Rioli joined forces with Essendon counterpart Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti — who also hails from the Tiwi Islands “where you’d get 50 people watching games” — to launch the two clubs’ Dreamtime guernseys ahead of their Round 11 meeting at the MCG.
Richmond’s, which was designed by Robert Young, features a spear and shield to “provide protection for the warrior”.
“(McDonald-Tipungwuti) grew up on Bathurst Island and I grew up on Melville Island,” Rioli explained.
“We all know each other — we’re family. He moved away … I was a bit younger then but I still remember him moving away from home to pursue his dream.
“He did it tough, missed a few drafts ... he finally got the opportunity and is playing good footy. It’s always a great time playing against him when I do get the chance. It’s always good to have two Tiwi boys going at it and I’m sure the Tiwi Islands will be cheering for their two players.”
BEHIND THIS YEAR’S DREAMTIME JUMPERSRICHMOND’S vibrant Dreamtime guernsey sees the traditional sash replaced by a spear.
And designer Robert Young has also incorporated a shield as a symbol of protection.
The Tigers’ eighth Dreamtime jumper represents strength and connectedness, and symbolises the ground carvings of the borra grounds of initiation.
“The markings that run through this shield move together as one, but represent many journeys — the journeys of each person on this team, the journeys of each person of this country. It’s when they move together as one that the shield finds it strength,” Young said.
The spear element on the front of the jumper is a representation of the relentless spirit that resides in all of us, helping us to overcome the hardships and challenges in our lives.
“We stand with resolve that no matter how many times we get knocked down, no matter how great the obstacles that lay before us, no matter the fear, the doubt, or the worry, we will get up time and time again, and we will feel the roar of our relentless spirit.”
Club chief executive Brendon Gale thanked Young for the “wonderful design” that he said incorporated an “important and meaningful story”.
Essendon’s guernsey has been designed by 17-year-old Rina Moreen.
The teenager is from Milikapiti — on the Tiwi Islands — and also plays football herself.
“The Dreamtime game is always a match I really look forward to,” Bombers star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said.
“Every game you want to get up and going and help your team win but this game in particular is very special and you want to make the most of it.”
“The boys and myself came to the agreement that we would chose Rina’s design for this year’s Dreamtime guernsey. The artwork tells a story and it’s very special to see myself and teammates wearing it and celebrating my culture.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-07/2018-dreamtime-guernsey-revealedHerald-Sun website
