The Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars will return to Perth for the first time in a decade, facing the Fremantle Dockers in a pre-season match on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Optus Stadium, Whadjuk. This highly anticipated event will showcase the talents of the AFL’s best Indigenous players coming together as a united team against the Dockers. Among the first selections for the Indigenous All Stars team is All-Australian forward Liam Ryan, adding excitement to this historic occasion.
The lead-up to the 2025 match was marked by the official launch of the Indigenous All Stars game on Friday night, which took place at the WA Museum Boola Bardip. This special function brought together players, football legends, and community members, all eager to recognize the cultural and sporting contributions of Indigenous players, both past and present. The highlight of the night included the traditional player guernsey presentation, during which past Indigenous All Stars, including Dale Kickett, Shane Edwards, and Michael Long, presented the current players with their jumpers. This moment reinforced the honor bestowed upon them as they carry forward the legacy of the All Stars.
Among the presentations was the long-awaited acknowledgement for Shaun Burgoyne, who received his Polly Farmer Medal for his outstanding performance during the last All Stars game played a decade ago. He never formally accepted the award then, and on this occasion, Kim Farmer, daughter of the late Polly Farmer, presented him with the medal, marking it as a poignant tribute.
AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder AO emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "This is a significant event for the AFL, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and, not just for football, but for the country. The gathering of Indigenous All Stars to play in this match is not only a celebration but an acknowledgment of First Nations Australians being present in this great game of ours." Goyder noted the last All Stars game had occurred ten years prior, underscoring the importance of what the 2025 match signifies.
The match day for the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars is marked by various cultural activities beginning when gates open at 3 PM. This will be followed by cultural performances, team entries, and Welcomes to Country starting from 4 PM, leading to the first bounce scheduled for 4:30 PM. At half-time, the Stephen Michael Foundation game will take place, showcasing more Indigenous talent. After the match, the celebrated Polly Farmer Medal will be presented to the best-on-ground player by Kim Farmer, and the winning team will receive the Indigenous All Stars Shield from Michael McLean, the first captain of the AFL Indigenous All Stars and two-time coach.
Intriguingly, the Indigenous All Stars Shield, crafted by Indigenous artisan Patrick Ferguson, serves as symbol of the rich history and cultural strength of Indigenous players within the AFL. Ferguson envisioned the shield as not just recognition of the past but also as homage to future generations. This perpetual trophy will display results from all past Indigenous All Stars games and will be kept either at AFL House or with the winning club for the next year.
The Polly Farmer Medal, named after the legendary Graham Vivian "Polly" Farmer MBE, is presented to the player judged best on ground during the All Stars match. Farmer, born of Indigenous heritage, is celebrated for revolutionizing positions within the game, showcasing the pinnacle of sportsmanship and skill. The voting panel for this award consists of esteemed figures, including Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts, who will evaluate performances closely.
On game day, the field will serve as canvas displaying important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander symbols such as the flags located at each goal square and the design representing the gathering of communities at the center circle. The 50-meter arcs will feature circle symbols depicting the All Stars artwork, symbolizing past, present, and future. Such thoughtful representations add layers of meaning to the proceedings of the 2025 event, reminding spectators of the rich cultural heritage it celebrates.
The 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars game not only promotes sporting excellence but also serves as potent reminder of the contributions and presence of Indigenous groups within the sport and the nation at large. With notable players, standout ceremonies, and culturally enriching performances lined up, this event promises to be both memorable and significant.