THE exchanging of gifts prior to an AFLW match signals unity and respect between both sides. 

For the Round 7 clash, Carlton gifted a Jarakalani (sea turtle), painted by proud Tiwi woman Russellina ‘Russy’ Puruntatameri. 

Russy also designed the Indigenous guernsey that both the AFL and AFLW sides wore in 2023. 

The Jarakalani was carved from hardwood and was painted using techniques passed down through generations. 

The Tiwi people have strong cultural and subsistence links to sea turtles, hence the significance of the gift. 

Carlton will be giving another gift as they fly to Sydney to take on Greater Western Sydney and will also wear their Indigenous guernsey again, paying respect to the First Nations community.