On Wednesday 13th March, the Eastern Warriors unveiled the long-awaited indigenous jumper, with over 70 in attendance at our spiritual home at Edinburgh Reserve on Wurundjeri land.

After training, Warrior and Wurundjeri elder John “Nugget” Terrick gave a moving welcome to country followed by a smoking ceremony, highlighting the value First Nations people place on coming together with country and as a people. There was some truth telling as Nugget and Magoo shared their personal stories, followed by some delicious native food prepared by Blake.

Next we had a special Q & A with Harrison Pepper, Academy Manager at the Hawthorn Football Club. This was led by Hawks CEO and Warriors 9s 2024 premiership player Ash Klein, who also graciously donated a Hawks indigenous jumper to the club.

Finally, it was time for Marko to unveil the jumper itself, designed by Vicki Thomas and proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank Community Bank, Dingley Village. With much pride, Jim Hardy, board director from Dingley Village, peeled back the sheets to reveal two framed editions of the jumper, one for hanging in the Bendigo Bank Dingley and one for the club rooms.

Jumpers were presented to all male and female players in attendance, and the teams were read out for this weekend’s games, all against Carrum. For the first time I can remember, the Over 35s team had a starting line-up of 20 players without requiring a single 50s and 55s player to top up numbers. That includes two new debutants – teams to be announced soon in a separate post.

Huge congrats to Kenny and Marko for putting the night together, and big thanks to Nugget and Magoo, Blake for the native food catering, Ash and Harry from the Hawks, Bruiser, Flea and Ren for donating and running the raffle prizes, and Emma Eckhardt, Community Engagement Advisor at Bendigo Bank, Dingley Community Village. Thanks also to Gez and the committee for putting on pizza, and all the club members and friends who showed up to pay respect to this special occasion for the Eastern Warriors. 

Now to don the jumpers with pride and put on a show against Carrum this weekend. Go Warriors!