THE THEME FOR this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round is ‘Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories’. The ongoing theme provides an opportunity for the AFL, clubs and players to showcase defining moments, people, and stories that celebrate the sporting legacy of First Nations people within the game and beyond, underpinned by the key message that the game is stronger when First Nations players are at the heart of it.
To celebrate the occasion, Men’s Health this week featured three of the game’s emerging stars, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Toby Bedford and Latrelle Pickett, who were captured in an iconic cover moment brought to life by a First Nations creative crew. As Indigenous writer Jack Latimore details in the cover story, each of the players embodies the Round’s key theme in their own way.
“Whether it’s Wanganeen-Milera’s breakout 2025 season; the physical and psychic grind Bedford applied to remake himself from fringe player to elite high-pressure utility; or Pickett – a teenager from Tumby Bay who told a football club to trust him, and then did the work to prove himself right. In their moments, connections and stories, strength takes shape. And it carries beyond the boundary line.”
On a practical level, there are a number of features of this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round that illustrate the AFL’s commitment to its First Nations players.
Two matches will be broadcast in a traditional First Nations language during the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round. With support from Triple M, the AFL is extending its in language broadcast offering to Yolŋu Radio, ensuring the game is accessible to more First Nations people. The broadcasts will reach six major communities and 12 homelands across Northeast Arnhem Land, as well as audiences in Darwin and Palmerston.
This year’s ball design by artist Bayley Mifsud/Merindah-Gunya symbolises football, family and community, three key elements that will be a feature of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round for the next two years.
Mifsud, a proud Peek and Kirrae Whurrong woman from the Gunditjmara mob near Warrnambool, has titled her work Weerreeyarr, or “woman’s spirit”, in dedication to her Nan. “Some of my earliest memories are from growing up at the local footy club – running around the boundary line, hearing the siren, and being surrounded by people who felt like family,” she told afl.com.au. “Footy was our meeting place. This design is a tribute to family, community, and the spirit of football that brings us all together.”
Significantly, the word Marngrook replaces the Sherrin text on a panel of each of the game balls. Marngrook is a Gunditjmara word for “game ball”, and the Indigenous game of marngrook is thought to be the origin of Australian Football.
Of course, since 2014, all AFL clubs have worn specially designed guernseys during Sir Doug Nicholls Round. These guernseys highlight the AFL’s connections to Indigenous cultures, and the importance of Sir Doug Nicholls Round to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and communities.
While the Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a celebration, the AFL is using the occasion to strengthen its commitment to grow representation of First Nations players by launching a First Nations Impact Fund.
There are 62 First Nations players on AFL club lists this year, a drop from the record 87 in 2020. To address this, the AFL is committing approximately $300,000 to be invested annually in partnership with clubs as part of the initiative. The move aims to grow First Nations representation across the sport, creating culturally safe environments and calling out racism “wherever it exists”.
The League is also considering giving clubs an extra list spot specifically for First Nations players. “The plan for me is about providing opportunity. That’s why we’re looking at investment in the talent programs as really important for us,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said on Monday. “Ultimately it’s about investing in grassroots, getting more boys and girls playing, and then making sure there’s opportunities at the talent level. When the players are then drafted we’re making sure the First Nations players are staying in the game as long as others.”
Proceeds from the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Sherrin range will be donated to the AFL’s First Nations Impact Fund.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
When is the Sir Doug Nicholls Round?
In 2026, the Sir Doug Nicholls Round is being held across Round 10 and Round 11.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round starts on Thursday May 14 with Brisbane hosting Geelong at the Gabba. Tickets for all games are available via https://www.afl.com.au/sir-doug-nicholls-round/fixture
Who was Sir Doug Nicholls?
Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls was a Yorta Yorta man born on Cummeragunja mission on the New South Wales bank of the Murray in 1906. Sir Doug Nicholls played football for Fitzroy before becoming a Pastor and pioneer for reconciliation in Australia.
He went on to become the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person to be knighted and hold the position of Governor of SA. Sir Doug’s daughter, Aunty Pam Pedersen, continues to advocate for Sir Doug’s work, and represents the Nicholls family with the AFL.
When is Dreamtime at the ’G?
Introduced in 2005, this game sees Essendon and Richmond go head-to-head at the MCG. The match honours the traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through pre-game ceremonies and activities, fostering unity and a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage in sport.
The best on ground player during the Dreamtime match is awarded the Yiooken Award, first presented in 2006.
This year’s match is on Friday, May 22, at 7:40 PM at the MCG. Grab tickets via https://www.afl.com.au/sir-doug-nicholls-round/fixture
