North Melbourne has unveiled its 2025 AFL Indigenous guernsey ahead of the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Inspired by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO and brought to life by Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung artist Emma Bamblett, the guernsey will be worn against Richmond in Round 10 and Collingwood in Round 11.

The design titled ‘walert morrok goattak’, which means possum skin cloak in Woi Wurrung language, honours the club’s existence on Wurundjeri Country for 100 years and Aunty Joy’s connection to the club for over 10 years.

“I am proud to be involved with the Kangaroos over the years and feel honoured to have been asked to be part of this year's guernsey design. Country is where we come from, culture is who we are, and to have that illustrated in the guernsey for our people and future generations is important,” Aunty Joy said.

For tens of thousands of years, possum skin cloaks have protected First Nations people from cold and rain, mapped Country and told lifelong stories.

A possum skin cloak is also worn by Aunty Joy when delivering the traditional Welcome to Country greeting at many events and to many distinguished visitors on Wurundjeri land.

The design came to life after Bamblett and a group of North Melbourne’s First Nations players and staff sat down for a deep listening with Aunty Joy, who shared stories about her cultural connections to Wurundjeri Country.

“Working with Aunty Joy was such an honour and pleasure to do,” Bamblett said.

“You’ll see Aunty Joy perform ceremony with the possum cloak with her beautiful Welcome to Countries. 

“Possum skin was used for warmth to welcome a baby, so one or two skins sewn together. As baby would grow, every year you'd sew another possum skin to that cloak because each possum skin told a story of your connection, where you come from, who you are, and then when you pass away, you're wrapped in the possum skin cloak and buried, so your life story is on that cloak.

“It’s a significant piece of Aboriginal culture and history, that I think should be shared.”

On the front of the guernsey is a possum skin cloak featuring various symbols within its pelts to highlight Aunty Joy’s connection to culture and Country and recognise the club’s First Nations community. The symbols include an ochre, grinding bowl, manna gum leaf, witchetty grub and guling orchid.

On the back of the guernsey is the other side of the possum skin cloak featuring a figure of a person, Arden Street Oval, kangaroo tracks and a Bunjil to recognise past First Nations players, ceremony and celebration.

It is the third consecutive year Bamblett has designed North Melbourne’s Indigenous guernsey.

“It was such an honour to have space to illustrate those elements into the 2025 jumper,” Bamblett said.

“It's just been so special with how North Melbourne is open, family-friendly, and just a safe space to come and talk and share about culture.

“I did describe it to someone when I was at Coles last week, who supports North Melbourne, and they had stopped me and said, ‘Oh Emma, any news on who's doing the jumper this year’, so I was able to tell them that yes, I'm doing the jumper, I'm illustrating Aunty Joy's stories, so keep an eye out for that. 

“But in that conversation, I was also just sharing with them how special the relationship with North Melbourne has been for me and my family.”

North Melbourne’s 2025 AFL Indigenous guernsey will be available in-store and online at the Roo Shop.

The club’s AFLW team will also wear a similar design during the upcoming season.