AFL clubs unveil 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernseys ahead of Round 10 launch

The AFL’s 18 clubs have begun rolling out their 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernseys this week, with several reveals landing in the past three days as the league prepares for the two-week celebration of First Nations football, culture, and community.

This year’s honouree is Northern Territory football figure Michael McLean, a former Footscray and Brisbane player who carved out a 183-game AFL career and twice won Brisbane’s best-and-fairest. Mr McLean was one of four pioneering players who helped drive the AFL’s anti-vilification policy 30 years ago, and has gone on to coach the Indigenous All-Stars.

Carlton unveiled its design on Tuesday, created by Larrakia artist Cian McCue and built around the Larrakia seasonal calendar. Carlton forward Jesse Motlop, also a Larrakia man, has spoken publicly about the family connection to McCue’s work.

Mr McCue said the brief was straightforward but profound. “The importance behind the design is to put country at the forefront and representing our connection to country. The guernsey tells the story of Larrakia country and who we are as Larrakia people,” Mr McCue said.

Collingwood revealed its guernsey designed by 11-year-old Noongar Yamatji artist Jed Bennell, inspired by the story of Magpies forward Bobby Hill, a Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar man. Two grass trees on the front of the guernsey, drawn from Mr Hill’s tattoos, represent his two sons and signify strength, resilience, and connection to Country.

The young artist said the inspiration came from years of watching the round at home. “I first started painting three years ago after watching the Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds at home. Seeing all the guernsey designs made me want to create my own artwork on canvas, inspired by them,” Mr Bennell said.

Adelaide’s design honours the late Wilbur Wilson Milera. The guernsey was designed by Crows defender Wayne Milera, with assistance from his cousin and artist Steven Warrior. Mr Milera, whose father is from Yorke Peninsula and Narungga nation while his mother is Gunditjmara and Jardwadjali from western Victoria, said he was proud to contribute. “I am very proud to be an Indigenous man, I love having the ability to share my culture with the community and the footy Club,” Mr Milera said. Adelaide will rebrand as Kuwarna for the rounds.

Melbourne, which becomes Narrm Football Club for the rounds, has unveiled a guernsey designed by Nyirripi artist Vanetta Nampijinpa Hudson. Her work tells stories of Warlukurlangu Jukurrpa, the Fire Dreaming, passed down through generations and tied directly to her Country. Her late mother Ursula Napangardi Hudson designed the club’s first Indigenous guernsey in 2014.

Hawthorn’s 2026 guernsey was designed by Quandamooka artist Casey Cockatoo-Collins, inspired by photographer Karl Amon’s 1,800-kilometre journey to North Stradbroke Island. The osprey, or seahawk, sits at the centre of the design. Earthy browns, golds, and yellows were captured from the rocky terrain of the island, while netting patterns reflect traditional fishing practices.

Gold Coast SUNS revealed a 2026 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey designed by Larrakia artist Trent Lee, ahead of the club’s two Top End fixtures.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round, named in honour of pioneering Fitzroy player and former South Australian Governor Sir Doug Nicholls, runs across Rounds 10 and 11 of the AFL premiership season. Adelaide opens the round against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on May 16. The Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Richmond and Essendon will again be a Friday-night marquee fixture in Round 11.