The Melbourne Mavericks’ First Nations Round dress is a salute to the continuing evolution of the club and its connection to the traditional owners of the land on which they play.
For the third consecutive season, Bayley Mifsud - known by her Aboriginal name, Merindah-Gunya, meaning ‘Beautiful Spirit’ in Peek Whurrong language – has once again brought her storytelling to the Melbourne Mavericks, designing the team dress for their home clash against the Lightning this weekend.
The 2026 season sees First Nations Round spread across two weeks for rounds 11 and 12, coinciding with National Reconciliation Week. The Mavs will also wear Gunya's design during their Round 12 away match against the West Coast Fever.
It is a time the club wants to connect our fans to our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Discussing the significance of this season's design, Gunya said;
“This is the third year now that I have done the design and it's amazing to have that meaningful relationship, an ongoing relationship, because, as an artist, it's not something that you always do get to experience.
“Being able to build on the design over the past couple of years is also really amazing, as the club develops and the story is able to evolve as the club evolves.
“I hope that everybody is able to celebrate this year's design around the community that the Mavs have been able to build and the connection to the traditional owners on which they play and train.
“I hope that everybody, Aboriginal and non Aboriginal feels that they are able to celebrate culture during this round and cheer on from the sidelines.
“I hope that any person is able to feel that genuine understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal culture.”
The 2026 theme for National Reconciliation Week is 'All In' in a reminder that change is not a spectator sport.
