Cameron headlines initial Indigenous All Stars squad

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published December 12, 2024 at 8.00am (AWST)

Premiership Lions Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee are among big names announced in Xavier Clarke's Indigenous All Stars squad for February's AFL season curtain-raiser, and return of the side after more than a decade.

Cameron and Ah Chee are joined by 2023 Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, Dees favourite Kysaiah Pickett, Eagles flyer Liam Ryan and veterans Bradley Hill and Michael Walters as early confirmations.

The All Stars take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium on February 15.

A cohort of the competition's best First Nations talent last played in a preseason match with West Coast in 2015.

Dockers, like Walters, are available for selection in the team, creating a rare opportunity for Western Australian rivalries to be temporarily put to bed.

"I'm really excited to be a part of it. It's one of the games I grew up watching and I've always wanted to play in it," Walters said.

"I was unfortunately injured for the last game in 2015 so I can't wait to run out with the boys in February.

"Obviously with it being here in Perth, hoping to get a good crowd at Optus Stadium and it'll be great to be around the Indigenous stars of the competition."

Swans champion Michael O'Loughlin was named to head the selection panel earlier this month, with Clarke, currently an assistant at North, taking the reins on game day.

"It is exciting to see the calibre of players that are committing to the game," Clarke said.

"To have the best players available, including a number of Premiership players, and have the opportunity to coach them is something I am thrilled to get to do.

"What's more exciting is this is only the first wave of player announcements and we will have more top players to join the squad in the coming months and can't wait to put on a great game for fans."

Freo captain Alex Pearce could join as he continues his return from duel arm fractures suffered in July ahead of the 2024 season, with Shai Bolton also arriving at the club from Richmond in the recent trade period.

Younger guns from around the competition all potential options to take part.

Port's Jason Horne-Francis and Jase Burgyone, St Kilda rebounder Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Dog's forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and 2024 Cat debutant Lawson Humphries are among possibles.

Experienced stars could also join the squad, including Jy Simpkin, Tim Kelly, Daniel Rioli, Steven May, Jarman Impey, Izak Rankine and Jade Gresham.

Sam Powell-Pepper and Keidean Coleman both suffered ACL tears early in the 2024 season, likely ruling them out of the contest.

Coleman's Brisbane teammate Charlie Cameron said he hopes the match helps inspire those to follow.

"The opportunity to represent the AFL Indigenous All Stars team is extremely special to me, and I am honoured to play alongside the game's best indigenous talent," he said.

"I hope this match will inspire the next generation of indigenous players to follow their dream of one day playing AFL."

Indigenous All Stars squad*

Callum Ah Chee – Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru

Charlie Cameron – Waanyi and Lardil

Bobby Hill – Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar

Brad Hill – Wilmen, Noongar

Kysaiah Pickett – Yamatji, Noongar

Liam Ryan – Yamatji

Michael Walters – Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjer

*More to be announced

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.