WBBL to celebrate First Nations Round

“It was really awesome to see the culture brought to life … I’m really hoping it continues on and gets even bigger.”

Published by
Danielle Sorati

First Nations Round is set to begin in the WBBL on Sunday, with the Perth Scorchers taking on the Adelaide Strikers at Lilac Hill.

All clubs are set to host a First Nations game this year, with the men's competition set to hold their round from January 13-20.

The First Nations Round returns after it's introduction last season, with Sydney Thunder's Hannah Darlington expressing the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture within the game.

"The First Nations Round was really special last year," Darlington said.

"As a proud Indigenous woman, it was really awesome to see the culture brought to life … I'm really hoping it continues on and gets even bigger.

"It has a role to play in education – sport is a massive thing in Australia and using our platform not only as athletes but as a sport in general is really awesome."

Ashleigh Gardner echoed similar sentiments, but admitted there was still "room for improvement" within the game.

"To have that round last year was really important for the game and really important for the culture to show them what we were doing to talk about issues and actually celebrate the culture," Gardner said.

"There's certainly room for improvement and there's a long way to go.

"But that's the most exciting thing, is actually having the backing of the Big Bash to want to have a First Nations Round … I'm just looking forward to where that can go over the next couple of years as well.

"Some of the strips are incredible. I love our Sixers one and the Strikers one was amazing as well.

"I know for the Sixers girls last year, we actually got to speak to the artist behind our uniform design and to hear her story and to hear how she designed it and why she designed it was really impactful."

The First Nations Round will run from November 6-16, with all eight teams wearing Indigenous-themed uniforms.

Published by
Danielle Sorati