The excitement is palpable as the 2025 Indigenous All Stars Game is set to reignite the spirit of competition and camaraderie among Indigenous players. Scheduled for February 15, 2025, at CommBank Stadium, Sydney, this event marks the first time the Indigenous All Stars will take the field since 2015 when they faced off against the Māori All Stars. The match promises to be not only a showcase of talent but also a celebration of culture and community pride.
This year's game features some of the most prominent figures from the sport, including star players like Charlie Cameron, Kysaiah Pickett, and Steven May, who will grace the field with their skills and prowess. Captaining the Indigenous All Stars will be Fremantle veteran Michael Walters, supported by key players such as Brad Hill and Jarman Impey. The Māori All Stars also come ready to compete fiercely, bringing their own roster of talented athletes.
Kick-off is set for 8:10 PM AEDT, with the match being broadcast exclusively on Channel Nine and Fox League, as well as streamed on Kayo Sports. Fans eager to witness this historic event can snap up their tickets starting at just $35 for adults, $10 for children under 15, and $70 for families.
The significance of the Indigenous All Stars Game extends beyond the mere competition; it symbolizes unity and representation within Australian sports. Tanya Hosch, the AFL's Executive General Manager of Inclusion & Social Policy, emphasized the importance of Indigenous players coming together to celebrate their shared culture. "It gives us an opportunity to really celebrate the Indigenous contribution to the game," she told AFL.com.au. Hosch highlighted the solidarity among Indigenous players, stating, "There's a sense of solidarity and brotherhood... worthy of celebration."
The history of the Indigenous All Stars dates back to June 1944, when the first recorded match played by a composite Indigenous side took place, organized by Sir Doug Nicholls. The 2015 edition, which featured West Coast's victory, was last played before the event's long hiatus. This return is long-awaited and well-deserved among fans and players alike.
Adding to the excitement, both teams will don specially-designed guernseys. The Indigenous All Stars will sport Puma uniforms adorned with artwork from First Nations muralist Jade Dolman, whose designs reflect Indigenous culture and history. Conversely, the Māori All Stars will showcase jerseys created by former Indigenous All Stars player Roger Hayden, ensuring the cultural pride of both teams is evident on the field.
The lead-up to the game has already generated invigorated interest across various media outlets, with updates and coverage proliferated by Fox Footy, AFL.com.au, and the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS). Following this resurgence of interest, the Indigenous All Stars are hopeful for strong support from fans attending the game live.
On the field, anticipation will mount as this elite showcase of skill aims to inspire young Indigenous athletes and reiterate their rightful place within the Australian sports narrative. The event has the potential to significantly bolster Indigenous participation and recognition across the sporting industry, creating pathways for future generations to engage with the game.
With the match fast approaching, excitement is building both within the Indigenous community and among broader sporting fans, who understand the cultural resonance of the game. The celebration of talent, skill, and the enduring legacy of Indigenous Australians within sport will surely be on display come match day. Fans will have the opportunity to witness not just a game, but history being made on February 15 at CommBank Stadium. This is more than just football; it’s about legacy, pride, and community.