AustraliaCulture

Indigenous All Stars Match Poised for Biennial Return

In a major boost for Indigenous Australian football, West Coast Eagles star forward Liam Ryan has joined growing calls for the AFL’s Indigenous All Stars match to become a regular biennial fixture. The showcase game, which pits the league’s top Indigenous talent against an AFL club, will make its long-awaited return on February 15 when the All Stars take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

It marks the first time the All Stars have taken the field since 2015, meaning an entire generation of Indigenous stars have missed the chance to represent their heritage on the big stage. But if Ryan and others have their way, that won’t be the case going forward.

Hopefully it keeps going from now on. Not every year, but every couple (of years). It would be really good for the communities around Australia.

– Liam Ryan, West Coast Eagles forward

All Star Lineup Taking Shape

Some of the biggest names in Indigenous football have already been confirmed for the 2025 edition, with Ryan set to be joined by the likes of Shai Bolton, Michael Walters, Charlie Cameron, Kysaiah Pickett, and Izak Rankine. It’s a roster brimming with speed, skill, and excitement – the very qualities that have come to define Indigenous players in the modern era.

Ryan, who grew up idolizing Indigenous champions like Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta, said it would be a “dream” to pull on the All Stars guernsey and represent his culture on such a prominent platform. For Rising Star winner Caleb Serong, watching the All Stars in action as a kid helped solidify his love for the game.

My old man loved watching it when it was around in the past, and I loved watching it growing up as well. One of my favourite players was Adam Goodes. And I think to see the the talent across the league of Indigenous players come together and play in a game like this is super special.

– Caleb Serong, Fremantle midfielder

Expect Fireworks On and Off the Ball

While the All Stars outfit will be stacked with attacking weapons, Ryan joked that they may be a little light on when it comes to defensive efforts. “All us Indigenous boys know offence, but we don’t know defence,” he quipped. “It’s going to be good fun.”

New Dockers recruit Shai Bolton has already been putting on a show at training and looms as one of the game’s most electrifying performers. Not to be outdone, the battle between key defenders Alex Pearce (All Stars) and Josh Treacy (Freo) could provide some fireworks of its own.

They’re two of the most physical guys that we’ve got at the club, and they’re looking to maybe put on a wrestle at some point in the game. I reckon those two want to put on a bit of a show to kind of show who’s the real big dog going around.

– Caleb Serong

Indigenous Culture Takes Center Stage

More than just a football spectacle, the All Stars match provides a powerful platform to celebrate Indigenous culture and showcase the immense impact Indigenous Australians have made on the national game. The launch event at Mardalup Park saw the unveiling of special Indigenous-designed jerseys and a custom Sherrin football that the teams will use on game day.

Whadjuk, Ballardong, and Eastern Arrernte artist Jade Dolman was commissioned to create the All Stars kit, while former Fremantle player Roger Hayden helped craft the Dockers’ Indigenous guernsey. For young Indigenous players around the country, seeing their heroes take the field draped in Indigenous art and culture sends a powerful message of pride and belonging.

A Permanent Fixture on the Calendar?

With the 2025 Indigenous All Stars clash tipped to draw a big crowd and generate plenty of buzz, momentum is building to lock the concept in as a regular event every two years. The proposal appears to have overwhelming player support, with Ryan and others hoping it will create an ongoing legacy that the next generation of Indigenous stars can aspire to.

For now, all eyes will be on Optus Stadium come February 15. And if the All Stars can put on a show befitting their immense talents, don’t be surprised to see them back in the limelight sooner rather than later. The AFL’s Indigenous players have waited a decade for this opportunity – and they intend to make the most of it.