Melbourne Football Club reveals Indigenous guernsey by Ngarrindjeri artist
As well as being the dad of player Kysaiah Kropinyeri Pickett, Kevin Kropinyeri is the designer of the Demons' newest jumper.
Ngarrindjeri artist, comedian and sculptor Kevin Kropinyeri is the proud talent behind Melbourne Football Club's 2025 Indigenous guernsey.
Ngarrindjeri tradition is key to the design, with the centre of the artwork displaying a shield representing warriors and symbolising divine protection, faith and resilience.
The Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey will make its debut on Sunday against the Lions, and will be reused on May 25 when Melbourne hosts Sydney.
Mr Kropinyeri's son, Kysaiah Kropinyeri Pickett, is a much loved player among the Demon community, having made his debut in 2020.
“It's such an amazing, proud moment as a father, because Kozzy is so loved by his mob and Aboriginal people in general,” Mr Kropinyeri said.
“Then to go further, he is so loved by the Melbourne fan base, and it warms my heart to see that love around him."
Mr Kropinyeri said he looked forward to seeing his son run out wearing a Ngarrindjeri design on his guernsey.
“I think everybody is going to be proud of it,” he said.
The final key component of the design is the addition of Ngarrindjeri words underneath the chevron logo.
The words read nam mi:wi winnamun katjil prolin ambi ngamar thamelin ambi, translating to "all hearts beat true for the red and the blue".
The line comes from the club song, It's a Grand Old Flag.
