Poche Centre for Indigenous Health lecturer and Indigenous artist Allan Sumner designed a stunning guernsey for the South Adelaide Football Club, which was worn by the team for the SANFL Indigenous Round on 13 July 2019.

The Panthers, supported by Flinders University as a major sponsor, were delighted with the design that was proudly worn in its match against Sturt. Unfortunately the Flinders favourite did not win, but certainly looked impressive in the eye-catching outfits that sensitively captured the essence of Adelaide’s South.

Mr Sumner gave the name ‘Nurlungga’ or River Bend to his artwork. He says the Kaurna spelling Nurlungga derives from the word Nurlu which means a corner or curvature, referring to the Onkaparinga River. Line work in the design represents the river, while circles represent the football club and its players. Read the full description of the design on the South Adelaide Football Club website.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock says there are many ways to recognise, value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s culture, including through sport.

“As part of our partnership with The Panthers, we’re delighted to be supporting the Indigenous round match with this specially designed guernsey,” Professor Pollock says.

“It’s not just beautiful, but demonstrates how valuable sport can be in sharing knowledge and understanding and promoting reconciliation.”

View the interview with Mr Sumner.