'It means a lot': Andy Muirhead leads ACT Brumbies in fight to free the Aboriginal flag

A black tee with "free the flag" printed on the front. Every Brumby has one. Muirhead had a box of them delivered and soon had a team photo with everyone wearing it.

It's a cause worth fighting for, one that even transcends a Super Rugby AU final against the Queensland Reds at Lang Park on Saturday night.

"It means a lot. The boys were really happy to get behind it and support that cause," Muirhead said.

"Even since having that photo and giving those shirts out, you see three or four of those shirts on a daily basis in and around training. It's not just like a one-off thing where the boys said they'll get behind it for a photo.

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"They're actually wearing it out at training and in public, which probably means more than that photo can to be honest."

But what does it mean? The flag in question is the Aboriginal flag.

It is a symbol for Aboriginal culture, yet few knew it was bound by copyright laws. Non-Aboriginal-run business WAM Clothing holds a monopoly on the market, thanks to an exclusive licensing agreement with the flag's copyright owner Harold Thomas.

Cease and desist letters landed in mailboxes of those who used the flag on merchandise. Use it, and they will profit off the identity of Aboriginal culture. So the movement to free the flag was born.

"A lot of the boys in the squad didn't know, they hadn't heard of that before and didn't know that was a big issue," Muirhead said.

"Now the boys are more aware about issues Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face, Aboriginal people in this case.

"We're trying to get a bit of momentum and awareness throughout the Australian public to know this is an issue, and something we hope gets fixed in the near future.

"I've had a fair few of the boys come up and just ask questions about it because they didn't know it was an issue. They want to know more about it, how it came about and what they can do to help.

"That's what the campaign was made to do and it's pleasing the boys have reached out and want to know more about it. It's doing its purpose."

And on the field, Muirhead is doing his.

The Brumbies flyer has been a standout throughout the Super Rugby AU tournament. Last year he was perhaps the best-performing back to miss the Wallabies squad.

But there could be no denying him this time around. Muirhead is ranked third for defenders beaten, fifth for metres gained, eighth for clean breaks and ninth for tries scored this season.

So his inclusion in Dave Rennie's 40-man Wallabies squad last month was almost a fait accompli.

Now he has a chance to make a statement as part of a Brumbies wing duo alongside Tom Wright. On the other side is the prodigiously talented Jordan Petaia, with Filipo Daugunu on the bench.

Those who know Muirhead believe he will rise to the occasion. This is a chance he has been yearning for since he began unloading cartons of beer out the back of pubs and delivering nappies to aged care homes just to make ends meet in search of a Super Rugby chance.

"[Being in Wallabies camp] gave me a bit more motivation to be there towards the end of the year when games are played and that more important squad is named," Muirhead said.

"After seeing how things are done, I came back here and I just wanted to improve on things I needed to here and hopefully play some good games to try to keep pushing and get into the next squad.

"It's still a fair way away, we've still got this weekend and then five to six games over in New Zealand. I'd say the performances in the next seven weeks are going to be a huge factor in getting picked in that squad.

"I just want to make sure I do what I can over the next two months to be there."

SUPER RUGBY AU FINAL

Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport and 9Gem. Tickets from Ticketek.

ACT Brumbies squad: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Nick Frost, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Folau Fainga'a, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Henry Stowers, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Mack Hansen.

Queensland Reds squad: 1. Feao Fotuaika, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Ryan Smith, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O'Connor (c), 11. Jock Campbell, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Jordan Petaia, 15. Bryce Hegarty. Replacements: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Dane Zander, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Seru Uru, 20. Liam Wright, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Isaac Henry, 23. Filipo Daugunu.

*The Brumbies are offering a package for fans including a charter flight to and from Brisbane, a ticket to the final, and one night's accommodation. Secure your seat here.

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