Essendon’s Jade Gresham says the Indigenous All Stars exhibition match needs to become an annual fixture on the AFL’s calendar.
The All Stars will take on Fremantle in Perth on February 15, marking the team’s first appearance in a decade.
Gresham was named in a star-studded squad that features 31 First Nations players from 16 clubs.
It includes seven All-Australians, 10 premiership players, seven top-20 national draft picks and three mark-of-the-year winners.
“It’s an honour. I just can’t wait to run out with the Indigenous boys from other clubs and represent our culture,” Gresham said.
“All the boys are eager to play so it would be awesome if we could do it every year.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to represent your culture.
“You’re representing your culture, your family and your friends, so to be able to do that is something really important and I think we should do that more.”
Jason Horne-Francis (centre) was among the Port Adelaide contingent named in the Indigenous All Stars line-up. (Getty Images: Michael Willson)
Former top draft pick Jason Horne-Francis, two-time All-Australian Charlie Cameron, Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, and triple-premiership player Bradley Hill headline the extended All Stars squad, which will be trimmed in the coming days.
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce, goal sneak Michael Walters and new recruit Shai Bolton are all in line to play against their Dockers teammates.
Gresham, a Yorta Yorta man, said the exhibition clash would be played with intensity.
“The boys are going to go in and have a crack,” he said.
“Once we’re out on the field it’s a bit competitive, so I’m sure we’ll put on a good show for the fans and everyone.”
AFL Indigenous All Stars squad:
Callum Ah Chee (Brisbane Lions), Karl Amon (Hawthorn), Shai Bolton (Fremantle), Jase Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions), Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide), Jade Gresham (Essendon), Bobby Hill (Collingwood), Brad Hill (St Kilda), Jason Horne-Francis (Port Adelaide), Lawson Humphries (Geelong), Jarman Impey (Hawthorn), Joel Jeffrey (Gold Coast), Ash Johnson (Collingwood), Liam Jones (Western Bulldogs), Tim Kelly (West Coast), Coen Livingstone (West Coast), Ben Long (Gold Coast), Steven May (Melbourne), Jesse Motlop (Carlton), Alex Pearce (Fremantle), Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne), Izak Rankine (Adelaide), Maurice Rioli (Richmond), Willie Rioli (Port Adelaide), Liam Ryan (West Coast), Jy Simpkin (North Melbourne), Tyson Stengle (Geelong), Michael Walters (Fremantle), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda), Zac Williams (Carlton)
AAP
