Selecting a 2025 Indigenous All-Stars team

The Indigenous All-Stars team promises to produce a compelling showcase of Indigenous footballing talent and culture.

This team not only represents the remarkable skills on the field but also pays homage to the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous Australians to Australian rules football.

Historically, the All-Stars have played significant matches, including their representation of Australia in the International Rules Series in 2013.

With a strong defensive lineup featuring stalwarts like Steven May and Alex Pearce, alongside emerging stars, this iteration of the All-Stars is set to continue the legacy of excellence and cultural pride.

We have gone through what the Indigenous All-Stars team could look like in 2025, breaking down each positional line and naming our 23-man side.

Defence

Steven May, Melbourne (Larrakia)
A premiership player and two-time All-Australian, May is a defensive general known for his on-field leadership and composure under pressure. His experience, with over 235 games, and physical presence make him a vital cog in defence. The 32-year-old has long been one of the league's premier key defenders.

Alex Pearce, Fremantle (Pyemmairre, Palawa)
The Fremantle captain brings a mix of resilience and an elite lockdown presence. Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, the Palawa descendant has cemented himself as a key pillar in defence.

Keidean Coleman, Brisbane Lions (Dalabon)
At 24, Coleman has already established himself as one of the most dynamic half-back flankers in the AFL, even with an absent 2024 campaign. Known for his deadly left boot and offensive rebound, he was Brisbane's standout performer in their 2023 Grand Final loss.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Callum Ah Chee and Keidean Coleman of the Lions pose for a photo after the 2023 AFL Round 24 match between the Brisbane Lions and the St Kilda Saints at The Gabba on August 26, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Daniel Rioli, Gold Coast (Tiwi)
A famous name in footy folklore, the 27-year-old half-back flanker for Gold Coast (traded from Richmond in 2024), is known for his speed and attacking play off half-back. A three-time premiership player (2017, 2019, 2020) with 183 games, Rioli won Richmond's 2024 best & fairest and the 2017 AFL Goal of the Year.

Liam Jones, Western Bulldogs (Kija)
Liam Jones, a 33-year-old key defender for the Western Bulldogs, has played 200 games. Initially drafted as a forward, he became a top defender at Carlton before returning to the Bulldogs in 2023. He took time away from the game during the COVID-19 pandemic but remains a strong primary defensive presence under Luke Beveridge.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, St Kilda (Kokatha, Narranga)
The 21-year-old half-back-flanker for the Saints has exploded to 63 games. Renowned for his elite ball use and underrated aerial ability, he had a breakout campaign in 2024 and is seen as one of the most exciting young players in the AFL, poised for further growth in 2025.

Midfield

Jase Burgoyne, Port Adelaide (Warai, Kokatha)
The 21-year-old half-back flanker for Port Adelaide has amassed only 36 games since being drafted in 2021, but is showing signs of future stardom. Coming from a famous footballing family, he impressed in the 2024 finals series, particularly in the semi-final win over Hawthorn. His versatility makes him a suitable candidate for the wing; a capable runner, composed ball winner and user.

Tim Kelly, West Coast (Yamatji, Wongi, Noongar)
Tim Kelly, a 30-year-old midfielder for the West Coast Eagles, has now played 144 games after exploding onto the AFL scene as a mature-aged prospect. After a stellar debut with Geelong in 2018, Kelly earned All-Australian honours in 2019 before moving back to West Coast. An Andrew McLeod-type mover, he won the Eagles' best & fairest in 2023.

Bradley Hill, St Kilda (Willman Noongar)
The 31-year-old winger for St Kilda has played 255 AFL games and was a crucial cog in Hawthorn's three-peat premiership run from 2013-2015. Hill also claimed Fremantle's best & fairest in 2017. Known for his speed and elite endurance, he remains a key figure on the outskirts of St Kilda's midfield since joining in 2020.

Brad Hill during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Jeremy Finlayson, Port Adelaide (Yorta Yorta)
A versatile forward/ruckman, Finlayson has played over 120 AFL games and was Port Adelaide's leading goalkicker in 2023. Drafted by GWS in 2014, he joined Port in 2021 for family reasons.

Izak Rankine, Adelaide Crows (Kokatha, Ngarrandjeri)
Rankine is a dynamic forward/midfielder and one of the AFL's most exciting talents. Drafted by Gold Coast at Pick 3 in 2018, the Adelaide-born star joined the Crows in 2023. At just 24, he continues to electrify crowds with his skill and flair.

