Strength Through Unity: Geelong Cats players Mark O'Connor, Brandan Parfitt, Tyson Stengle and Tom Stewart wear Geelong's 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernseys, designed by Awabakal women Michelle Searle. Photo: AFL Photos

GMHBA Stadium will host a spectacular celebration of First Nations people and culture this Saturday as Geelong takes on GWS Giants in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, proudly supported by match-day partner Barwon Water.

The AFL’s annual celebration of First Nations culture and people will see both teams wear special guernseys, with Geelong to wear a guernsey featuring the ‘Strength Through Unity’ design by proud Awabakal woman Michelle Searle.

Learn more about our 2023 First Nations Guernsey

Elements of Searle’s design will be on display around the stadium, including on the LED, which will also incorporate designs from Geelong’s Djilang Program, proudly supported by Barwon Water.

ARIA award-winning artist Budjerah will be performing at the match, sponsored by Larrakia Bilirra, an Indigenous Infrastructure Services Company owned by former Cat and proud Larrakia man Mathew Stokes.

Budjerah will take the stage pre-game – performing with a choir made up of school students from the Geelong region – and again at half-time.

Fans attending the game are encouraged to be in their seats by 3.45pm to see the pre-game performance.

Geelong’s home Sir Doug Nicholls Round fixture is proudly supported by Barwon Water, who have been long-time supporters of the Club’s First Nations match days and community program.

The match day will include a Welcome to Country, while participants from the Djilang Program will take part in the Auskick game at half-time, as well as the Guard of Honour, thanks to Barwon Water.

Geelong Cats First Nations Engagement Manager Chloe Wegener said the Club was looking forward to its home Sir Doug Nicholls Round match.

“Sir Doug Nicholls Round is always a highlight of the year for our entire Club, and we have a big celebration planned for Saturday,” Wegener said.

“In addition to the guernseys and the artwork on display, we are thrilled to have Budjerah performing this year.

“We will also have a Welcome to Country, as well as all our regular game day activities and entertainment. Our half-time Auskick game will also see young First Nations children participate.

“Djilang Program participants will also take part in the Guard of Honour thanks to Barwon Water.” 

Gates open at 2.35pm on Saturday ahead of Geelong’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with GWS Giants.