The Indigenous All-Stars lit up the Optus Stadium with their signature flair, claiming victory against Fremantle by 43 points in an exhilarating pre-season match. The clash marked the All-Stars' first appearance since 2015, showcasing the best of Indigenous football on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. Fans were treated to a blend of athleticism, culture, and pride, starting with a powerful war dance before the match.
The All-Stars demonstrated impressive teamwork and skill, quickly establishing dominance over their rivals. With the final score at 16.12 (108) to 9.11 (65), the display was not only about the game; it was about celebrating Indigenous heritage through sport. The vibrant crowd of 37,865 was treated to footy poetry as the players executed aggressive handball chains and clever footwork, embodying the creativity and connection inherent among Indigenous footballers.
Bobby Hill, who scored four goals, became the focal point of the All-Stars’ attack, highlighting his relentless energy and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Upon kicking the opening goal, Hill celebrated with traditional dance moves, embodying the spirit of the match. His performance was complemented by Jason Horne-Francis, who also excelled with three goals, effectively supporting the team’s offensive efforts.
"It was so fun. I can’t recall enjoying football this much," Jy Simpkin remarked after winning the Polly Farmer Medal for best afield. His performance included 30 disposals, 10 clearances, and one goal, emphasizing his impact on the match. The All-Stars held onto possession, evident from their stats, with 96 possessions to Fremantle’s 67 during the first quarter, achieving 81 percent efficiency. Simpkin and Horne-Francis' relentless pressure propelled the team to success, as they maintained high energy levels throughout the game, illustrating the excitement for which Indigenous football is known.
Fremantle, led by veteran Michael Walters, faced challenges with several key players missing from their lineup, including Alex Pearce, Sean Darcy, and Nat Fyfe. Despite these hurdles, they managed to show glimpses of their potential, with Michael Frederick being the standout forward, scoring three goals. Caleb Serong led the Dockers' possession count, contributing 27 disposals amid the pressure from the All-Stars’ aggressive game plan. "They were cleaner and used the ball much more effectively, and the skill really shone through," Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir acknowledged, providing insight on the nature of the competition.
The All-Stars continued to demonstrate their immense talent, employing fast-paced strategies and effective ball movement. The match was littered with highlights as Tyson Stengle and Kysaiah Pickett contributed to the dazzling display. Stengle, particularly, caught the crowd's attention with his boundary line goal, exemplifying the All-Stars’ agility and determination. Pickett also made waves with his strong attacks, though some early miss chances raised questions about Fremantle's defensive strategy.
Despite their best efforts, the Dockers were unable to significantly alter the course of the game. The All-Stars lead expanded to 30 points by the third quarter, and the dominance cemented their strategy and execution on the field. It should be noted, as the match continued, the weather presented challenges too, with temperatures soaring to 36°C, leading both teams to utilize their unlimited interchange for player rest.
With the delight of the crowd echoing through the stadium, the All-Stars capped off their remarkable win with Yothu Yindi’s Treaty playing at the final siren. The spirit of unity and joy was palpable, marking not just another game but also the resurgence of the All-Stars as the embodiment of Indigenous pride within the AFL.
This thrilling game underlines the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture through the sport of Australian rules football. The Indigenous All-Stars will undoubtedly leave fans eager for their next appearance, which is expected to be biennial, promising more opportunities for such powerful celebrations of culture and sport on the field.