Former Port Adelaide player and current Ironbank Cherry Gardens coach Elijah Ware has created a special Indigenous jumper for his team as part of the club's Reconciliation Round, which begins on June 1.

The South Australian team will take on Morphett Vale Emus as the club honours Indigenous culture and recognises the Australia's First Peoples.

Ware – a proud Wirangu Mirning man – said that the guernsey design draws inspiration from the football club's journey over the past two years.

"Despite the challenges faced, we are poised for significant progress as we transition to the Southern Football League," he said.

"In this design, the hands inside the circle represent our club community – the blue and white dots are a nod to last year and reminding us of the importance of recognising the players who've been part of our club's history, both past and present.

"The wavy tracks leading southward depict our club's journey to play football in the Southern Football League, while the stars signify our past premierships.

"The lightning bolt embodies our team brand - the mighty Thunderers - and the radiant sun represents the beauty and positivity at our club, where the sun always shines."

Ware said he enjoyed the opportunity to design Cherry Gardens' Indigenous jumper for a round that held immense importance for both his club and the community.

"I think it's uplifting to celebrate our culture in a positive light and have our whole club involved," he said.

"The recognition and support for the round fosters a welcoming environment within the club, where individuals from all backgrounds can freely participate and be themselves."

Ware said that although he is not an artist, it is something he is passionate about and a skill he is trying to improve upon.

"This is my second time designing an Indigenous Round guernsey for the club," he said.

"While I don't have an extensive background in art, I am working on it.

"My grandmother, Mary Ware, was an incredible artist, and I like to think I've inherited some of her talent."

Ware featured in two games for the Power in 2006 and is a three-time premiership player in the SANFL for Central District.

Upon finishing at AFL level, the 41-year-old has had an extensive local footy career where he has produced an excellent standard of football in South Australia and in the Northern Territory.

He has played three senior games for Ironbank Cherry Gardens in 2024, booting seven goals.

After seven games the club currently sit in eighth position on the Southern Football League ladder.