Northern Territory returns to National Indigenous Cricket Championships

Dechlan Brennan Published March 7, 2025 at 11.30am (AWST)

indigenous cricket

The Northern Territory has named its 14-player squad for May's National Indigenous Cricket Championships. (Image: NT Cricket)

The Northern Territory's Indigenous men's cricket team is set to return to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC).

Having not participated in last year's tournament, the NT Team will take a 14-man squad to the 2025 NICC, which will be held on Yuwibara Country (Mackay, Queensland) between April 2-7.

The team will be led by Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon/Tennant Creek), who has been rewarded for his performances at Australia's largest Indigenous Cricket Festival, the recently held Imparja Cup, as well as his emerging leadership on Northern Territory Cricket's Indigenous Advisory Committee.

NT Head of Cricket, Nick Winter told NT Cricket after the disappointment of not being able to send a team to last year's NICC, it was vitally important for this to be rectified in 2025.

"Given the Territory's strong connection to Indigenous culture and communities this was an important step, and I know how much it means to our players," Winter said.

"The recent Imparja Cup showed there are some very talented Indigenous cricketers here in the Territory.

"Our challenge now is to continue providing more opportunities for Indigenous players in the Territory to play and develop."

The announcement to send the team is an important step forward for Indigenous cricket and pathways within the Territory, with NT Cricket using the Imparja Cup, held in Alice Springs last month, as a selection vehicle and pathway.

Daniel Fett (Jawoyyn/Palmerston) and Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi/Alice Springs) capitalised on the opportunity to impress the selectors in the Red Centre, with the experienced Fett picking up the Rossy Williams and Shane Franey 'Most Valuable Player' for standout performances throughout the tournament.

On the other end of the experience scale, 15-year-old Johnny will be one to watch in the future, impressing coaches and viewers with his raw talent, pace, and athleticism.

The team will be coached by NT Cricket's recently appointed Pathway and Talent Development Coach, Trent Keep, who will be supported by former Victorian Imparja Cup captain Ben Abbatangelo and mentor Ray White, who will support the NT's side in the first NICC to be held away from its traditional home of Alice Springs.

Established in 2016, the NICC is a vital part of both the cricket calendar and Australian cricket's elite development pathway.

It aims to have more Indigenous cricketers represent Australia at the highest level, following in the footsteps of current Australian stars Scott Boland and Ash Gardner.

2025 Northern Territory Indigenous Men's Squad

Allister Young (Yawuru/Yamitji)

Ayden Allan (Walpiri)

Benjamin Stares (Dharug & Dharawal)

Bradley Ilott (Arrernte)

Daniel Fett (Jawoyn)

Matthew Groves (Ngarrindjeri)

Djarrin Stuart (Arrernte)

Greg Louis (Arrernte)

Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi)

Lachlan Dunemann - captain (Kalkadoon)

Sam Richards (Ngiyampaa)