The Perth Scorchers are set to bring a powerful cultural statement to the WACA this Saturday night, combining on-field performance with deep community significance. For their crucial Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Aboriginal Heritage match against the Brisbane Heat, several players will be wearing specially designed footwear featuring unique Indigenous artwork.
Footwear That Tells a Story
The initiative, which has seen players like Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, and Sophie Devine sporting the custom shoes at times during the season, will take centre stage under the Saturday night lights. The designs are the creative work of students from Yule Brook College, all participants in the Deadly Sista Girlz program run by the Waalitj Foundation.
Each pair tells a distinct story rooted in Noongar culture. Amy Edgar's New Balance shoes showcase a vibrant blue design featuring the creation serpent, Wagyl. The artwork, created by Janiqua Woods and Jaliyah Abraham, uses purple, yellow, and white swirls to narrate important cultural stories and symbolise a connection to Western Australia's vital waterways.
Mikayla Hinkley's black and orange shoes are adorned with kangaroo prints, representing a tale of travel and connection to the ancestors who moved across the land. Sophie Devine's design depicts rainbows, serving as a poignant reminder of beauty and hope even during challenging times.
A Community Celebration at the WACA
The cultural celebration extends far beyond the players' boots. Before the first ball is bowled in the must-win clash, the next generation of Indigenous cricketers will get their moment in the spotlight. The WA Cricket Foundation's Kambarang Carnival will be held on the outfield, featuring young participants from the community.
Following the carnival, a significant moment will unfold as players, support staff from both teams, and WA Cricket officials join the carnival participants to form what is believed to be Australian Cricket's largest barefoot circle. This act of unity and respect will precede the high-stakes sporting contest.
Everything on the Line in Final Home Game
The cultural significance of the evening is matched by its sporting importance. The Saturday, 5 December 2025 fixture at the WACA is the Scorchers' final home-and-away match of the regular season, and the equation is simple: victory is essential to keep their finals hopes alive. Facing the Brisbane Heat, the Scorchers will have no shortage of motivation, drawing inspiration from the stories on their shoes and the community support in the stands.
The tradition will also continue into the men's competition, with Scorchers players Cooper Connolly, Jhye Richardson, and Matthew Kelly slated to wear their own specially designed footwear during the upcoming BBL15 season.
