The 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the AFL pre-season, combining art, culture, and sport in an event that celebrates the rich contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the game. The match will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth, where Fremantle will take on a star-studded Indigenous All Stars team.

Jade Dolman’s Inspiring Designs

Proud First Nations artist Jade Dolman designed the Indigenous All Stars guernsey and the match-day Sherrin, marking a significant milestone in her career.

“Designing the artwork for the Indigenous All Stars 2025 is a significant milestone in my career as an artist and as a proud First Nations person. This match is a celebration of cultural identity, dedication, talent, and community—values I’ve aimed to reflect in my designs, with a particular focus on legacy and excellence,” Dolman said.

The guernsey tells the story of the legacy built by Indigenous players, featuring elements that symbolize community, growth, and connection. Key details include:

  • Cultural Legacy: The design centers on children surrounded by players, symbolizing the pathways of opportunity created by the All Stars.
  • Water’s Significance: The river and freshwater symbols represent water’s central role in Indigenous culture, spirituality, and livelihoods.
  • Community Support: The inclusion of symbols representing women underscores their critical role in supporting players and communities.
  • Colours and Symbols: Vibrant designs incorporate elements from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The Sherrin features the Noongar word ‘Miidj’ (meaning ball) and panels representing boodjar (land) and kep (water), with native animal tracks, bush foods, and symbols of rivers, rain, and special places.

Fremantle’s Involvement and Legacy

Roger Hayden, Fremantle’s Game Development Coach, emphasized the club’s pride in participating in the match.

“To see Fremantle wearing the jumper again, knowing the history and connection with Indigenous players that we’ve had as a club, and to play against an Indigenous All Stars team celebrating First Nations peoples, history, and culture is a great honour,” Hayden said.

The Fremantle guernsey design showcases lines and dots representing ocean (wardan) and river (Derbal Yerrigan) movements around Walyalup (Fremantle). Boomerangs (karli) in the design symbolize strength, combativeness, and creativity.

AFL Leadership and Community Impact

AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch, commended the designs and the broader significance of the event.

“Jade and Roger have done an outstanding job of representing the Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through their guernsey and Sherrin designs. This match is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of Indigenous culture and the incredible contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the game,” Hosch said.

The match will also showcase talent like Liam Ryan, Caleb Serong, and Shai Bolton, who joined Dolman to unveil the guernsey and Sherrin. Ryan expressed his pride in the event, saying, “It’s an honour to be named in the team and to play alongside incredible Indigenous talent in a game that celebrates our culture.”

Tickets and More

Tickets are now on sale, starting at $10 for juniors and $35 for adults, with family packages available. Premium experiences in the Premiership Terrace include food and beverage options, starting at $20 for juniors and $110 for families.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Indigenous talent and culture on February 15 at Optus Stadium.

 

Indigenous All Stars Squad (full squad to be announced early February):

Callum Ah Chee – Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru
Shai Bolton – Minang and Wilman
Charlie Cameron – Waanyi and Lardil
Bobby Hill – Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar
Brad Hill – Wilmen, Noongar
Jarman Impey – Yorta Yorta
Alex Pearce – Palawa
Kysaiah Pickett – Yamatji, Noongar
Liam Ryan – Yamatji
Izak Rankine – Kokatha and Ngarrindjeri
Michael Walters – Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjeri