Demons debut Indigenous guernsey

Originally published in the Dubbo Photo News

The Dubbo Demons returned victors after playing in Orange during the first week of the Sir Doug Nicholls round.

The club debuted their 2021/22 Indigenous guernseys, designed by women’s player and Wiradjuri woman Trudy Sloan.

Sloan said that she has always loved painting and has been creating art since her 20s. “Dad used to do a lot of it. I grew up watching Dad paint and then I had a go at it.

“It gives him an opportunity to tell his story, from where he’s been and what he’s learnt.”

The design incorporates the Macquarie River, which Sloan said represents connection to Dubbo.

“Dubbo rivers are known for the platypus, so I put the platypus and the river on there to represent that connection to Dubbo, and to home.

“The campfire represents the Demons as a whole, men’s, women’s, juniors, and the background also is a signature of mine. I put it in every painting.”

Sloan said the handprints covering the design’s background represents the Indigenous community.

“It represents our elders that were before us, caretakers of the land before us.”

This is the first time the Demons have worn an Indigenous guernsey for the Sir Doug Nicholls round.

Sloan said for a few years the club and league had been trying to get an Indigenous round and off her own back she decided to create the original painting. She said she loved seeing the club wearing the design and wearing it herself.

“It helps open a conversation about what it’s about and gives us an opportunity to share the story of Dubbo and the Indigenous people around Dubbo.”

The women’s team travelled well for the occasion, departing Orange with a 64-8 win. The men’s tier one team also secured a 74-52 win.

The Demons will wear its Indigenous guernsey one more time at their home game next week for the final week of Sir Doug Nicholls round.