The Magpies will host CSU at Victoria Park on Saturday in the Farrer League’s first celebration of the event. 

TRYC forward Derek Murray has been the driving force behind the idea which grew out of a conversation last year about wearing socks to mark the occasion.

With the support of his club, and CSU, it’s grown into a major, and fitting, event. 

“It coincides with reconciliation week as well, so we recognise and pay respects to elders past and present and our past and current Indigenous footballers,” Murray said. 

“It’s fantastic that we’re at a point in 2018 that we can recognise Indigenous history and culture. And now it’s at the forefront of people’s minds. As a proud Indigenous man, it’s a great honour to play in our first CSU-TRYC Indigenous game. 

“The Rock footy club have been absolutely fantastic, and I want to acknowledge CSU footy club – it’s great they’ve come on board as well.”

The netballers and footballers will wear similar strips (in their own club colours), designed by Wiradjuri man Darren Wighton. 

“We’re playing in Wiradjuri country so it was really fitting that we needed a Wiradjuri artist,” Murray said.

The design symbolises a rising sun, The Rock, and communities coming together in support. 

Murray, who’s brother Matt is set to return from injury against CSU, said the Indigenous players of today have nothing but respect for those who went before them.

“I can’t even imagine what past AFL footballers and just Indigenous footballers in general would’ve gone through,” he said. “I’m pretty sure they were racially vilified a lot back then, but they were still going out and performing. That’s why I’m a proud Indigenous man to go out there every week and just do the best I can.”

TRYC’s history includes three Indigenous players who played in the club’s drought-breaking premiership of 1986 – Warren Kartinyeri, and the late Tommy Smith and Al Wanganeen, who will be remembered on Saturday. 

On the field, it’s a massive game for the 2018 Magpies, who are at risk of dropping two wins outside the top five if they can't stop the Bushpigs.

“We’re really battling, we’ve only won one out of five,” Murray said.

“We’ve played some top class teams in the way of Marrar – which I think are the benchmark; and Temora – they’ve got a really good midfield which exploited us last week.

“What we need to get right is we need to get our hands on the footy first. We’re a good run-and-switch side but if we don’t have our hands on the footy and we’re second to the footy, that will be our downfall.”

Matt Murray’s return to the midfield will help while Brad Aiken will line up for his second game after kicking six goals on debut for the Pies last week.

“He was fantastic, just the experience. He’s a coach on the field, sitting up forward, he’s coaching the younger guys where to stand, where to run, and making sure we communicate all the time,” Murray said.

“So he brings experience not just in kicking goals, but vocally too. He was absolutely fantastic and I think he’s enjoying his time.”