Past Legacies, Future Legends.
Celebrating 10 Years of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
In 2025, the AFL proudly marks the 10-year anniversary of Sir Doug Nicholls Round — honouring the extraordinary contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, cultures, and communities to Australian football.
This year’s celebration will take place over two rounds:
Round 10 (15–18 May) and Round 11 (22–25 May).
Now in its 19th year as a dedicated Indigenous Round and its 10th year bearing the name of Sir Doug Nicholls, this special occasion acknowledges past trailblazers, celebrates today’s stars, and inspires the legends of tomorrow.
The 2025 theme — Past Legacies, Future Legends — highlights three important anniversaries and recognises the enduring impact and future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our game; Ten years of Sir Doug Nicholls Round; 20 years since the Indigenous Team of the Century; 30 years since the introduction of the Peek Rule (Rule 35, the AFL’s anti-vilification and discrimination rule).
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03:48
'Something to be proud of’: Stars on what Sir Doug Nicholls Round means
Daniel Rioli, Darcy, Moore, Steven May, Patrick Dangerfield and more share the impact that Sir Doug Nicholls Round has on them each year
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01:39
Ball for 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round revealed
Former Adelaide player Ben Davis explains his design on the footy for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, 2024
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02:57
Yokayi Footy: Sheedy on the importance of the Dreamtime at the G
Special guest, Kevin Sheedy, talks of how the Dreamtime game began
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44:45
Yokayi Footy E11: The return of Dreamtime at the 'G
The Yokayi Footy team are at their hilarious best as Uncle Phil Krakouer joins Andy, Darryl and Megan to celebrate week one of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round
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03:39
5000kms for the perfect shot: Indigenous photographer debuts at Dreamtime
Behind the lens with photographer Michael Jalaru-Torres as he goes from Broome to the big time
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04:04
Yokayi Footy: Find out why AFL stars love SDNR
Sir Doug Nicholls Round is special for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous players
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01:42
Yokayi Footy: Why Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a gift for all
Sir Doug is not just for First Nations people, it is a round that shows what's possible
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00:42
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00:29
Moments Forged by First Nations
Celebrate and recognise those moments forged by First Nations at this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round across Rounds 10 and 11 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
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02:11
Yokayi Footy: Find out why the stars are so pumped about a Darwin Dreamtime
Essendon and Richmond players on what the Dreamtime game means to them, and the excitement of playing in Darwin
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03:47
Yokayi Footy: Why the AFL boss loves Sir Doug Nicholls Round
Gillon McLachlan explains why SDNR is honouring Blues legend Syd Jackson, and reveals his all-time favourite Indigenous players
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03:32
'It's absolutely special': Indigenous legends on Sir Doug Nicholls Round
Gavin Wanganeen, Nicky Winmar and Syd Jackson joined two modern-day stars at the MCG to launch Indigenous jumpers
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01:14
Yokayi Footy: Re-live the best highlights from the SDNRs
Our mob put on a show during the Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds. And you've got front row tickets
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04:05
Dreamtime pre-game ceremony captivates 'G
A stirring performance before Dreamtime at the 'G sees both teams come together in rousing scenes
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05:44
Behind the scenes: Tigers' epic Laguntas Dance at Dreamtime
Watch as Richmond players learn and perform the Laguntas Dance at Dreamtime at the G
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03:12
Stirring pre-game ceremony in Dreamtime at the 'G
Wonderful scenes at the MCG to start the Tigers and Bombers clash
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05:15
Moving pre-match ceremony kicks off Dreamtime
Watch the moving pre-match ceremony before the Bombers and Tigers go to battle
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02:08
Richard Fejo delivers epic welcome to Dreamtime in Darwin
Watch the pre-match ceremony for the first-ever Dreamtime match held in Darwin
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00:42
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01:21
YOKAYI FOOTY SHORTS: Indigenous guernseys return for NAIDOC week
Megan Waters shines a light on clubs wearing Indigenous-themed guernseys for NAIDOC week 2024
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05:53
YOKAYI FOOTY SHORTS: 'Blak, Loud and Proud' for NAIDOC week
Megan Waters presents a very special NAIDOC week themed episode of Yokayi Footy Shorts.
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30:24
Talkin' It Up: The big switch Josh James made to chase his AFL dream
Indigenous umpire Josh James on backing himself, battling homesickness and why artistry matters in Australia's game
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04:31
Hall of Fame: Nicky Winmar
Brilliant St Kilda midfielder and iconic Indigenous champion joins the Australian Football Hall of Fame
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09:43
Players learn, dance and bond at Indigenous and Multicultural Summit
The likes of Alir Alir and Vaomua Laloifi reflect on the historic AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Players Summit in Geelong
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01:59
Indigenous brilliance
We celebrate the current day indigenous players that make such a big contribution to the game
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14:15
The Western Great: The Stephen Michael Story
The South Fremantle great, a legend of WA football and widely regarded as the best player to never play in Victoria, has become just as celebrated for his contributions off the field after his playing career
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12:11
Son of Central District: The Sonny Morey Story
Sonny Morey shares his inspirational story: from a childhood playing in the river beds of Alice Springs, to the highest level of South Australian football via foster homes of the Stolen Generation and the glory days of the Central District Football Club
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12:24
Black Man in White: The Glenn James story
Umpiring great Glenn James, the 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree, shares his incredible story of a life in football
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04:31
At home with umpiring great Glenn James
In part one of a two-part special, Andy Krakouer sits down with the 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree and the first Indigenous umpire from the AFL/VFL era, Glenn James
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03:47
'Got some severe punishment': The other side of Glenn James
Over the past week, Australia has got to know Glenn James the umpire. But it's time to see the other side of this national living treasure.
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07:59
'One of the great Australian stories': Honouring Bill Dempsey
The football world pays tribute to Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Bill Dempsey
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07:13
WATCH: SDNR honouree Bill Dempsey's golden years, cherished memories
SDNR honouree Bill Dempsey shares stories of his early West Perth days, growing up on the mission and his late mother
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06:00
From Mission life to the big time: Syd Jackson's trailblazing story
The 2021 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree, Syd Jackson
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08:48
Don't Believe in Never - The Michael Long story
Recognising Michael Long's contribution to the AFL and wider community
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09:28
How Polly Farmer changed the game
A look at the life and achievements of indigenous great Graham Polly Farmer
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2025 Dreamtime at the 'G - Yiooken Trophy Results
The AFL advises that Nic Martin (Essendon) has won the 2025 Yiooken Trophy for being judged best on ground in Friday night's Dreamtime at the 'G match between Essendon and Richmond
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'It goes further than footy': The celebration that unites a football family
When Jesse Motlop scores a goal, he performs a celebration that echoes across his family, his football mentors, and his culture
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Legends demand action on falling Indigenous numbers
Two of footy's Indigenous greats hope Sir Doug Nicholls Round can spark action to reverse the falling number of First Nations players on AFL club lists
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EXPLAINER: All you need to know about the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round
Here's everything you need to know about Sir Doug Nicholls Round
