News Corp Australia and the AFL have joined forces to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, an initiative that honours the legacy and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to Australian football.
Introduced as Indigenous Round in 2006 and renamed in 2015, it honours Sir Doug Nicholls, a trailblazing Fitzroy footballer, pastor, activist and the first Aboriginal person to serve as a state governor.
Amplifying indigenous voices
Running across Rounds 10 and 11 of the AFL season, the collaboration will feature dedicated editorial content across News Corp’s metropolitan mastheads (The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail, and The Advertiser) as well as Code Sports. The coverage spans digital, video, print and social media, spotlighting both historical figures and current Indigenous stars in the league.
The editorial package includes features on the design inspiration behind each club’s commemorative guernsey and player profiles, alongside a preview of the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond.
Will Hogan, News Sport National AFL Editor, said: “At News Sport we’re proud to support and celebrate this important milestone by amplifying Indigenous stories and voices through our storytelling. Our coverage aims to go beyond the field exploring the rich history that Indigenous players bring to the game.”
‘GQ Hype’ spotlight
As part of the celebration, GQ Australia has released a special digital edition of its GQ Hype cover, showcasing three prominent Indigenous AFL players: Jarman Impey of Hawthorn, Jesse Motlop of Carlton, and Lawson Humphries of Geelong.
The feature includes a styled photo shoot and interviews with the athletes discussing the significance of the round.
GQ Hype, AFL Indigenous Round cover
The players are featured in fashion by leading Indigenous designers including Atyene, Solid Ochre, Ngali and By Josh Deane, blending sporting achievement with cultural expression.