North Melbourne has officially revealed its 2026 First Nations guernsey
North Melbourne has officially revealed its 2026 First Nations guernsey, a design that honours the legacy of its people and the club’s iconic identity ahead of the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Titled ‘We are Marram’, the guernsey was designed by acclaimed artist Emma Bamblett (Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji, and Taungurung).
The 2026 edition marks the fourth consecutive year Bamblett has collaborated with the club, this time delivering a powerful First Nations interpretation of the Kangaroos’ iconic Bounding Roo.
The design serves as a visual tribute to the 33 past and present First Nations players who have represented the royal blue and white.
Across the chest, the artwork features intricate, interconnected line and circle work, surrounded by marram (kangaroo) tracks.
These elements represent the 25 distinct language groups and mobs that these players belong to, symbolising their deep cultural connections and shared football journeys.
The 2026 design is grounded in history, respectfully incorporating elements from previous years to acknowledge Wurundjeri Country.
References to Bunjil and the MCG are woven into the fabric, anchoring the guernsey in the place where the club resides, along with the name itself. Marram, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language word for kangaroo, ties the design back to both Country and club identity.
“The current players have wanted to celebrate our past players for a few years now,” Bamblett explained.
“I wanted to highlight their cultural belonging while connecting each of their individual football journeys.”
In an AFL first, North Melbourne’s platinum partner Intrepid Travel will donate its top-of-back logo placement during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
In its place, the guernsey will feature Deadly Choices, a national health movement empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access preventative healthcare.
This gesture follows the recently announced partnership between the club and the health organisation.
Intrepid Travel ANZ Managing Director Brett Mitchell said Sir Doug Nicholls Round is an important time to celebrate First Nations people, culture and contribution to the game.
“We felt this was a meaningful way to use our spot on the guernsey to help shine a bigger light on the work Deadly Choices is doing,” Mitchell said.
“They’re helping improve health outcomes across the country, and we’re proud to support that alongside North Melbourne.”
Executive Director Deadly Choices Corey Kirk (Mununjali) said the organisation appreciates Intrepid’s support.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Intrepid for giving up its guernsey space to Deadly Choices during Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” Kirk said.
“That gesture speaks volumes about their commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and helps us continue driving important conversations about health, culture and the importance of a 715 Health Check.”
The Kangaroos will debut the ‘We are Marram’ guernsey in Round 10 against Kuwarna, followed by a Round 11 clash with the Gold Coast SUNS at Marvel Stadium.
The club’s AFLW team is also set to wear the design during their upcoming season.
The 2026 First Nations guernsey is available for purchase in-store and online at the Roo Shop.