For GIANTS Junior Graphic Designer Zack Middleton, the past few years have been about more than building a career in sport design, they’ve also been about discovering a previously unknown part of his culture.  

Middleton, 24, only uncovered his Aboriginal heritage unexpectedly as an 18-year-old while helping his grandfather move house.  

"I’m from the Boorooberongal clan in Darug Country, around the Hawkesbury and Richmond area.” Middleton said. 

"It actually wasn’t until after high school that we kind of rediscovered that connection.  

It comes from my mum’s side, and my granddad was pretty quiet about it. I think a lot of that came from negative experiences and past family issues, so it just wasn’t something that was openly talked about growing up. 

“One day we were clearing out my grandad’s house because he was moving, and we found a bunch of old family records. That’s when he basically told us, ‘We are [Indigenous].’ The connection had always been there, but because of that family history it had sort of been kept private.” 

What followed was a journey through family history, ancestry records, old photographs and conversations that reshaped Middleton’s understanding of his heritage. 

“It’s a pretty unique experience,” he said. 

“You go through your whole life not realising you have this whole other part of your heritage.” 

Though it was not openly spoken about during his upbringing. Middleton explained that earlier generations in his family had distanced themselves from identifying as Indigenous - something not uncommon for Aboriginal families across Australia. 

As a result, he did not grow up immersed in cultural stories or traditions. Instead, discovering that side of his identity became an active process over the last few years.  

“One really good thing about Sydney is there are a lot of great mentors and Indigenous people who are willing to talk, share stories and teach you about that connection,” Middleton said.  

“You’re not just trying to figure it all out on your own.” 

For Middleton, design quickly became one of the strongest ways to explore and express that connection. 

While studying at university, he developed a major design project in which he created a fictional NRL club built around Indigenous identity and storytelling. The concept examined why Indigenous culture - despite being deeply woven into Australian sport - is often only prominently recognised during designated celebration rounds. 

“The idea behind it was that Indigenous culture is such a big part of Australia, but when you look at the NRL, it’s really only highlighted during one round,” he said.  

“I was asking: why isn’t that a club’s identity all year round?” 

The fictional Perth-based team incorporated Indigenous-inspired branding, artwork and storytelling throughout its visual identity. 

“One thing I really love about Aboriginal culture is the way stories are told through art,” Middleton said. 

Researching the project allowed him to collaborate with Indigenous communities and better understand the importance of respectful consultation in creative work. 

“It was really rewarding being able to translate those stories into artwork, then working closely with local Aboriginal communities to make sure everything was represented respectfully.” he said. 

That appreciation for storytelling through art has also deepened Middleton’s connection to events such as the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round which continues across round 11 this weekend. 

“I think one of the best parts is seeing Indigenous Australians share their stories on a big stage,” he said. 

“You get to hear stories connected to specific players, families or communities, and it’s really interesting seeing artists translate those stories onto a guernsey.” 

Middleton believes the GIANTS have created an environment where cultural learning is embraced collectively, rather than treated as something exclusive. 

“One thing I noticed when Kane [the artist who designed the GIANTS’ 2026 Indigenous Jumper worn across Sir Doug Nicholls Round] came in was that he acknowledged and respected Aboriginal players and culture, but he also made it clear that this is everyone’s club,” he said. 

“That sense of unity is really important. Everyone can learn about it, and everyone should learn about it. Around our club, we are not separated into staff, players, or different cultures -we’re all GIANTS.” 

As he continues building his career in design, Middleton says he hopes to keep learning more about his culture whenever opportunities arise. 

“I think it’s really important to explore where you come from and not being afraid to express it,” he said. 

“It doesn’t just apply to Aboriginal culture - it could be any part of your background. Sometimes people may feel disconnected from it or think they’re only a small part of that story, but it’s still part of who you are. I think there’s something really valuable in exploring that connection and learning more about where you come from.”