The Western Bulldogs are proud to reveal their 2026 First Nations guernsey designed by Joey Chatfield-Berg from Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong Country in Victoria’s Western District.
The design is dedicated to Chatfield-Berg’s late grandparents, who he describes as his heroes, and has six key elements.
Protection and Recognition
Across the shoulders sit two spiritual figures. When worn, the left figure represents Joey’s late grandparents while the right represents his Ancestors and Elders as a sign of the highest respect.
The top blue patterned panel symbolises traditional Parrying shields, which are included to symbolically protect those wearing the guernsey in combat (on game day).
Volcanic plains
The red panel reflects the volcanic landscape of Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong Country. The mountain-like forms represent ancient volcanic activity that reshaped this land, redirected waterways and created lakes.
Foundation and Footing
The white panel marks the club’s 10‑year Premiership anniversary, represented by 10 footprints. The use of grey is intentional and symbolises all walks of life coming together on a shared path.
Sourcing food
The grey eel motifs honour one of the most important food sources for Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong people, harvested through spearing, netting and advanced aquaculture practices. Dark grey rock formations represent the basalt fish traps built across rivers to guide eels into woven reed nets.
Midden sites
The final dark blue panel represents coastal life and midden sites, with U-shapes representing the people who gathered food such as fish, abalone, crayfish, mussels and conks. The black dots depict heated stones and earth ovens used for cooking.
Also hidden within this design is an image of the 2016 Premiership Cup, inspired by cartoonist Geoff Hook of the Herald Sun.
Connection to Club
On the back of the guernsey, the various U-shapes represent everyone connected to the Club, including players, supporters, staff, coaches and sponsors. Within these U-shapes are four dots to signify the four quarters of a match, inspiring those who wear the guernsey to give 100% effort, respect and commitment.
Grey footprints are featured again to symbolise unity and solidarity, while the red and white lines bordering these symbols offer protection and safety. This pattern comes from the various shields and artefacts used as weapons.
The Bulldogs will wear this guernsey across both weeks of Sir Doug Nicholls Round – against Carlton in Round 10 and Narrm (Melbourne) in Round 11 – as well as during NAIDOC Week in Round 18 against West Coast.
The 2026 First Nations guernsey will be available to purchase on Tuesday morning via the Bulldogs Shop, along with an exclusive range of merchandise.
