For GIANTS VFL Development Coach Garreth Newman, Sir Doug Nicholls Round is about far more than football. It is about storytelling, connection and recognising the impact Indigenous people have had on communities across Australia.
A proud Yorta Yorta man from Victoria, Newman carries a deeply personal connection to the Round - not only through his own Indigenous heritage, but through memories of meeting Sir Doug Nicholls himself.
“In the last years of his life, Sir Doug spent a bit of time back in Mooroopna, where I grew up, and I got to meet him on a couple of occasions,” Newman said.
While fortunate enough to meet the man himself, what has stayed with Newman most is hearing stories after Nicholls’ passing about his presence and toughness despite his small stature.
“When he passed away I remember my dad and his mate having a conversation about him. And the conversation was about him being a little fella, but my dad’s mate goes, ‘He might have been little, but you wouldn’t have wanted to get in a blue with him, because he was bigger than he looked,” Newman said.
“That was the sort of thing that stuck with me. He was bigger than his 5’2” frame. He was a colossus of a man in everything he did.”
Newman spoke with admiration about the extraordinary breadth of Nicholls’ life and achievements in everything he did.
“What he did in the sporting arena - he was circuit boxer, fighting for money. He was a prize sprinter who would sprint for money. And of course he played AFL and he was obviously good at that too, playing for Fitzroy and for the Big V.
“He was incredible in everything he did,” he added.
“He lived in three different states, and he was involved in everything from farmers’ co-ops through to leading governments. He had a well-documented philosophy – ‘Every man must make a contribution to the community’”.
For Newman, Sir Doug Nicholls Round serves as an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous contributions while also creating deeper understanding.
“It highlights, and not just at AFL level, the importance of Indigenous contributions at community level as well, and I think that’s really significant.”
After spending the last few years coaching at local level in Sydney, Newman joined the GIANTS this season as a development coach with the GIANTS’ VFL and Academy programs.
“It’s been great,” he said of his time at the club.
“It’s a place where you can actually build something and build culture.”
That connection between football and culture is one of the reasons Newman so highly values the special Indigenous jumpers that clubs produce each year for Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Check out the GIANTS’ 2026 Indigenous Jumper here
“One of my favourite parts about the Round is going straight to the website and looking at all of the jumpers and the stories behind them and the background on the artists and stuff like that,” he said.
“Many of the artists aren’t professionals. These are guernseys that tell some of their own stories. Reading their stories about what they do in their communities and things like that is fantastic.
“I reckon it’s one of those moments that isn’t so much about AFL - it’s about people and community connection.”
Newman will play his role in driving the understanding and connection to Indigenous culture through a storytelling session he’ll hold this week with the club’s AFL squad.
“We’re going to do something called ‘My Story, Our Story, Your Story’,” he said.
“It’ll be talking about how we are connected together through the stories we already have and the stories we're forging."
For Newman, that is what Sir Doug Nicholls Round is ultimately about - meaningful conversations, genuine connection and ensuring Indigenous stories continue to be heard every day, not just for one round of football.
