There won't be a single Sherrin kicked, handpassed, marked or bounced across round 10 of the AFL season in 2023.
In a 140-year first, the touch, sound and even smell of a leather footy that's so ubiquitous with the game has a new twist to celebrate Indigenous culture and contributions to Australian football.
Through the first week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round it won't be Sherrin printed on each playing ball, but Yiloga - the Tiwi name for football.
On Saturday night, Richmond and Essendon play their annual Dreamtime at the 'G match as the hallmark of the first week of Indigenous round.
The new name represents something close to home to Tiwi men at either club.
"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," Richmond star Daniel Rioli said.
Essendon cult-hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said the change will put his community on the centre of a packed 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 returns to design the Sir Doug Nicholls rounds balls again in 2023, after adding her work Sherrins last year.
Strength is represented with the spear, culture with the armbands, celebration with the Kulama and past present and Indigenous players and volunteers in the game with the footprints.
"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!" Aunty Lulu said.
"I think it's really important to us on the Tiwi Islands. It's like a religion, footy, so I feel really proud to showcase our Tiwi culture and art".
Sir Doug Nicholls round takes place over rounds 10 and 11 of the AFL season.
The Bombers and Tigers play in Dreamtime at the 'G on May 20.
