Ahead of the Fremantle vs Indigenous All Stars clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday 15 February, 128-game player, Club legend, and proud Goreng and Ballardong man, Roger Hayden has reflected on the rich history of Indigenous talent and the important role Indigenous All Stars have played throughout generations of our great game.

Hayden, who will be part of the Indigenous All Stars coaching panel on Saturday, will help guide the All Stars in their first official match since playing West Coast at Leederville Oval in 2015.

Fremantle will also wear the Club’s inaugural Indigenous jumper, which Hayden and his uncle Dr Richard Walley designed in 2013.

History of the Indigenous All Stars

The Indigenous All Stars have a long and proud history, showcasing the talent, skill, and cultural significance of Indigenous Australian footballers. From early all-Indigenous teams to modern representative matches, the All Stars have played a vital role in celebrating and promoting Indigenous contributions to Australian football.

Early Beginnings: All-Indigenous Teams (1900s)

The origins of Indigenous representative football date back to the early 1900s, when all-Indigenous teams were formed to compete in various matches, highlighting the strength and depth of Indigenous talent in the game.

Sir Doug Nicholls and Leadership (1944)

A significant milestone occurred in 1944 when Sir Doug Nicholls, a pioneering figure in Indigenous Australian sport and activism, captained and coached an all-Indigenous team against Northcote FC in the Victorian Football Association (VFA), with more than 10,000 people attending. Nicholls' leadership and influence extended far beyond the field, inspiring future generations of Indigenous players and lending his name to our Indigenous Rounds.

Representative Football Takes Shape (1970–1973)

In 1970, the first major representative match saw the Indigenous All Stars defeat the ACT team at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Just three years later, in 1973, the first State of Origin match featuring Indigenous players—including Roger Hayden's father and Michael Johnson's uncle—was held in Canberra, where players represented the all-Indigenous team against Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

The All-Stars Era Begins (1983–1994)

The 1980s and early 1990s marked the All Stars’ growing prominence, with matches against AFL clubs gaining traction.

1983: The All Stars played Richmond in Mildura. The Tigers were no match for the All Stars, losing by 138 points, 14.11 (95) to 37.11 (233), in a game where defensive tactics were clearly minimal.

1985: The All Stars took on Essendon in Tatura.

1994: The All Stars played Collingwood in Darwin, further establishing their role as a key representative team. The All Stars defeated the Pies by 20 points in front of 15,000 fans at what was then called Football Park.

Modern Era: Regular Matches Against AFL Clubs (2003–Present)

An Indigenous All Stars match was played every two years from 2003 to 2015, although the 2011 edition against Richmond was a washout after heavy rain saturated TIO Stadium beyond safe levels.

2003: Played Carlton in Darwin.
2005: Played Western Bulldogs in Darwin.
2007: Played Essendon in Darwin.
2009: Played Adelaide in Darwin.
2013: Played Richmond in Alice Springs.
2015: Played West Coast in Perth.
2025: The All Stars face Fremantle in Perth.

In 2019, an Indigenous side—captained by Eddie Betts and named Deadly—took part in the AFLX pre-season tournament.

With COVID affecting the following years, the 2025 game against Fremantle will be played a decade after the last match. Continuing their proud tradition, the match will celebrate the legacy of Indigenous football and provide an opportunity for the next generation of Indigenous players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

A Lasting Legacy

The Indigenous All Stars have played a crucial role in promoting Indigenous culture, talent, and history within Australian football. Their matches stand as a testament to the incredible contributions of Indigenous players to the game and ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations

Indigenous All Stars Squad

Callum Ah Chee – Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru
Karl Amon - Noonuccal
Shai Bolton - Minang and Wilman
Jase Burgoyne – Kokatha, Larrakia, Warai
Charlie Cameron – Waanyi and Lardil
Jeremy Finlayson - Yorta Yorta
Jade Gresham - Yorta Yorta
Joel Hamling - Yorta Yorta
Bobby Hill – Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar
Brad Hill – Wilmen, Noongar
Jason Horne-Francis - Wardaman
Lawson Humphries - Nyul Nyul, Oomiday, Worrora
Jarman Impey - Yorta Yorta
Joel Jeffrey – Kukatj, Wulwulam
Ash Johnson – Jaru, Kija
Liam Jones – Kija*
Tim Kelly – Noongar, Wongi, Yamatji
Coen Livingstone – Balardong, Noongar
Ben Long – Anmatjerre
Steven May - Larrakia
Jesse Motlop - Larrakia
Alex Pearce - Palawa*
Kysaiah Pickett – Yamatji, Noongar
Willie Rioli – Tiwi
Maurice Rioli - Tiwi
Liam Ryan – Yamatji
Izak Rankine - Kokatha and Ngarrindjeri
Tyson Stengle – Wirangu
Jy Simpkin - Yorta Yorta
Michael Walters – Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjeri
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – Kokatha, Narangga
Zac Williams – Wiradjuri
*since been injured, won't play