Phoenix NBL23 Indigenous Jersey About Community

One thing stood out when Yankunyjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware started to research her design for the Phoenix Indigenous Jersey.

Community.

The Phoenix community encompasses players, staff, members, and fans. All these aspects of the Phoenix are connected, and all go into what makes the club great.

"When I looked at what you guys were about and read as much information as possible about what this club is and who you are as individuals, and who you are as a collective. Community was a big part of what makes this team special and what makes you strong within yourselves. It was that connection with your community, your staff, and the people who work around you. I wanted to work around that," explained Ware.

Ware used circle symbols that symbolise meeting places to represent the players with the larger circle on the bottom of the front of the jersey. That circle then links to the front office staff, fans, and community and their connections.

(Dane Pineau, Trey Kell and Mitch Creek wearing the NBL23 Indigenous Jersey.)

"It's the story of your ancestors and the stories of your people that make you the person you are, that you carry forward, and how you behave and carry yourself as a person. So, all of these people's stories make you who you are and make this club what it is," Ware said.

The back of the jersey represents the ancestors looking over the people who make up the club, players, staff, members, and fans.

The bottom of the jersey pays homage to the traditional owners of the land on which Phoenix plays, trains, and lives.

"The meeting circle is when we yarn together. It is where we are all equal; nobody is above anybody else, and nobody is more important than anyone else. We sit down and share our stories, along with the country and the animals," she explains of the back of the jersey.

"It's special to represent something bigger than yourself, and especially whe the jerseys are cool looking jerseys, and the design is unique and has specific meanings behind it. We will wear these jerseys with pride,” import Trey Kell said.

(Indigenous jersey designer, Shelley Ware showing the back of the jersey.)

Phoenix will wear their Indigenous Jerseys when they travel to Gippsland to play at GRISS against the reigning champions Sydney Kings on Sunday, December 18, at 2pm AEDT.

CLICK HERE to secure your seat to the game in Traralgon.

Phoenix Media (29/11/22)