The Geelong Cats have a long and proud history shaped by generations of players, families, supporters and community voices. From our beginnings in 1859 to our evolution across AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW programs, the club’s identity has always been enriched by the people who call our region home. In recent years, the First Nations jumper has become a powerful extension of that story, a way for the club to honour culture, acknowledge Country, and celebrate the contributions of First Nations players and communities who have helped shape the Cats across eras.

Each jumper has carried its own narrative, reflecting local stories, cultural symbolism and the deep relationship between football, community and place. The 2027 design will be worn during the AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the AFLW Indigenous Round, serving as a visible expression of respect, celebration and cultural pride. As this tradition continues to grow, the club remains committed to ensuring each design is grounded in authenticity, respect and genuine community representation.

The purpose of this Expression of Interest is to invite First Nations artists, creatives and community members to help shape the next design. By opening the process to community, the Cats aim to deepen cultural connection, elevate diverse voices, and create a jumper that reflects both the club’s long-standing history and the living cultural strength of First Nations people.

• The artist must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  
  
• Provide up to 5 examples of previous artwork.
  
  
• Short supporting artist statement of up to 1,000 words, supporting statement to include artist story, connected organisations and initial concept.
  
  
• Application submitted by COB Monday 10 August – via application link.

• The artist fee/commission is confidential and payable to the artist upon acceptance of the completed artwork.
  
  
• In addition to a contractual agreement between the artist and the Club, the successful artist will be required to sign a Artist Release form and Confidentiality Agreement.
  
  
• Subject to the terms of the final artist agreement, all intellectual property rights, title and interest in the commissioned work, and in any products, reproductions, adaptions or materials incorporating the artwork will be assigned to the Geelong Football Club upon execution of the formal agreement and payment of the agreed artist fee.
  
  
• The successful artist must comply with agreed milestones and delivery dates. Failure to meet agreed timeframes may result in the Club withdrawing the commission.
  
  
• The Club will permit the artist to use the artwork for their own personal business activities including the promotion of their artistic works and style; on their website and social media.
  
  
• The artwork is not to infringe anybody’s intellectual property or cultural rights.
  
  
• Artists are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions, consents and cultural authority to depict any stories, symbols, designs, language or knowledge included in their submission.
  
  
• The successful artist must agree to be formally recognised as the artist of the artwork. The successful artist should be available for PR activities (if applicable) in the lead up to and during Indigenous Rounds for both the AFL and AFLW Programs (dates and activities to be confirmed but may include involvement in player related promotions etc.).
  
  
• Further, the artist agrees that the elements and all of the design may be used across other communications pieces, including but not limited to: game day, signage, lighting, merchandise, partnerships, collateral, website, social media, PR.
  
  
• The Club will not use, reproduce or commercialise any unsuccessful submissions without the artist’s prior written consent.
  
  
• The EOI process and all dealings with the Club about the EOI are confidential and must not be shared with anyone else without the Club’s prior written consent, unless required by law.
  
  
• By submitting an Expression of Interest, the artist (or their parent or legal guardian, if artist is under 18 years of age) agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
  
  
• The Geelong Football Club is located on Wadawurrung Country, and we acknowledge the deep cultural connection First Nations people hold with this land. Indigenous guernsey artwork should respect Wadawurrung Country and culture.

Guernsey – 2027

• • Applications Open: July 22
  • Applications Close: August 10
  • W/C August 17 – Artist notified
  • September 1 – Design Process commences