Footy and family: Rhianna Couzens’ imprint in art on Indigenous All Stars game

The piece for Saturday’s match included the same acknowledgments of the culture.

Acrylic on canvas, a star is central and surrounded by representation of the players, community and fans, female representation for the influential women in the each of the footballers’ lives, a koondi fighting stick and colour aspects representing Country.

Ms Couzens said she consciously incorporated elements to make it personally significant for the All Stars players.

“I’ve done a kangaroo footprint, given that Sonny Walters is the captain. He’s a Noongar man, and we’re on Noongar country. I wanted to do something that’s prominent over here.”

Her ties to the game are limited to the most recent artwork.

Another uncle, Michael Mitchell, is a well-loved Tiger on both sides of the country.

Mitchell won the 1984 Sandover Medal while at Claremont – where was also a two-time All Australian and eight-time WA State of Origin Representative.

Further east, he’s remembered for his seven-bounce dash across the surface and into the forward line and one-hand hanger over Paul Roos earned him goal and mark of the year honours with Richmond in 1990.

Mitchell was Richmond’s homecoming hero for Dreamtime at the ‘G in 2017.

Her cousin Jaime Bennell played for Melbourne and West Coast between 2009-2016.

“Being able to showcase our culture in the AFL outside of Sir Doug Nichols round, I think is really special…hopefully in the future, we can get a Indigenous all stars for the AFLW as well,” Couzens said.

Couzens attended the captain’s run on Friday to present the side with her work.