A BEST-ON-GROUND performance from Karen Paxman was made more special on Saturday night, with the Melbourne star presented a gift in celebration of AFLW Indigenous Round.

The JoogBoo Birlirre Award, which represents hunt and spirit in Kija language, has been introduced by the Demons this year and will reward the player who is deemed best afield during the team’s Indigenous Round match each year.

The idea came from Melbourne player Krstel Petrevski and the club’s Indigenous Projects Officer Matthew Whelan, with gift-giving being a long-standing tradition of Aboriginal culture.

The inaugural gift, an incredible Aboriginal artwork titled Seven Sisters/Napaljarri-Warnu Jukurrpa, was hand-drawn by Petrevski’s aunty, Deirdre Butters, who has recently started an art business named La Dilly Designs.

The artwork centres around the unity of sisterhood and includes references to dreaming and believing in your goals, no matter how big they are.  

An ancestorial woman spirit of old is also featured, which symbolises those who have paved the way and are watching over the women of today.

The story of the Seven Sisters has been passed down through Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years, adding to the significance of the gift.

Paxman earned the honour of receiving this year’s award after an impressive performance against North Melbourne, where she took on a wing role and collected 28 disposals.

She also finished with three marks and a goal in her side’s 10-point win at Casey Fields.

The JoogBoo Birlirre Award will now become part of the club’s Indigenous Round celebrations, as a meaningful custom in recognising and rewarding those who embody true Demon Spirit.