Congupna launches brand new Indigenous jersey to commemorate 17th edition of the Unity Cup

And so, for the 17th edition of the Unity Cup — a day steeped in symbolism, contested annually between Congupna and Rumbalara in Murray Football Netball League — they decided to do more than just play football.

They decided to make a statement.

That statement arrived in the form of a newly-designed Indigenous jersey set to be debuted on Saturday, conceived by Congupna footballer and proud Indigenous man Billy Cooper.

It is not just a uniform, nor merely an aesthetic touch to mark a ceremonial occasion.

This jersey is a reminder that sport is about more than four quarters and a final siren.

“It was sort of just a bit of a throw-the-towel-in moment,” Cooper said when referencing the blueprint behind the jersey.

“Everyone was sitting around talking about this year with Indigenous round jerseys and things like that.

“A lot of things we talked about with the AFL were about what we can do to make the club better.

“The idea came to design our own Indigenous round jersey because we already have a really good relationship with Rumbalara.

“So why not make a big collaboration and make it even more exciting? Not only have a celebration, but also use it as a space to educate other people.”

The result is a striking design, a culturally diverse take on The Road’s classic strip.

The jersey, anchored in Congupna’s signature red and white, features a long-neck turtle gliding through the river on its back, a nod to the land and waterways that have sustained the Yorta Yorta people for generations.

A boomerang stretches across the middle, its shape evoking a journey — the long road taken by the club, by Indigenous footballers, by the game itself.

Topping it all off are the two seven boomerangs at the top, pointing to the weekly battles fought and the respect earned along the way.

“It’s been a long journey and obviously the seniors last year had ultimate success — and it hasn’t been an easy one — the middle of the boomerang represents a journey,” Cooper said.

“Down below, there's a big gathering place or a meeting place, which represents community.

“Congupna is a very tight-knit community and I really wanted to represent that and make it a big centrepiece because, being new to the club, that’s what I really realised.

“The centerpiece of the club is really just everyone, so I wanted to make that known.”

Congupna’s new threads will debut on Saturday when The Road hosts Rumbalara in another enthralling instalment of the Unity Cup.

The idea of the cup was first initiated by returning Congupna president Debbie McColl, who met with Paul Briggs, the Rumbalara president at the time.

“Paul Briggs and I met in a little office in Fryers Street and Paul had the initiative that because we were two Murray league teams in Greater Shepparton, we'd come together and be champions for unity, acceptance and social inclusion,” she said.

“We took the stance that it would be fantastic to honour women in sport.

“Not only those that actually play the sport, but administrators, the mums and the carers that get the kids to sport on a Saturday and all through the week.

“It started with honouring women in sport and we think the women are the foundation and fabric of our community.”

The concept was an instant hit and, now into the 17th year, the Unity Cup message is as strong as ever.

When the players take to the field in their newly-minted jerseys, they will be wearing more than just fabric.

They will be wearing stories.

Stories of resilience, of culture, of two clubs that understand a responsibility that extends beyond the boundary line.

In an era where the intersection of sport and social progress has never been more critical, Congupna has made its stance clear: football and netball are not just about the game.

It is about the people who play it and the communities they represent.

And the new Indigenous jersey, Cooper’s vision, is the latest vehicle to break new ground for The Road to progress.

“I wanted to show, when we were talking about it with the club, that we want to make the space a culturally safe environment as well — safe for everyone, not just Indigenous people,” Cooper said.

“This puts Congupna on a big platform; we want to be seen as a club with a lot of togetherness, so this enables us to do that.”

The day’s proceedings will begin with the junior football and netball before a smoking ceremony and women’s walk of solidarity.

A president’s lunch will follow ahead of the main afternoon matches, concluded by the Unity Cup presentations to the winners of the A-grade netball and senior football.