Shai Bolton, Fremantle (Nyikina, Menang-Noongar)
A two-time premiership winner with Richmond, Bolton is a game-breaking midfielder/forward renowned for his high-flying marks and goal sense. He became the clear top candidate for Richmond's best player shortly after their three-time premiership success, earning two All-Australian selections by 2023 and dazzling with his electrifying athleticism. His recent move to Fremantle now comes with the hope for more premiership success.

Forward

Charlie Cameron, Brisbane (Lardil, Waanyi)
An electric small forward for Brisbane, Cameron is known for his explosive pace and goal sense. A 2024 premiership player, he has earned two All-Australian selections (2019, 2023) and led Brisbane's goalkicking for four straight years (2019-2022). Cameron began his AFL career with Adelaide before joining the Lions in 2018.

Jason Horne-Francis, Port Adelaide (Wardaman)
Horne-Francis, an explosive midfielder for Port Adelaide, impressed in 2024 with his time spent up forward. Drafted as the number one pick in 2021, he has quickly established himself as a generational Dangerfield-like talent. After one year at North Melbourne, he requested a trade to Port, where he signed a long-term deal through to 2028.

Kysaiah Pickett, Melbourne (Wardaman, Yamatji, Noongar, Ngarrandjerri)
A dynamic small forward for Melbourne, Pickett was a key part of the club's 2021 premiership team. Known for his dazzling forward craft and explosion out of contests, he battles inconsistency but remains one of the league's most dynamic players. Pickett is linked to AFL royalty as the nephew of Byron Pickett and Neville Jetta.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 05 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tyson Stengle, Geelong (Ngarrindjeri, Wirangu)
Stengle is a small forward for the Cats and is celebrated as one of the best in the AFL. He made his debut with Richmond in 2017 before being traded to the Adelaide Crows. After a stint in the SANFL, Stengle joined Geelong in 2022, contributing to their premiership victory and earning All-Australian honours that same year.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Western Bulldogs (Noongar-Gunditjmara-Djap Wurrung)
The young key forward for the Bulldogs is still touted as one of the most exciting prodigies since Lance Franklin. Drafted number one in 2020, he is yet to fully break out but has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. His best season came in 2023, finishing with 35 goals before continuing to impress in 2024, becoming the team's leading goalkicker.

Bobby Hill, Collingwood (Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar)
Bobby Hill, a small forward for Collingwood, is renowned for his inspiring journey, overcoming health setbacks to achieve success. His 2023 Grand Final performance remains iconic, earning the Norm Smith Medal for his electric first-half display. Hill's talent continued to shine in 2024, where he also claimed Mark of the Year with a soaring lift against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Interchange

Willie Rioli, Port Adelaide (Yugunga-Nya, Tiwi)
Willie Rioli, an Indigenous Australian from the renowned Rioli family, plays for Port Adelaide. He is celebrated as one of the most dangerous players inside forward 50 with ball-in-hand.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Willie Rioli (left) and Jeremy Finlayson of the Power celebrate during the 2024 AFL Round 04 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on April 05, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Callum Ah Chee, Brisbane (Pinjarup Noongar, Yawuru, Nyikina)
Callum Ah Chee was recently recognised for his pivotal role in the Lions' 2024 premiership run. He kicked 10 goals during the finals series, including four in the grand final, highlighting a dynamic and dangerous forward presence.

Toby Bedford, GWS (Bunuba)
Toby Bedford made the move to Greater Western Sydney after beginning his career with Melbourne. Renowned as an effective tagger, he excels in both defensive and offensive roles and has become a key player at GWS in a midfield role.

Sam Powell-Pepper, Port Adelaide (Ballardong-Whadjuk Noongar)
Sam Powell-Pepper is a powerful impact forward for Port Adelaide. Known for his intimidating presence and freight-train explosiveness, there are few players you'd rather meet in a front-on collision, if any.

Jy Simpkin, North Melbourne (Yorta Yorta)

Jy Simpkin, co-captain of North Melbourne and of Yorta Yorta descent, is a skilled midfielder. Drafted in 2016, he is a two-time best and fairest winner who has demonstrated elite talent and leadership on the field for a struggling North Melbourne side in recent seasons.