From WACA to Optus: Scorchers’ Aboriginal shirt tells story of connection

Created in collaboration with Scorchers players Mikayla Hinkley and Aaron Hardie, WA Cricket staff and Aboriginal artist Joshua James, the design celebrates connection, culture and community through the story of the Derbarl Bilya (Swan River), which flows through the heart of Boorloo (Perth).

The artwork draws together the WACA Ground and Optus Stadium – connected by the Matagarup Bridge – symbolising the link between the Scorchers’ two home grounds. Surrounding each venue are symbols depicting people gathering, while strong campsite designs within the stadiums represent “lighting the flame” – a sense of unity, purpose and collective strength.

Embedded songlines within the Derbarl Bilya acknowledge generations of players and supporters who have shaped WA Cricket’s story, while a yarning circle on the back highlights four key values identified by players during the creative process: bravery, family, support and community.

The background features circles representing Aboriginal communities across Western Australia. Their varied colours reflect different levels of the game, from junior and community cricket to remote and high performance, celebrating the inclusivity and reach of cricket throughout the State. The colours used in Dandjoo Derbarl Bilya remain true to the Scorchers’ identity and are instantly recognisable to fans across WA.

Artist Joshua James – a proud Noongar Wardandi, Bibulmun Maaman from Noongar Wardandi Gnalla Karla Boodja and Bibulmun Boojarah Boodja – brought the concept to life through his distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art.

“Working with the Scorchers was a great experience where everyone wanted to make sure the design reflected unity and shared values,” James said. “From the first conversation, it was clear that connection to place and people was really important to the players.

“The Swan River runs through the heart of Boorloo and through the lives of everyone who calls this place home. By including both the WACA Ground and Optus Stadium, we wanted to show how the old and new come together and how tradition and progress can walk side by side.

“Dandjoo Derbarl Bilya is about connection: people coming together along the river, celebrating culture, and recognising how sport can bring communities together across generations. I hope it encourages people to learn more about Country, about each other, and about the stories that continue to shape this land.”

Perth Scorchers General Manager Jess Keily said the shirt reflects the Club’s values and the deep connections shared within the Scorchers family.

“This year’s Aboriginal shirt is a truly collaborative design, shaped by our players, staff and Joshua James to represent what it means to come together as part of the Scorchers family,” Keily said.

“We’re proud that Dandjoo Derbarl Bilya reflects both the spirit of our Club and the strength of Aboriginal culture in Western Australia. It’s a design that tells an important story, one of connection, belonging and pride.

“Every time our players pull on this shirt, it’s an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal culture, and the incredible contribution it continues to make to our game and our community.”

Scorchers batter and Kunja woman Mikayla Hinkley said the shirt holds deep meaning for the group.

“This shirt is such a meaningful way to recognise culture and bring our group closer together,” Hinkley said. “Every element has a purpose and tells part of the story of who we are, not only as a team, but who our Aboriginal communities are and how Aboriginal culture has thrived far beyond millennia.”

Allrounder Aaron Hardie added that being part of the creative process made the design even more significant for players.

“To have been part of the creative process was pretty special,” Hardie said. “Seeing our home grounds, the river and the people represented in one story makes the design feel really personal to us as players.”

The Scorchers’ WBBL Aboriginal range is available for purchase online today, with the BBL edition to be worn during the upcoming KFC BBL|15 season.

Perth Scorchers launch their WBBL|11 campaign with a Wild West-themed blockbuster against Sydney Sixers at the WACA Ground on Sunday.