Darebin marked the Sir Doug Nicholls Round on 24 May, 2025. This event marked the club’s commitment to stand in respect and recognition of the deep cultural connection First Nations peoples have with this land and our game
The Falcons wore their Indigenous Design jumper, with a hand-drawn design from artist Rebecca Bell (Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara). This design was inspired by the story of the Darebin Falcons as told by a group of VFLW players, and led by Falcon’s player Katelyn Hazlett (Wathaurong).
Darebin Falcons and Casey Demons teams lining up to start the VFLW Round 6 match
At the start of the day, the teams gathered, and were led by First Nations players. Junior players Sienna McGuinness and Bonnie Crowhurst gave the acknowledgement of country.
My name is Sienna and I’m a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Gunditjmarra tidda. My name is Bonnie and I’m a proud Ngunnawal, Ngambri and Wiradjuri tidda.
Today we would like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land that we meet today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their ancestors, Elders, past, present and emerging.
We extend that respect to all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gathered here today. We thank the traditional owners of the land for holding the memories, the traditions, the cultures and the hopes of First Nations People.
The Sir Doug Nicholls Round is really important for us Mob. He was a proud Yorta Yorta man who was a footballer and an activist. He was a founder of the Aborigines Advancement League, just down the road in Thornbury. He fought for the rights of Aboriginal people.
We also want to acknowledge the influence on Marngrook on AFL today. Marngrook means ‘game ball’ in Gunditjmara. Marnbrook was originally played with a possum skin ball and it is important to remember its legacy in this Sir Doug Nicols round, and every day.
We are proud to be here to represent the Darebin Falcons Under 10’s and 12’s teams, we are lucky to be part of such a deadly club. Go Falcs! Good luck to both teams today, and thank you.
Darebin 2 Seniors’ Coach, Brooke Nam, proud Wailun woman, reflected on the story behind the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, now in it’s 10 year at the AFL.
Today, we proudly celebrate the Sir Doug Nicholls Round — a time to honour the deep cultural roots and enduring contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our game and our nation. Sir Doug Nicholls was far more than a footballer. A proud Yorta Yorta man, he was a pastor, a statesman, a trailblazer, and a tireless warrior for justice. Deeply grounded in culture and Country, Sir Doug used every platform — sport, faith, and politics — to advocate for his people and build bridges between communities. His life reminds us that sport is not just about competition — it’s about connection, respect, and community.
Equally, we honour the remarkable legacy of Lady Gladys Nicholls, a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman. Her cultural strength, wisdom, and leadership were pillars in her tireless work supporting Aboriginal women and families. She was not only a partner to Sir Doug but a formidable leader in her own right, deeply connected to her people and culture, and a guiding light in the push for social justice and dignity. We also pay tribute to the warriors — past and present — who carry their culture with pride and resilience.
Their stories and strength continue to shape our shared future and remind us of the power of community, kinship, and identity. In their spirit, we are reminded of the importance of building “small villages” — places that are welcoming, inclusive, and safe. Places where everyone can come, play, and belong. This is the essence of what Darebin Football Club stands for.
Let this round — and every round — be a celebration not just of the game, but of the people, the culture, and the shared values that bring us together. May we always strive to honour one another and build communities that uplift us all.
Darebin President Jane Ryan reflected that in 2025, we are called on to reflect on the importance of truth-telling, justice and the enduring strength of First Nations peoples. Sir Doug Nicholls Round is an opportunity to listen, learn and stand in solidarity. We honour that tradition of staunch community leadership. We are stronger together.