Footy fans won't see a single Sherrin kicked during Rounds 10 and 11 this season as the iconic brand changes its name to Yiloga to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
For the first time in more than 140 years a new name will feature on AFL footballs as Sherrin tries to deepen its connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who have contributed so much to the sport.
The company has previously featured Indigenous designs on footballs, but wanted to go a step further this year.
Yiloga (pronounced Yi-LO-A) is the Tiwi name for football - and Richmond star and Tiwi Islander Daniel Rioli is ecstatic to see it emblazoned on the new balls.
'It's a proud, proud moment, it means a lot to see the name written on an AFL football and to kick the footy on Saturday night in the AFL, it's going to be pretty special for the Tiwi Islands,' he said.
Essendon star and Tiwi Islander Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said it will be great to see his community recognised when Richmond and Essendon play their annual Dreamtime match on Saturday at the MCG.
'I always look forward to Sir Doug Nicholls Round. You get to represent where you're from and your people. It's great to showcase the Indigenous culture and share it with your teammates, the footy club and the whole of Australia,' McDonald-Tipungwuti said.
'Obviously growing up on the Tiwi Islands, playing football, Yiloga is a great thing we always do and it's pretty much a part of us wherever we go. It's great to see on Saturday night that the name Yiloga is going to represent where I'm from and the Tiwi Islands.'
Tiwi artist Jennifer 'Lulu' Coombes has returned to design the Sir Doug Nicholls game balls for 2023, after having her work added to them in 2022.
'I feel really proud to showcase our Tiwi culture and art. I didn't know that in 140 years the Sherrin name has never been changed, so for the ball to have Yiloga on it is pretty deadly!' she said.
Footy fans who want to get their hands on the Yiloga game balls can purchase them from the Sherrin website - with proceeds being donated to the Michael Long Foundation.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round range take-down replica balls are also available to purchase.