Melbourne United Indigenous Jersey NBL21

Melbourne United’s NBL21 Indigenous Jersey is an adaptation of Melbourne United’s NBL20 Indigenous Jersey. This season’s iteration features Melbourne United’s cobalt blue as the primary colour, a change from last season’s jersey that was primarily white.

Designed by Mandy Nicholson, the jersey represents the Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne), the Wurundjeri people, of which Mandy is one. These are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Melbourne United plays its games. Nicholson spoke of her delight that United were continuing on with the design for a second consecutive season.

“When teams have an indigenous round, I think it is really important to engage with the traditional custodians of that area,” Nicholson said.

“I am really proud to have Melbourne United wear this design again, as the story behind it is really strong.”

The jersey features designs within flowing lines, inspired by Berak's (William Barak's) paintings and shields. This aspect of the design highlights Wurundjeris different layers of Country; Biik-ut (Below Country), Biik-dui (On Country), Baanj Biik (Water Country), Murnmut Biik (Wind Country), Wurru Wurru Biik (Sky Country), and Tharangalk Biik (Forest Country above the clouds - Bunjil's home).

The iconic Melbourne United 'M' shows these flowing lines as well and is bordered by the 'circled flowing line' which is representative of the mountain ranges bordering Wurundjeri Country to the north.

The circles represent water flowing down from the mountains into Port Phillip Bay, connecting it to Wurundjeri’s Creation Narrative of how the Birrarung (Yarra) was created by unlocking the mass of water locked in the mountains.

The team recently visited Birrarung Marr for an education session conducted by Mandy Nicholson, to better educate the group on the indigenous history of the area and relevance of the design on the club’s jersey.

“By the players coming down and being outside, asking questions, they learn a whole lot more and take home more knowledge than if they just wore the jersey alone,” Nicholson said.

Melbourne United will wear the NBL21 Indigenous Jersey against the Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena on May 31^st, as part of the Hungry Jack’s NBL 2021 Indigenous Round.

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