Why Sherrin is changing its name on AFL footballs for the first time in more than 140 years
Sherrin changes his name on footballs for the first time in over 140 years as new footys are unveiled for Sir Doug Nicholls Round: Here’s what the new name means
- Sherrin changes name to Sir Doug Nicholls Round
- The word Yilgoa is the Tiwi name for football
- Temporary brand change is a first in 140 years
Footy fans won’t see a single Sherrin kick this season during rounds 10 and 11 as the iconic brand changes its name to Yiloga to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
For the first time in over 140 years, a new name will appear on AFL footballs as Sherrin seeks to deepen his connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who have contributed so much to the sport.
The company has previously featured indigenous designs on footballs, but wanted to take it a step further this year.
Yiloga (pronounced Yi-LO-A) is the Tiwi name for football – and Richmond star and Tiwi Islander Daniel Rioli is ecstatic to see it adorned on the new balls.
“It’s a proud, proud moment, it means a lot to see the name on an AFL football and play football in the AFL on Saturday night, it’s going to be pretty special for the Tiwi Islands,” he said.
Sherrin has launched the Sir Doug Nicholls Round balls in the 2023 AFL Premiership season – changing their name to Yilgoa, the Tiwi name for football
For the first time in over 140 years, a new name will appear on Sherrin’s iconic footballs
Essendon star and Tiwi Islander Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said it will be great to see his community recognized when Richmond and Essendon play their annual Saturday Dreamtime game at the MCG.
“I always look forward to Sir Doug Nicholls Round. You get to represent where you come from and your people. It’s great to show and share the Indigenous culture with your teammates, the football club and all of Australia,” said McDonald-Tipungwuti.
“Obviously growing up in the Tiwi Islands, playing football, Yiloga is a great thing we always do and it’s pretty much a part of us wherever we go. It’s great to see on Saturday night that the name Yiloga will represent where I come from and the Tiwi Islands.’
Tiwi artist Jennifer ‘Lulu’ Coombes has returned to design the Sir Doug Nicholls game balls for 2023, after her work was added in 2022.
‘I feel really proud to showcase our Tiwi culture and art. I didn’t know the Sherrin name hasn’t changed in 140 years, so it’s pretty deadly if it says Yiloga on the ball!’ she said.
Sherrin has shown native designs on balls for Sir Doug Nicholls round in years past, but wanted to take it a step further this season
Footy fans who want to get their hands on the Yiloga game balls can purchase them from the Sherrin website – with proceeds donated to the Michael Long Foundation.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round range of replica replica balls are also available for purchase.