, so that you always get one at home and one away is really special.

“It pays proper respect and regard, and I think that's always important.

“One of the things that I love about life, really, is the way things have a way of circling back and around.

“I can remember, before even considering applying for a position on the Board, being contacted by the footy club to say we're putting in an application to the AFL to recognise a women's team – would you be a referee?

“To see it from there, and to see it develop and to move, this is something that's new for women. The recognition is something new for women.”

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.