With just 12 days to go until the highly anticipated 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match, excitement is building as the AFL officially unveils the complete squad set to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Perth on February 15.
A total of 31 elite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from 16 different AFL clubs will represent the Indigenous All Stars in this historic clash. The squad boasts an impressive lineup, including seven All Australians, ten premiership winners, seven top-20 national draft picks, and three past Mark of the Year recipients.
Powerhouse Representation Across the League
Port Adelaide will feature prominently, with four of its stars—Jase Burgoyne, Jeremy Finlayson, Jason Horne-Francis, and Willie Rioli—earning selection. Joining them is Geelong’s rising talent Lawson Humphries and 2022 Premiership player and All Australian, Tyson Stengle.
Veteran players are also making a return, including Melbourne premiership defender Steven May and Western Bulldogs’ Liam Jones, both of whom were part of the Indigenous All Stars team in 2013. Meanwhile, Gold Coast will see Joel Jeffrey and Ben Long don the Indigenous guernsey, while West Coast’s Coen Livingstone and Tim Kelly will take on their cross-town rivals in the prestigious match.
Victorian clubs are well represented, with North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin, Richmond forward Maurice Rioli, and Hawthorn’s Karl Amon among the stars selected. The squad also includes Jade Gresham (Essendon), Ash Johnson (Collingwood), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda), as well as Carlton’s Jesse Motlop and Zac Williams.
Players Express Their Pride in Representing Indigenous Culture
Melbourne’s Steven May, who previously played in the 2013 Indigenous All Stars match, shared his enthusiasm about returning to the squad.
“As a kid growing up in Darwin, I always dreamed of being part of it. I was lucky enough to play back in 2013, and it’s pretty surreal that I get that opportunity again,” May said. “It’s a privilege to represent our culture on the big stage and come together with players from different backgrounds to play the game we all love. Hopefully, we can put on a good show.”
Port Adelaide’s young star Jason Horne-Francis echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of representing his culture.
“I’m really excited to be selected for the Indigenous All Stars game. Having four players from Port Adelaide in the squad is great recognition for our club,” Horne-Francis said. “It’s an honour to represent my culture on the football field alongside some of the most talented players in the league.”
Geelong’s Lawson Humphries described the experience as a significant milestone in his career.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent my culture and family with the Indigenous All Stars,” Humphries said. “Growing up, I looked up to players like Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta, and Michael Walters. To now be part of this squad is something I’m truly proud of, especially getting to share the experience with my teammate Tyson Stengle.”
Humphries also spoke about the personal importance of the match, given his upbringing in Western Australia.
“Being a Kimberley boy who grew up in the Pilbara, it means so much to represent my culture and play in front of my family. Being able to do that against the team they barracked for makes it even more special.”
A Star-Studded Squad Ready for Battle
The final squad announcement saw 20 additional players join an already stacked lineup featuring Fremantle’s Shai Bolton, Alex Pearce, and Michael Walters, Adelaide’s Izak Rankine, and Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey. Brisbane’s premiership duo Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee, West Coast’s Liam Ryan, and Collingwood’s Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill will also be part of the squad. Three-time premiership player Bradley Hill (Hawthorn/St Kilda) and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett complete the remarkable list of players set to showcase their talent.
Coaching and Match Expectations
Indigenous All Stars Head Coach Xavier Clarke expressed excitement about leading such an exceptional team.
“It was fantastic to see so many players available to play in the game. It’s an exciting squad, and I can’t wait to coach such a great list against Fremantle,” Clarke said. “With so much talent at our disposal, I know the boys will put on a show for the fans.”
Tickets and Match Details
The 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match will take place on Saturday, February 15, at Optus Stadium in Perth. Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting at $10 for juniors under 15, $35 for adults, and $70 for a family ticket (two adults and two juniors), allowing juniors to attend for free.
This special event not only highlights elite football talent but also celebrates Indigenous culture and the deep impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in the AFL. With an electrifying squad ready to take the field, the Indigenous All Stars match promises to be a thrilling spectacle in the lead-up to the 2025 AFL season.
Indigenous All Stars Squad
Callum Ah Chee – Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru
Karl Amon – Noonuccal
Shai Bolton – Minang and Wilman
Jase Burgoyne – Kokatha, Larrakia, Warai
Charlie Cameron – Waanyi and Lardil
Jeremy Finlayson – Yorta Yorta
Jade Gresham – Yorta Yorta
Bobby Hill – Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar
Brad Hill – Wilmen, Noongar
Jason Horne-Francis – Wardaman
Lawson Humphries – Nyul Nyul, Oomiday, Worrora
Jarman Impey – Yorta Yorta
Joel Jeffrey – Kukatj, Wulwulam
Ash Johnson – Jaru, Kija
Liam Jones – Kija
Tim Kelly – Noongar, Wongi, Yamatji
Coen Livingstone – Balardong, Noongar
Ben Long – Anmatjerre
Steven May – Larrakia
Jesse Motlop – Larrakia
Alex Pearce – Palawa
Kysaiah Pickett – Yamatji, Noongar
Izak Rankine – Kokatha and Ngarrindjeri
Maurice Rioli – Tiwi
Willie Rioli – Tiwi
Liam Ryan – Yamatji
Jy Simpkin – Yorta Yorta
Tyson Stengle – Wirangu
Michael Walters – Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjeri
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – Kokatha, Narangga
Zac Williams – Wiradjuri
