The significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to Australian football and the broader community will be celebrated this month, with the return of AFLW Indigenous Round this week.

Held across Rounds 7 and 8 of the NAB AFLW competition, the dedicated round will continue to celebrate the AFL's 'Moments forged by First Nations' platform which recognises unforgettable moments and contributions of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and umpires who have paved the way for other Indigenous peoples in our game.

For the first time, three AFLW clubs will swap their name for traditional in-language names across AFLW Indigenous Round, with Melbourne becoming 'Narrm' (pronounced na-arm), Fremantle will change its name to 'Walyalup' (pronounced wul-yul-up) and Port Adelaide will be referred to as 'Yartapuulti' (pronounced Yarta–pole-tee).

Narrm comes from the Woi Wurrung language meaning Melbourne, Walyalup is the Noongar name for the Fremantle region, while Yartapuulti comes from the Kaurna language meaning the land surrounding the Port River.
 
As part of the dedicated round the AFL will pay its respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land each match is played on, with ground signage at all matches to feature the name of the Traditional Owners and a representation of the Aboriginal women's art symbol on the field.
 
In another AFLW first, Sherrin has created the first unique AFLW Indigenous Round football, designed by proud Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Nurrunga woman, Gabrielle Stengle. As part of the design, the word Sherrin will be replaced with the phrase 'Tidna Parntu' meaning 'football' in Kaurna language.
 
In addition, all 18 AFLW clubs will wear specially designed Indigenous Round guernseys, while umpires at all matches across Round 7 and 8 will wear uniforms designed by Noongar Wandandi Boodja man and current umpire, Joshua James.

AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch said the AFL is proud to be celebrating the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our great game through AFLW Indigenous Round this week and next.
 
"This year, in an extension of our Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations, AFLW is recognising unforgettable moments and contributions of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and umpires who have paved the way for other Indigenous peoples in our game.
 
"Not only do we recognise the important moments in our game that have been created by Indigenous players, but we remember the moments we wish to never see repeated and those that have us excited due to the outstanding skills and talent Indigenous women bring to the game.

"As leaders in Australian sport, we are incredibly proud of the role Indigenous Round plays in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, umpires and officials. This is more important than ever before given this week is the Referendum for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament," Hosch said.
 
General Manager Women's Football Nicole Livingstone said AFLW Indigenous Round is a wonderful opportunity for fans of all ages to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through football.
 
"There are a number of blockbuster matches scheduled for Round 7 and 8 for fans around the country to enjoy, including the QClash between Gold Coast SUNS and the Brisbane Lions, the Dreamtime match between Richmond and Essendon on October 14 and the match between Hawthorn and Richmond at Cazalys Stadium on October 20."