Michael Johnson’s New Indigenous Jumpe Honors Walyalup’s 30-Year Legacy
A deep sense of pride and tradition is woven into the fabric of Walyalup Football Club’s new Indigenous jumper, designed by Club legend Michael Johnson in collaboration with his cousin Daniel McHenry. The unveiling of the jumper is set to be a highlight of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Friday night. This project marks a significant milestone for both Johnson and the Club, coinciding with Walyalup’s 30th anniversary.
Johnson, a revered figure in the Club with 244 games to his name, has poured his heart and soul into this design. His involvement in the project reflects his lifelong commitment to Walyalup and his heritage. “To be an Aboriginal man growing up and designing the Indigenous jumper, especially for the Club’s 30th year, is a special moment for myself, Daniel, and our family,” Johnson expressed with pride.
The jumper design process was a collaborative effort, deeply rooted in the connection to family and tradition. Johnson and McHenry aimed to honor the past while rejuvenating the Club’s heritage by reintroducing the original colors: green, red, purple, and white. This nod to history was especially meaningful for Johnson, who cherished wearing these colors during his playing days. “The Club was happy for me to target that year (30th year) and I was stoked to be part of this process and journey,” he said.
A significant part of the design process involved engaging with the Elders and Johnson’s own family. “Part of the process of designing this jumper is reaching out and talking to the Elders. Bringing my mum into it and letting her know this is what we are going with… I think the process of coming together was the best part about it,” Johnson noted. This approach ensured that the jumper not only represented the Club’s legacy but also paid homage to the broader Aboriginal community.
As the Club prepares to unveil the jumper in front of its home fans, Johnson’s pride is palpable. “It’s a surreal feeling… To actually feel the jumper, look at the jumper, see the colors and how it’s come together, hopefully we make our families proud with what we’ve created,” he said. The unveiling is expected to be an emotional moment for Johnson, his family, and the entire Walyalup community.
The Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a significant event in the AFL calendar, celebrating the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian football. Walyalup will proudly wear Johnson and McHenry’s designed jumper during the match against Collingwood, marking a momentous occasion. “When I’m standing in the guard of honor, it will be a moment I will cherish forever,” Johnson said, his excitement evident.
This project, deeply embedded with pride and tradition, epitomizes the spirit of the Walyalup Football Club’s 30-year legacy. Johnson hopes that the new jumper will resonate with the supporters and players alike, fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community. “I’ll be sitting back really proud to see the jumper running around over those three weeks. I just can’t wait to show it off to the supporters now,” he remarked.
The creation of the new Indigenous jumper by Michael Johnson and Daniel McHenry is more than just a design; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Walyalup Football Club. It symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal community and celebrates the Club’s history and legacy. As the team steps onto the field in their new jumper, they carry with them the pride, tradition, and dreams of those who have come before them. This project is a fitting tribute to Walyalup’s 30-year journey and a beacon of hope for the future.
Leave a Reply