The GIANTS are proud to unveil their 2024 First Nations dress, to be worn for the league’s dedicated First Nations celebrations in round seven and again in round 13.
The GIANTS will wear the dress this Sunday against the Mavericks at John Cain Arena and then again against the Mavericks in round 13 in front of a vocal home crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Designed by Gamilaroi woman Krystal Dallinger, the artwork on the 2024 First Nations dress was designed with three key pillars in mind.
“The main focus of this year’s design is what I like to say are the three big c’s: the connection, community and culture,” Dallinger said.
“A big inspiration is the connections I’ve made with the GIANTS girls throughout the years and the community we’ve built.
“The way they represent my culture and how they’re so proud to walk out in the dresses is just unbelievable and that’s what I wanted to highlight in this year’s design.
“Another inspiration is the trials and tribulations of the recognition of culture, and the disruption in the community it faces.”
Dallinger has been responsible for every GIANTS First Nations dress since the introduction of the dedicated round back in 2018, with this year’s dress her seventh amazing design.
“The main thing I want to highlight in every year’s design is community and strength,” she said.
“Netball is a rough sport and I want to highlight the strength you need to hold your own on the court, the mental strength to deal with the trials and tribulations and injuries you may have in a career, and the resilience you need.
“Then I highlight the community. Not only the fans and not only the players, but the people around you in your life, so your family and your friends and everyone that backs you up.”
The proud Gamilaroi woman says she can’t wait to see the GIANTS represent her culture twice over the coming months.
“I absolutely love that I’m able to be part of this huge discussion we can have with the representation in culture,” she said.
“I’m unbelievably proud that I can be part of that conversation and be given a platform to raise awareness to the community as well.
“It means so much to me that I have not only one but two rounds that I’m able to see them out on the court in my dress.”
Dallinger says her involvement with the GIANTS is something she holds close to her heart.
“I grew up playing netball and was born into the sport so being able to represent my culture with the players I idolised when I was younger means so much to me.
“Every year I always joke that I fan girl about all the players because I grew up watching them and I idolised them for so long.
“Being able to come back here year after year is always a ‘pinch me’ moment. It puts a massive smile on my face that I’m able to do this year after year.”
The GIANTS’ 2024 First Nations dress will be worn in Sunday’s clash with the Mavericks in Melbourne and then again in round 13 when the GIANTS host a dedicated First Nations round against the Mavericks at Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday, July 6.
