During Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season, the AFL industry comes together to celebrate AFLW Indigenous Round.
From this year, Sir Doug Nicholls Round and AFLW Indigenous Round are underpinned by an enduring theme that consistently carries across years: ‘Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories.’
The theme provides an opportunity for the AFL, clubs and players to showcase defining moments, people, and stories that celebrate the sporting legacy of First Nations people within the game and beyond.
It communicates that the game is stronger when First Nations players are at the heart of it. First Nations excellence is more than football ability, it reflects resilience, culture, community and belonging. When First Nations players thrive, the game is stronger, more exciting and more meaningful for everyone.
Dubbo Demons President Kaitlyn Waldie embodies the ethos of Indigenous Round.
Waldie was recently recognised as the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Diversity Ambassador of the Year during the 2026 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards for her work in offering free registrations that have seen an influx in young Indigenous participation at the club.
Further, Waldie played a leading role in ensuring the young Indigenous participants had access to practical support, including transport, meals, a safe environment and assistance navigating development pathways.
Her work has helped create a more inclusive football community and ensure young people can participate and thrive, regardless of circumstance.
“As a small AFL club in a region dominated by rugby and soccer, we have worked hard to create a point of difference,” said Waldie.
“When I became President, I adopted the philosophy of ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ and that has helped guide many of our decisions as a club.
“Our focus has been on creating a welcoming environment that not only attracts new people to AFL but encourages them to stay. One of the best descriptions we've received from new members is that we're aggressively friendly, and I think that perfectly captures the culture we are building.”
Waldie has growing aspirations to further the Dubbo Demons’ inclusive culture for years to come.
“My hope is that the Dubbo Demons aren't just the benchmark club in the Central West, but a club that others across NSW look to and aspire to be.
“I want us to continue building a club where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background. A club made up of players, coaches, committee members, sponsors and life members from all walks of life be it men, women, Indigenous Australians, LGBTQIA+ community members and other minority groups who all feel they belong at the Demons.
“I hope our junior and senior programs continue to grow, that our participation numbers increase year after year, and that our on-field success reflects the hard work being put in across the club.
“But more than premierships, awards or growth, my biggest hope is that we continue to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our members. If we can be known as a club full of good people who genuinely care about each other and their community, then I think we have won.”
This week as the AFLW enters Round 4 of the 2026 season, the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS will travel away to meet the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions respectively to close out Indigenous Round.
Waldie says initiatives like Indigenous Round are essential to celebrating First Nations excellence and inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions in football and beyond.
“I don't think we can underestimate how important it is for young people to see role models they can relate to. It takes a very unique person to aspire to be something they have never seen before,” said Waldie.
“When the AFL and AFLW actively promote and celebrate their Indigenous players, they provide our junior and senior players with role models whose qualities, values and achievements they can admire and emulate. Those players become examples of what is possible, both on and off the field.
“You can see the impact this has throughout our club. Kids copy the goal celebrations they see on television, practise banana kicks and snaps from impossible angles at training and talk about their favourite players. That representation matters, because it helps our players believe that they too can achieve great things in our game.”
To learn more about the NSW/ACT winners of the 2026 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards, visit here.
For more information about AFLW Indigenous Round, visit afl.com.au/aflw/indigenous