It has become customary for both teams at the annual Marn Grook game to exchange a gift of significance to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at the toss of the coin.

This year, the Swans will present Collingwood with an eye-catching piece of artwork done by Glen Sutherland (Gulguma Art). Glen is the uncle of Sydney Swans player James Bell who accepted the painting on behalf of the Club on Tuesday at the annual Marn Grook morning tea.

CLICK HERE to see some more of the artwork created by Gulguma Art.

The artwork is titled ‘GANHUR Tracks Dreaming’ and reflects the drought affected Western NSW region with ‘Ganhur’ meaning Kangaroo in Wiradjuri language.

“Western NSW has been affected by drought in 2019 and in this painting you will see kangaroo tracks leading to water at three different waterholes along the river,” Sutherland said.

“The green represents the grass which is on the edge of each waterhole. The other colours represent the earth.”

The Sydney Swans will also exchange gifts in their Round 11 match against Geelong. Sydney will present the Cats with a Sherrin painted by Christopher Currie from the Yaegl tribe, part of the Bundjalung nation.

Currie says the unique design on the Sherrin represents a good balance in all we do.

“The lines represent how chaotic and hectic life can get at times, as they are very busy,” Currie said.  

“The dots represent the calmness and relaxation human beings need. Just as there is balance in the artwork, we should strive for balance in our day-to-day lives.”

The Sherrin designed by Currie has been donated to the Swans by the GO Foundation.