AFL News

Fremantle pair, Crows star joins AFL Indigenous All-Stars squad

The next group of players named in the Indigenous All-Stars squad have been revealed.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Fremantle boom recruit Shai Bolton will get a chance to follow in the footsteps of his idol Adam Goodes following his selection in the AFL Indigenous All-Stars squad.

Bolton was selected alongside new teammate and Dockers captain Alex Pearce, while Adelaide's excitement machine Izak Rankine and Hawthorn's reliable Jarman Impey have also been included.

The quartet join a host of stars who were already named in the 30-man squad that will take on Fremantle next year on February 15th at Optus Stadium.

Fresh off the 2024 premiership, Brisbane forwards Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee are set to spice up the forward line in the exhibition match between the Indigenous All-Stars and Fremantle in February next year.

Cameron and Ah Chee were named alongside some of the competition's most exciting talents, including Bobby and Bradley Hill, Michael Walters, Liam Ryan and Kysaiah Pickett.

The AFL confirmed the return of the one-off in October after a 10-year hiatus when West Coast featured in 2015.

Bolton spoke on the prospect of playing against his new teammates.

"I'm very excited; it's a game that I've always wanted to play in. I've watched a lot of my idols play in them like Adam Goodes, and I'm just excited to finally be a part of one," the former Tiger said.

"Obviously, I'll be playing with Son Son (Michael Walters) for the first time - he's another one of my idols."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Michael Walters of the Dockers looks on before kicking a goal during the round 10 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on May 26, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Impey, too was excited by his inclusion in the star-studded squad.

"I'm very proud to be selected in the Indigenous All-Stars squad and playing amongst a few great friends and great teammates over my journey," the Hawthorn defender said.

"I'm looking forward to representing my people and being a part of the team."

Sydney legend Michael O'Loughin was tasked with selecting the 30-man squad, while former St Kilda player Xavier Clarke will coach the side.

"It is exciting to see the calibre of players that are committing to the game," Clarke said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 13: Xavier Clarke, Assistant Coach of the Kangaroos, in action during the North Melbourne Kangaroos training session at Arden Street on November 13, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"To have the best players available, including a number of Premiership players, and have the opportunity to coach them is something I am thrilled to get to do.

"What's more exciting is this is only the first wave of player announcements, and we will have more top players to join the squad in the coming months. and can't wait to put on a great game for fans."

Other selection panel members include AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Player Engagement Manager Pauly Vandenbergh and former Hawthorn and Port Adelaide player Chad Wingard.

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, December 18 via Ticketmaster from 12 pm AWDT / 3 pm AEDT for club and AFL members. The general public can purchase tickets from 3 pm AWST/6 pm AEDT.

Ticket prices start at $10 for a junior under 15 and $35 for an adult, with family tickets (two adults and two juniors) only $70, allowing juniors to attend for free.

Indigenous All-Stars Squad

Izak Rankine (Adelaide) - Kokatha and Ngarrindjeri

Callum Ah Chee (Brisbane) – Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru

Charlie Cameron (Brisbane) – Waanyi and Lardil

Bobby Hill (Collingwood) – Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar

Michael Walters (Fremantle) – Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjer

Shai Bolton (Fremantle) - Minang and Wilman

Alex Pearce (Fremantle) - Palawa

Jarman Impey (Hawthorn) - Yorta Yorta

Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne) – Yamatji, Noongar

Brad Hill (St Kilda) – Wilmen, Noongar

Liam Ryan (West Coast) – Yamatji

Published by
Aidan Cellini