Over the next fortnight, the AFL industry will celebrate the excellence and the contribution of First Nations people to the game of Australian Rules Football as Sir Doug Nicholls Round is held across Round 10 and 11 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
From 2026, Sir Doug Nicholls Round will be 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, and that the game is stronger when First Nations players are at the heart of it.
One of those stories is that of Marlon Wakarla Coulthard – a young First Nations participant who’s on an inspiring journey as part of the Sydney Swans First Nations Academy.
While Marlon’s family hails from South Australia, the 13-year-old – who proudly identities with the cultures of Adnyamathanha, Yankunytjatjara, and Pitjantjatjara – was first exposed to Aussie Rules through the typical introductory point for many students in New South Wales: the Paul Kelly Cup.
“I felt both excited and nervous because it was the first time I had ever heard of the game, let alone played it,” said Marlon.
“At first, I was very confused about what to do. I kept getting called out because I was holding the ball too long, forgetting to bounce it, and not knowing how to pass properly. I was also exhausted because I didn’t realise how much running was involved.
“By the last quarter, I gave myself a small pep talk and focused on doing the basics properly. After that, I started playing really well. My coach joked that I looked like an ‘Emu with OCD’ because I was kicking, passing, and marking the ball perfectly.
“What I enjoyed most was the excitement of finally kicking a goal and experiencing the energy and teamwork of the game.”
After an impressive showing, Marlon was selected to be part of the Sydney Swans’ ARA First Nations Academy – a program combining high-performance football development with cultural connection and leadership growth for First Nations boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years old.
Led by experienced coaches and mentors, the Sydney Swans ARA First Nations Academy fosters football excellence, with participants taking part in weekly training sessions, cultural education sessions, and mental health workshops conducted by Black Dog Institute.
“I felt incredibly excited and grateful,” said Marlon of being selected for the program.
“It was a huge opportunity to improve my skills, meet other Indigenous players, and be part of something positive and inspiring.
“One of my favourite experiences was attending the camp this year. We met Indigenous scholars from across New South Wales and participated in Aboriginal cultural workshops where we learned dances and explored ancient artefacts used by our Elders.
“We also visited the Sydney Swans Academy and played a game together as Aboriginal players. Before the game started, we all put our hands together and shouted: ‘Black Magic on three! 1, 2, 3 — Black Magic!’
“Even though we lost the game, we were proud of ourselves and enjoyed the experience together.”
In addition to being a skilled athlete, Marlon has also been identified as a rising scholar and received an education scholarship from the GO Foundation which supports young Indigenous people attending school or university.
Through the GO Foundation, scholarship students also have the opportunity to learn more about their own culture and identity with other Indigenous people through the foundation’s Culture Connect Days – which see students participate in activities designed to inspire.
“Marlon has flourished through these programs,” said Marlon’s father Jason Coulthard – a proud Adnyamathanha man from South Australia.
“For many years, Aboriginal people were discouraged from being proud of their culture and identity. Seeing Marlon confidently embrace his culture through sport gives me great hope for the next generation.
“Before joining the program, Marlon had never played AFL and knew very little about the game. Through this journey, he has learned important life lessons beyond sport. He has developed perseverance, resilience, and self-belief by continuing to push through uncertainty and self-doubt.
“I believe these experiences are helping shape him into a confident and capable young leader.”
While he continues to develop on and off the field, Marlon said he feels privileged to represent his community, his culture and his country when he plays AFL – and also in his dance pursuits.
“It makes me incredibly proud to represent Indigenous excellence through sport. It has helped build my confidence not only in AFL, but also in other areas of life that once made me nervous.
“Since joining the Sydney Swans Academy and becoming a GO Foundation Scholar, I’ve learned more about both my culture and myself. I am Adnyamathanha, Yankunytjatjara, and Pitjantjatjara, and these programs have made me even prouder of my identity and where I come from.
“As an Aboriginal dancer, I’ve stayed connected to culture through storytelling and performance, which has strengthened my confidence and connection to the community.”
For more information about Sir Doug Nicholls Round, visit afl.com.au/indigenous