The Western Bulldogs are proud to introduce Marngrook at Marvel Stadium, a new fixture for Sir Doug Nicholls Round that celebrates the origins of Australian Rules football. 

The Dogs will host Essendon this Saturday evening in the inaugural Marngrook at Marvel game.  

Marngrook, which is the Gunditjmara word for ‘game ball’, was traditionally played by Indigenous groups in Victoria, particularly in the south-west.

The earliest accounts emerge as far back as the 1830s.

The ball was often made of twine and/or possum skin and the game rules are said to have inspired Aussie Rules, which traces its documented origins back to 1858 in Melbourne.

For more on Marngrook, please click here.  

Ten years since the dedicated round was named in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls, this year’s theme is ‘PAST LEGACIES, FUTURE LEGENDS’. 

The intent of this year’s round is to highlight the incredible contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to AFL and in particular each club. 

The Bulldogs’ 2025 First Nations guernsey follows a similar theme, honouring the five AFL/W First Nations players while celebrating the Club’s ongoing reconciliation journey. 

Designed by Kamilya Lowana White, a proud Aboriginal artist born and raised in Naarm with Kija Bardi heritage on her father’s side, the guernsey will take centre stage in Marngrook at Marvel Stadium.

Kamilya Lowana White, who is also Liam Jones’s cousin, worked closely with each First Nations player to determine what was included in their respective sections. This is detailed in depth here. 

Round 10: Marngrook at Marvel  

Western Bulldogs v Essendon 
Saturday 17 May, 7:35pm AEST 
Marvel Stadium, Docklands • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo