Spirit Strong, Game On: AFLW Drops Limited Edition Collab with House of Darwin

In Partnership with AFLW

Courtney Hodder, one of the AFLW’s top players and a dual premiership winner, has always seen herself as more than an athlete. She’s a proud Badimia and Whadjuk woman from Perth, Western Australia – and the chance to represent her culture for the 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round means everything.

“Being an Indigenous footballer uplifted me to be that big sister for not only my own mob but for the younger generations to come,” Hodder explains. For her, football is a way to honour her ancestors and the community that shaped her.

So, when the opportunity came up to collaborate with Shaun Edwards, the founder of House of Darwin, to create a limited-edition tee in celebration of the 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round, it felt like the perfect combination of her two worlds – sport and culture.

For Edwards, it was a similar feeling. Edwards is a proud Larrakia man whose family has lived in Larrakia country in Darwin for over 40,000 years.

His brand, House of Darwin, is not only a fashion label – it’s a social enterprise focused on designing Northern Territory-inspired pieces and running social programs for remote indigenous communities.

His collaboration with Hodder and the AFLW felt like a natural extension of that mission – connecting people through sport, fashion and culture.

“After chatting with Courtney, it became quite evident that we needed to showcase her story of growing up in Western Australia, how important her family is, and the footsteps she leaves in every iteration of her life, whether it be off the field or on the field,” Edwards says.

Hodder’s story guided the design of the T-shirt for the 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round. It features a range of personal details, including her totem and the scrunchie she wears in every game. “It shows my personality, it’s my family, and it has a few quirky things like ‘Sass Queen’,” Hodder laughs.

“It’s a story about me, but it’s also a story about our culture and our people.”

For Hodder, the NAB AFLW Indigenous Round is about more than just playing football. Every time she steps on the field, she feels the presence of those who came before her. “I’m able to showcase my talent, represent my culture, and make my family proud,” she says, discussing the Indigenous Round ‘Spirit Strong, Game On’ theme.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed that I’ve been picked to do this collaboration,” Hodder admits. “It just shows that the outside world can see how much my heritage actually means to me.”

Edwards, too, understands the significance of this moment. “‘Spirit Strong, Game On’ reflects the incredible resilience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have shown across this country,” he says.

Having played in the AFL himself, Edwards knows firsthand the importance of the NAB AFLW Indigenous Round, adding that “it’s a moment to acknowledge the role that Indigenous players have had on the game, and we’re really proud to be part of that.”

For both Hodder and Edwards, the collaboration is a chance to not only create something special, but to have an impact on the next generation of players. The ultimate goal? “I hope this piece really inspires all the young girls from all communities far and wide to play AFLW,” Hodder shares.

Proceeds from the House of Darwin X Courtney Hodder T-shirt sales will go to AFL Cape York House – a not-for-profit organisation that provides educational, employment and training opportunities for young Indigenous men and women from Far North Queensland Communities.

Cape York Houses provide boarding facilities for both boys and girls, with a focus on creating culturally appropriate, supportive environments. Plus, social and emotional wellbeing programs where young people can be proud of their heritage while building skills, learning and seeking new opportunities.

“There are lots of Indigenous communities that are less fortunate, and don’t have the opportunities that city kids have,” says Hodder, revealing her mission to inspire and help.

As Indigenous Round approaches, she’s ready to hit the ground running, play her best and share this story with the world. There’s no doubt, we’ll all be watching.

The 2024 NAB AFLW season is now on. Get your tickets ($15 for adults and free for under 18s) to Indigenous Round from 24 October to 3 November here. 

Or purchase the limited-edition House of Darwin X AFLW Brand Ambassador Courtney Hodder T-shirt here, with proceeds going to the AFL Cape York House organisation.