West Coast have unveiled a striking design for their First Nations guernsey, featuring yellow numbers that may complement Scott Pendlebury’s potential ‘gold’ number in his likely milestone match.
Design details
The Eagles will wear the specially-designed strip by Ngadju Mirning artist Andrew Beck for their two matches across Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds in May. The jumper features a forward-facing eagle’s head as its centrepiece.
The club stated that the guernsey celebrates “culture, connection, and the club’s enduring links with First Nations people”. A large circle on the front is surrounded by figures that honour the first three Aboriginal players to represent West Coast: Wally Matera, Phil Narkle, and Chris Lewis.
Symbolism of the eagle
“The eagle is really significant within Aboriginal culture,” Beck explained. “We talk to our young people about what the eagle does when it’s being annoyed or frustrated. Instead of reacting, it rises above. It goes to an altitude where nothing can bother it anymore, so it’s really important symbolism as well.”
Key matches
West Coast will don the design for their round 10 home clash against GWS, and again the following week against Collingwood at the MCG. The latter clash has been earmarked as a potential fixture for Pendlebury’s record-setting 433rd AFL game, depending on the Magpies’ management of their veteran over the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the AFL had approved a request from Collingwood to wear a special gold-coloured number on his back for the record-breaking clash. This shade would be similar to the yellow numbers worn by Eagles players if the milestone occurs in the May 23 fixture.
Player reaction
West Coast midfielder Tim Kelly expressed his excitement about the jumper design. “Andrew has done an amazing job. I was blown away when I first saw it,” Kelly said. “The first thing that stood out to me was the beak, the colours are good and I love the look of the Eagle. I’m absolutely rapt with it. He’s done an amazing job, and I can’t wait to wear it.”
