Members of UWA Sport's Leagues Teams, the UWA Maali, have been presented with their playing jerseys in a ceremony held at the Neil Donaldson Pavilion on Friday morning. 

The event began with an address from UWA Sport General Manager, Jake Wilkins. UBL women’s player and Maaliwah captain, Lailah Bellottie, then shared the story of the black swan, as told by Noongar Elder Neville Collard, which served as the inspiration for the Maali jersey design created by Aaron “Jungari” Sutton. 

Jerseys were then presented to the University Tennis League, Maali Spirit POMS League, and the University Basketball League teams. The team captains were announced, and the captains and coaches of each program spoke about their experience so far and expectations for the upcoming season. The event concluded with a Welcome to Country address and smoking ceremony delivered by Alton Walley, son of Dr. Richard Walley. 

The UWA Maali are set for an exciting season of university sport, with the expansion of the University Tennis League program and introduction of a new dance league. Maali Spirit, UWA’s inaugural Poms Dance League team is a student-led initiative by Anna Sadlier, aimed to strengthen university dance opportunities in Western Australia.  

The Maali Spirit will bring an exciting game-day atmosphere to the free home fixtures for both tennis and basketball leagues, giving students, staff and the wider community plenty of opportunities to get behind the blue. 

The UTL season begins on Thursday 6 August with an all-UWA derby as UWA Maali Team 1 takes on UWA Maali Team 2 at the UWA Sports Park Clay Courts. The UBL home campaign tips off on Wednesday 19 August when the UWA Maali host Federation University at the UWA Fitness and Recreation Centre. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support the UWA Maali, with free admission to all home matches.  

Find out more about all our representative teams, fixtures and competitions visit us here uwa.edu.au/sport/competitive-sport/represent-uwa