Coming full circle: The story behind the Dolphins’ 2026 Indigenous Round Jersey
The Dolphins have unveiled their 2026 Indigenous Round jersey, an additional piece to the previous three-year journey that celebrated the stories, cultures and connections of the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions.
Created by renowned artist Lyndon Davis, the club’s Indigenous Round jerseys so far have never been separate designs. From the beginning, it was conceived as one continuous artwork, with each season revealing a different chapter of a shared story.
In 2026, that story comes full circle.
This year’s jersey brings the Dolphin Tail to the forefront; the central symbol that has connected every chapter of the original trilogy and the heart of the artwork.
The Story of the Dolphin Tail
While each of the previous jerseys has highlighted different regions and communities, the Dolphin has always remained the central figure.
The Dolphin tail represents the connection between the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions, reflecting the shared histories, culture and traditions that unite them.
Its significance is deeply rooted in Aboriginal history, honouring the long-standing relationship between First Nations people and dolphins. Along Queensland’s coastline, Aboriginal people would signal from the shore by slapping the water, working in partnership with dolphins to help guide fish towards waiting nets.
It was a relationship built on trust, cooperation and mutual respect.
The Dolphin Tail represents movement and response, a symbol of that enduring partnership, bringing together every chapter of the artwork into one complete story.
The thread that connects every chapter
Across the past three Indigenous Round Jerseys, different sections of Lyndon Davis’ artwork have been showcased to honour the unique identity of each region.
Yet throughout every design, one element has remained constant.
The Dolphin Tail has always been the anchor of the artwork; the symbol connecting every place, every community and every story.
By placing the Dolphin tail at the centre of the 2026 jersey, the Dolphins acknowledge the element that has quietly united the original trilogy from the very beginning.
It is a reminder that while each region carries its own stories and traditions, they are forever connected through shared history, culture and sea.
Looking forward while honouring the past
The 2026 Indigenous Round jersey also carries added significance as the final year of the Dolphins’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
Just as the signal from the shore invited partnership generations ago. The Dolphin tail symbolises continued movement, unity and progress.
It reflects on the journey the club has taken while looking ahead to the next chapter through its innovative Reconciliation Action Plan.
More than a jersey, it is the completion of a story; one that celebrates connection, honours culture and recognises that every chapter has always been part of something bigger.
Click here to visit the Dolphins Team Store to order your 2026 Indigenous Round Jersey now
