The 2017 St Kilda Football Club indigenous guernsey represents the land of the Yorta Yorta people, a tribute to the area from which Saints’ forward Jade Gresham’s family hails.
The traditional St Kilda tri-colours have been adjusted on the guernsey to form an abstract geographical representation of the Yorta Yorta lands, while an intricate detail reminiscent of a turtle’s shell runs through the red and black panels.
An homage to the Murray River, featuring two long-neck turtles, flows horizontally through the design, further showcasing the history of the Yorta Yorta people.
Jade and his mother, Michelle, played a key role in designing this year’s guernsey.
Michelle explained the relevance of the feature pieces, saying they mean far more than just decoration.
“The Yorta Yorta people traditionally lived in the area surrounding the junction of the Goulburn and Murray Rivers,” Michelle said.
“Now we’re spread right across north-eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales, but the Murray and the long neck turtle will always represent our heritage.
“To have this shown on the guernsey that my son and his teammates will wear is incredibly special; it means so much to my family and I.”
