Hot on the heels of Inverleigh Football and Netball Club’s announcement of their inaugural indigenous kit earlier this week, Belmont FNC has announced they will also be launching a new kit at the same match on 3 June.
Belmont co-president Rhett Smith said this is the club’s fourth indigenous outfit, with their first launched in 2015.
The new kit features a design by local Wemba Wemba artist David Flagg, who designed the Geelong Supercats’ 2023 indigenous kit. The design features two hunting/fighting boomerangs flanking the club’s lion mascot, above an artwork that symbolises the Traditional Owners, aboriginal communities, the club and the broader community. “The club is being led out by the Aboriginal members knowing that the club are there with them for support and ready to fight it out,” Flagg said.
Lions player and Wathaurong community engagement officer Mikali Harrison said Flagg has done an amazing job on the kit. “He’s done a deadly job and the story behind it is just beautiful.”
“I love seeing it. I can’t get enough of the colours, the symbols, everything about it. That our culture can get represented in our artwork and seeing it displayed, not just in front of my club but in front of everyone in the league”, Harrison said.
Lions netball teams will be launching their new dresses on the same day as the footballers. B-grade captain and aboriginal archaeologist Tegan Edwards said seeing the community get behind the indigenous rounds was so encouraging. “Getting these indigenous rounds going and getting all the other clubs involved, it makes you feel so safe and so included, and people are willing to learn. It’s something that you can’t take for granted. It’s incredible. It’s the best feeling.”
Harrison agreed, saying; “I feel comfortable, I feel safe. I feel strong. In my own experiences I feel like I have to walk on eggshells in my day to day life. But when you’re in that moment and immersed in that culture it’s just safe and comforting, and empowering.”
Edwards, who said the club’s previous indigenous tops were designed by her father and two brothers, also felt Flagg’s new design gave it increased prominence. “ It just made it even more special, to know that it was done and designed by someone who’s been around community and that sort of stuff. I think that makes it more special and incredible. It makes it even more worthwhile and makes us even prouder to wear it.”
The Lions will also wear their new kit in Rounds 9 (Corio) and 11 (Anakie) and as its clash guernsey when required.
Image: Mikali Harrison, Mundarra Edwards and Tegan Edwards with the new kit. (Supplied)