When Kuwarna players present a pre-match gift to North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, the moment will carry added significance for Indigenous leader Jack Buckskin.

The boomerangs Kuwarna will hand over as part of this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round have been carefully handcrafted by Buckskin, a proud Kaurna, Narrunga and Wirangu man, and passionate Kuwarna supporter.

Buckskin, who has made two boomerangs - one for players to give to North Melbourne and one to present to Hawthorn in the second week of the round - said it was an honour to share his culture on a national stage.

He also explained the significance behind choosing to craft a boomerang.

“Boomerangs are iconic, but at the same time they’re purposeful and a reminder of that warrior mentality that we want to showcase,” Buckskin said.

“I am a massive Kuwarna fan, so any input I can have is an honour, if I can create a boomerang that represents me and my family, community and the Club, it helps me to feel a part of it.”

The making of this year’s gift exchange continues a special partnership between Buckskin and Kuwarna, which began about nine years ago when he first presented Welcome to Country for the Club’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round home match in 2017.

It also follows with Buckskin helping with the Club’s renaming to Kuwarna - the Kaurna word for Crow - in a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage.

He said Sir Doug Nicholls Round was not only an opportunity to showcase the Indigenous culture, but also a way to help deepen understanding and encourage greater respect across the game and wider community.

“For me, it’s an opportunity for us to start conversations if we’re not already having them in organisations and clubs,” Buckskin said.

“It’s also about utilising the platform to showcase local languages and culture.”

Kuwarna faces North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 12.45pm.

Tickets available here.