Collingwood’s 2016 indigenous guernsey has been released.

Designed by Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson, the guernsey will be worn during Collingwood’s round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday 29 May.

“The story behind the design is around the recognition the past and present Indigenous footballers that have played for Collingwood”, Patterson told Collingwood Media.  

“It was important to represent the attacking Barrawarn (magpie) as these birds are extremely territorial.

“Extremely loyal and fierce, these birds do not give up easily.”

Patterson’s design also recognises all Indigenous players to have pulled on the Black and White stripes throughout Collingwood’s 124-year history. The circles within the dots symbolise the range of Indigenous communities that these players originate from, with the Collingwood Football Club’s traditional home of Victoria Park represented as a mutual meeting place.

In conjunction with the Collingwood Football Club Foundation’s Barrawarn Program, the guernsey highlights the Magpies’ commitment to Australia’s first people.



Barrawarn means Magpie in the language spoken by the Wurundjeri people, the original custodians of the area of Melbourne which the Collingwood Football Club now calls home.

Established in 2012, the Barrawarn Program is an initiative of the CFC Foundation and AFL Sportsready, supporting young Indigenous people through education and employment opportunities, empowering youth by providing career pathways.

Barrawarn Program participants develop vocational skills and attain nationally recognised qualifications, with trainees working within AFL Victoria’s regional development areas, making a significant impact on the elite development pathway for young Indigenous people.

School-based participants are placed with a range of different organisations within the cities of Yarra and Darebin in areas such as sports and business administration, and hospitality.

With the support of the Victorian Government, the Barrawarn Program has already placed Indigenous jobseekers into full-time employment at partner organisations including Linfox, Westpac and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre.

Barrawarn guernseys worn during the round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs will be auctioned via Collingwood’s online auction site. They are also available for purchase online at shop.collingwoodfc.com.au.

Click here to learn more about the Collingwood Football Club Foundation and it’s projects.