Matilda’s Artwork Takes Centre Stage at the West Coast Eagles

On Sunday 9 August, Our Lady of Mercy College student Matilda Pitts experienced a day she will never forget when the West Coast Eagles wore a special Impact Round training shirt featuring her artwork.

The vibrant design, created by Matilda, was worn by the Eagles players as they warmed up at Optus Stadium before their match against Collingwood, creating an incredibly special moment for Matilda, her family and the wider College community.

For Matilda, the artwork is personal. On the front of the shirt, she drew herself with her arms raised, representing hope, strength and never giving up. Surrounding her are the words Brave, Strong, Support, Courage and Resilience, reflecting the qualities that have helped her through some incredibly challenging times.

The back of the shirt represents the inclusive world Matilda hopes to see. Her design features people with visible and invisible disabilities, siblings standing together, a family with a newborn and even a little dachshund guide dog.

Matilda said she wanted the artwork to remind people to be kind, include everyone and never judge someone by what they can or cannot see.

Seeing the Eagles players wearing her design was a moment Matilda will never forget.

“It was amazing. Seeing the players in my shirt was the highlight,” Matilda said.

Matilda was also given the opportunity to toss the coin before the match alongside Telethon star Jordan Blair. She admitted she was excited but nervous, describing the experience as one she will never forget.

She even asked the Eagles players to celebrate their goals with her special “six-seven” signal. It took less than a minute for the players to deliver, with Jobe Shanahan kicking the opening goal of the match and immediately making the signal.

The day was part of the Eagles and Collingwood’s efforts to support Telethon and raise funds for WA children and families. For Matilda and her family, it was also a wonderful moment of joy after what has been an incredibly challenging journey.

“We have felt the community wrap its arms around us and it has really been a moment of joy among a lot of stress,” Matilda’s mum Natasha said.

Matilda’s artwork has now been seen by thousands of people across Western Australia, sharing her message of hope, courage and inclusion.

We are incredibly proud of Matilda. What began as an artwork has become a powerful message to the wider community about seeing people for who they are, supporting one another and always having hope.

For families who would like to follow along with Matilda’s journey, the Pitts family has a public Instagram page, @trio_of_hope, where they share updates and moments from their journey.

Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian