Small forward Tyson Stengle and emerging half-back Lawson Humphries will represent the Indigenous All-Stars in next week’s clash against Fremantle in Perth.
The Geelong duo were among the final selections for the February 15 match-up at Optus Stadium as the All-Stars take the field for the first time in a decade.
Stengle has been one the leading small forwards in the competition since being thrown an AFL lifeline by Geelong ahead of the 2022 season.
He has kicked 126 goals in 69 games in the Hoops, including 53 majors as he helped the Cats to the premiership in his first season at the club, a year where he also earned All-Australian selection.
Humphries arrived at GMHBA Stadium with pick 63 in the 2023 National Draft.
After impressing in the VFL, the 21-year-old made his AFL debut in the Round 16 win over Essendon at the MCG and earned a Rising Star nomination two weeks later.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent my culture and family with the Indigenous All Stars,” Humphries said.
“Growing up, I admired players like Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta, and ‘Sonny’ (Michael Walters), who inspired me to play footy.
“To now be a part of the All-Stars is something I’m truly proud of, especially sharing this experience with a close teammate in Tyson Stengle.
“Being able to play alongside some of the league’s best – and players who have played a pivotal role in driving social change both in society and within the AFL – is a real privilege.
“This opportunity will be a great learning experience for me as I deepen my connections within the AFL and gain a better understanding of both culture and the game.
“Being a Kimberley boy that grew up in the Pilbara, to be able to represent my culture and background surrounded by friends and family in the stands is something I won’t take for granted.
“Being so far away, it’s hard for them to watch my games, so to play in front of them whilst representing them is exciting, and to do it against the team my family barracked for makes it even more special.”
Thirty-one players representing 16 clubs, including former Geelong star Tim Kelly, have been selected in the All-Stars squad.
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