Student’s footy design is best on ground

West Busselton Primary student Mark Philips received special recognition last week when the Saints Junior Football Club unveiled their inaugural Indigenous guernseys featuring his winning design.

The team proudly wore the guernseys in their match against Country’s Football Club, celebrating Indigenous Round with symbols of connection to Country and community.

“It felt so good to win this competition,” Mark said.

“I was really excited to see my design on the field during the game.

“It’s very special to me and I am so proud to be Noongar.”

A keen sportsman and lover of footy, Mark is often found on the oval playing with his mates and representing the Towns junior football team.

The young athlete and artist was recognised for his creation of a design which connects his culture with the sport he loves.

The project began when Zane Hansen and Alexis Martin from the Saints contacted West Busselton Primary’s Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) Gemma Bynder to assist in designing their first Indigenous Round guernsey.

Gemma invited several students to submit designs.

“I got some of my Indigenous boys who play footy to help create shirt ideas,” she said.

“They were all super excited about it!”

While his classmates headed off for lunch breaks, Mark, pencil in hand, threw himself into the creative process and poured his heart into every detail of his design.

“He worked so hard on his drawing… he had so much pride in doing this,” Gemma said.

“I was so happy for Mark when his design was chosen from all the submissions. He is so talented and has come a long way.

“Opportunities like these boost children’s confidence. It makes me proud to be his Noongar teacher.”

Mark’s design holds deep, personal cultural significance.

“The guernseys symbolise connection to country, community, and the journey we walk together on and off the field.” Mark said.

“I love the red part of the design and the meaning behind each symbol. It’s about people coming together and our animals on Country.”

Mark’s teacher, Helen Johnson, said the whole school community benefitted from this type of creative opportunity.

“Projects like this give young people a chance to connect with and celebrate their culture positively and creatively,” she said.

“They get the opportunity to pass this understanding on to their fellow students.

“He dedicated a lot of time and effort to creating the design.

“Our whole class and I are really proud of him, and some students have even been asking for his autograph. He’s a celebrity now!

“It’s inspiring not just for him, but for our other students to see that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve big.”

The Saints expressed their heartfelt thanks to Mark and Gemma for bringing the meaningful design to life, recognising and celebrating the rich culture, stories, and contributions of First Nations peoples.

“We’re honoured to walk alongside you all.”