At a glance:

• Matty Parker says he can barely describe the pride of having the Saints wear a guernsey that represents his family and heritage for Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.
• The 24-year-old designed St Kilda's 2020 Indigenous Guernsey with partner Shardah and son Matty Jr.
• Parker credits his partner and son for shaping him into the man he has become.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round will always hold a special place in the heart of Matty Parker.

Before earning his shot at the elite level, the Saints livewire says he would look forward to Indigenous Round each year and the celebration that comes with it.

“Other than the AFL Grand Final, for myself, and I know for other Aboriginal players and fans, this is the Round, the one weekend each year that everyone loves,” Parker told saints.com.au.

“It means a lot for the league to celebrate our culture and recognise the contribution Indigenous players have made to the game.”

Parker may have to wait until Friday night to find out if he has been chosen in Brett Ratten’s final 22 for the Sunday afternoon blockbuster with the Lions, but nothing will take away his pride of having the Saints run out in a jumper designed by him and his family.

“To know that now a jumper designed by my family will be part of the Round fills me with warmth and pride,” Parker said.

The responsibility of designing the Saints 2020 Indigenous Guernsey wasn’t just handed to Parker, but his entire family, with the influence of partner Shardah and son Matty Jr clear to see.

While St Kilda’s iconic red, white and black panels remain, the new jumper is full of intricate detail that reflect the rich history of Parker’s mob, his journey in life and the importance of family.

The goanna that appears to be climbing towards the Saints’ famous crest is Parker’s family totem and represents his heritage as a Noongar/Yuet Man from the Ballardong region.

The symbols that sit at the top of the back of the jumper signify family - with one each for Parker, Shardah and Matty Jr.

The spears represent strength and protection, while the red panel is etched with symbols that signify life’s journey – which for Parker has been long and winding road.

The patterns that are the backdrop to the other drawings are the work of Shardah, who Parker credits with shaping him into the man he has become.

"She's my rock, you know, and Matty is my little king," he said.

“It’s difficult to describe the pride we have that a club as old as St Kilda will be wearing a jumper that represents our family and culture.

“I would obviously love an opportunity to be part of the team that pulls on the jumper on Sunday but the pride that my teammates will be wearing it will be there regardless.”