All-time record number of First Nations players selected in All Australian squad

Jarred Cross Published August 24, 2026 at 4.10pm (AWST)

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Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Kysaiah Pickett are chasing back-to-back All Australian, while Jarman Impey, Shai Bolton, Alex Pearce, Jason Horne-Francis, Charlie Cameron and Wayne Milera are all in line for a blazer after selection in the extended squad. Image: Matt Turner/AAP

The All Australian extended squad has been named ahead of the final lineup's announcement at Tuesday night's AFL awards, with the chance of First Nations stars slotting in to fill close to half of the 23.

Young guns Kysaiah Pickett and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera are chasing back-to-back blazers, while a trio find themselves in the extended 46-player squad for the first time.

Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce has gotten the nod for the first time following a strong campaign leading his Dockers to the minor premiership, with Hawk Jarman Impey and Crow Wayne Milera late-career form also selected.

Izak Rankine made last year's extended squad without being picked in the final side, while the same goes for Port bull Jason Horne Francis following his preliminary selection in 2024.

Small forwards Shai Bolton and Charlie Cameron round out the nine Indigenous players in the 46 both chasing another All Australian.

*Hawthorn rebounding back Jarman Impey could find himself with a first All Australian after continue career-best form in 2026. Image: James Ross/AAP*

Nine First Nations players being selected sets a new record.

It represents around 15 per cent of the league's Indigenous players being regarded amongst the strongest performers for 2026.

This year's Rising Star and Coleman Medal, the AFL Players' Association's MVP, best captain, best first year player and most courageous, and the Coaches Association's champion player and defensive player of the year will also be handed out on Tuesday night.

Fremantle lead the competition for selections in the extended squad with eight, followed by back-to-back premiers Brisbane with six, Hawthorn with five and four from Geelong and Port.

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Sydney finished with two, including Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow, despite their five players involved in the alleged hotel conduct after the club's win against Essendon being ruled ineligible.

After putting together another 50-goal year, Charlie Cameron could nab his first All Australian since 2023, and third overall.

Bolton is looking for his second.

Across the entire extended squad are 21 players aiming to earn their first All Australian selection, and 13 squad debutants.

Melbourne captain Max Gawn is in line to become the first-ever footballer with nine All-Australians, while Marcus Bontempelli is a chance to join a prestigious group with the current record of eight.