Those same heroes sport jerseys adorned with indigenous designs, some designed by the players themselves, in their relentless pursuit of competition points.

And then silence.

Indigenous round comes to a close. Normal service soon resumes, the unique and storied jersey designs are resigned to the wardrobe, and Dreamtime at the 'G would become a distant dream if not for the stirring pre-match images we are left with.

The NRL and AFL have done a magnificent job in recognising the history of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. This is Australian history.

Players are wearing painted boots and 34 clubs from the two codes are wearing indigenous-themed jerseys this week as Australians come together to come to terms with the nation's painful history in a crucial step towards unity.

The Canberra Raiders will wear a jersey designed by Lynnice Church, her daughter, niece and indigenous students when they meet the North Queensland Cowboys at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

Handprints illustrate cultural diversity within the Ngunnawal region with the design tailored to demonstrating how learning, interaction and respect work bring communities together.

Not only is it a chance for star five-eighth Jack Wighton to pay homage to his roots, it is a fitting reflection of what this round aims to achieve, and what Reconciliation Week stands for.

But what happens next week? The boots are packed away, and the jerseys are nowhere to be seen spare a handful of clubs that might want to wear them at home if they're coming off an away game.

If sporting codes across Australia are serious about unity, can we expect them to take a stand on issues confronting indigenous communities in similar fashion to their actions on the same-sex marriage debate?

Is it too much to ask our sporting clubs to hold a Welcome to Country ceremony before every game? Or how about to have an indigenous element on every jersey they wear?

Surely it is a no-brainer for our national teams to galvanise a fan base.

The Wallabies have led the way in that regard, with the Dennis Golding-designed jersey enough to convince players it had given them an extra edge in a win over the New Zealand All Blacks.

Will Genia and Kurtley Beale have called for it to be worn more often, adamant it brings the playing group together.

If the Wallabies, Australian Kangaroos, and national cricket teams - to name just a few - are to represent this nation and those that have gone before them, an indigenous element should be included on every jersey they wear.

Put it on the sleeve. Put it on the chest. Put it somewhere to show your code is serious about inspiring all Australians and honouring the nation's past, while at the same time acknowledging the horrors it brings.

The NRL and AFL have made huge strides, while Super Rugby is still playing catch-up when it comes to an indigenous round for Australian teams but the ACT Brumbies wear a specially designed jersey in pre-game warm ups as a mark of respect to our nation's history, while the NSW Waratahs will wear one for the first time.

Look no further than the reigning WNBL champions for proof of the difference wearing jerseys and community activations can have on the indigenous community.

The Canberra Capitals are set to hand over a cheque to a local Aboriginal youth centre this week after they auctioned off the match worn jerseys from their indigenous round last season.

That game gave Leilani Mitchell a chance to reconnect with her heritage and reminisce about the kangaroo skins, turtle shells and Aboriginal paintings hung on the wall of her Washington family home.

"My mum was always proud of her roots and always spoke about Australia. Some of my family from Australia would come up and visit, so it was always interesting to me," Mitchell said earlier this year.

"It's not just about putting the jersey on and putting it on for show. We're actually getting out into the community which is very important."

It gave development player Abby Cubillo a chance to play for the Larrakia people. A chance to remember her nana Lorna's stories that would leave the future WNBL prospect and her sisters in awe.

"Going to her house, she would tell us stories about how she grew up and where she came from which was very good to hear about. There was that many, every time we'd go over there it was a new story," Cubillo said.

It is fitting we celebrate the bravery and legacy of sporting icons such as Nicky Winmar, Michael Long, Adam Goodes, Johnathan Thurston, Patty Mills and Artie Beetson among others this week.

But if we are to truly inspire the next generation and show them, as Latrell Mitchell puts it, they can finish school and buy a house, we have a long way to go.

If we are to truly connect with our nation's culture, we must properly embrace it.