O'Loughlin named chief selector for Indigenous All Stars, Xavier Clarke to coach

Jarred Cross Published December 4, 2024 at 12.10pm (AWST)

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A decade on from coaching the All Stars in Ireland, Michael O'Loughlin will head selection for the February pre-season game. (Image: AAP)

Sydney great Michael O'Loughlin will head the Indigenous All Stars selection panel, with Xavier Clarke to coach the side for their season curtain-raiser and return after a decade.

Former All Star Chad Wingard also joins the panel.

The All Stars are set to play Fremantle at Optus Oval on February 15.

O'Loughlin previously coached the side which toured Ireland for the International Rules series in 2013.

The duel-premiership, 300-game Swan is also a member of the AFL's Indigenous Team of the Century, picked in 2005.

"To have a former player of the calibre of Micky lead the selection of this side is fantastic," league executive general manager of social policy and inclusion, and fellow panel member Tanya Hosch said.

"His football record speaks for itself but he has also been an immense leader amongst the Indigenous community and continues to give back to through his work on numerous foundations and through his business.

"He epitomises the on and off field excellence and community spirit that characterises the Indigenous All Stars side and we are thrilled to have him on board leading the selection next year."

Clarke landed at North Melbourne as an assistant coach last year following a development position through Richmond's premiership period.

*Clarke played 106 AFL games between 2002-2010. (Image: AAP)*

The former Lion and Saint is a NEAFL premiership coach for NT Thunder.

"Xavier is a highly regarded Assistant Coach in the Toyota AFL Premiership competition and has been a part of three Premierships when he was with the Richmond Football Club," Hosch said.

"I know Xavier has future ambitions to be an AFL Senior Coach and we are thrilled to provide him with this opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Indigenous All Stars in February as he continues in the coaching pathway."

The All Stars once played semi-regular fixtures for preseason matches against AFL clubs.

An Indigenous side played a SANFL side at Adelaide Oval in 1944.

Indigenous Dockers Alex Pearce, Michael Walters and Shai Bolton are available for selection with the All Stars for the clash.

AFL Indigenous and multicultural player engagement manager Pauly Vandenbergh, executive general manager of football Laura Kane and general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney also join the panel.