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2021 and 2022 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
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Reflections of family history for former Western Bulldogs player Lindsay Gilbee, and the Boandik people of Mt Gambier, feature on the design of Club’s 2021 AFL Indigenous guernsey.
The guernsey will be worn by the players for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, on Friday May 28 against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Gilbee worked closely with renowned Aboriginal artist Nathan Patterson to assist in translating aspects of his story to produce the striking artwork.
On his grandmothers passing last year, Gilbee, with family members, were able to find their heritage anchored in Boandik country.
With pride and deep respect, he yearns to learn more about his family, people and country.
“It’s something I’m extremely proud of, and I’m happy to share my story,” Gilbee said.
By learning more about the story of his late grandmother, Lindsay Gilbee has started a journey of understanding his Indigenous heritage, and the Boandik people of Mt Gambier
“I’ve got a lot to learn. I don’t know it all. I’m really looking forward to the journey of finding out more about our history and our people.
“I feel like I’ve got a sense of belonging now, which I’ve tried to tell through the artwork we’ve got on the jumper, that the boys get to run out with and wear with pride, and help represent the people, which it does.”
Gilbee’s complex path of discovery will be ongoing, and will be one of immense pride, accompanied by grief and sadness, as he understands more about our nation’s past and how it affected his people.
“This country has a history of racist policies and practices that have continued to affect our people for generations. Understanding these stories more intimately and the truth that comes with them can be incredibly painful,” said Belinda Duarte, Bulldogs’ Director and CEO of Culture is Life.
“The implementation of mission and reserves, the Assimilation Policy and Stolen Generations have left deep wounds which we can only begin healing by sharing.
“In speaking to the truth of them it helps us heal. It connects us. And in Lindsay’s vulnerability and grief he too inspires us to honour the people we love and whom we are of.”
The Bulldogs’ 2021 Indigenous guernsey is available for pre-sale at the Bulldogs Shop, along with a range of excusive merchandise which features the design, including a scarf, t-shirt, hoodie and lanyard.
THE GUERNSEY DESIGN
On the front of the guernsey, the middle of the design features the Blue Lake (Waawar), with people gathering along its banks. Below that are footsteps of the traditional owners, as they move across waterholes gathering fresh water from the beautiful limestone coast.
The three gum leaves represent connection to Country, while the boomerangs and spears symbolize traditional hunting practices with kangaroo, emu and goanna tracks.
The back of the guernsey depicts three meeting places, which represent Lindsay's family, community and the Club. The possum footprints represent Lindsay's totem, with gum leaves.
Last edited by bornadog; 20-05-2022 at 11:19 AM.
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Great story. I love the jumper too.
Lindsay is a very funny bloke both he and Griffon came down one day to shoot at my Uncle's farm. I'll never forget the day he was walking next to us one minute and then just disappeared under water the next. He'd walked straight into a large pond covered in lily pads and went completely under, middle of winter. I've mentioned this story on here somewhere many years ago.
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 7 Likes
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Lindsay is one of my all time favourite bulldogs players - love that we’ve incorporated his story in our club story!
Jamarra is one of my potential future all time favourite bulldogs players
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
What a thrill it must've been for Lindsay to discover his connection with the oldest culture on earth.
Maybe his deadly kicking skills came from marngrook ancestors.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Looks like we are going with the same jumper as last year.
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Originally Posted by
bornadog
Looks like we are going with the same jumper as last year.
Somehow I'm not surprised we couldn't organise a new one.
Not a bad jumper though so why not.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Originally Posted by
Grantysghost
Somehow I'm not surprised we couldn't organise a new one.
Not a bad jumper though so why not.
Apparently this was the reason
“It will mark the first time the guernsey is worn in front of fans, with the Bulldogs’ 2021 Indigenous round match against Melbourne played in an empty Marvel Stadium due to Victorian lockdown restrictions at the time.”
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 0 Likes
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
I like this jumper. Do we really need to change the indigenous jumper every couple of years?
"I'll give him a hug before the first bounce and then I'll run into my pack and give them orders to rip him apart."
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 3 Likes
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
Originally Posted by
Grantysghost
Somehow I'm not surprised we couldn't organise a new one.
Not a bad jumper though so why not.
I agree, I don't mind it at all.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
A few players have had their boots painted by Noongar woman Kirby Bentley
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: 2021 Indigenous guernsey:Gilbee’s journey of discovery
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.