National Indigenous Cricket Champs: 48 stars to watch in Mackay, Queensland
The top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers will face off when the National Indigenous Cricket Championships get underway in Mackay on April 2. Meet 48 men and women set to shine.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers from across the country are set to face off when the National Indigenous Cricket Championships get underway on Yuwibara Country in Mackay, on April 2.
The week-long T20 tournament, featuring men and women from the country’s top regional and premier competitions, culminates with the grand finals on Monday, April 7 at Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Seven team’s will battle for the men’s title, while there’s four in the women’s. In addition to state bragging rights, the best players will be rewarded with spots in the men’s and women’s sides to tour Vanuatu in May.
Meet 48 stars primed to tee-off in Mackay.
JUMP TO
MEN
Northern Territory - South Australia - NSW - Queensland - Tasmania - Victoria - Western Australia
WOMEN
NSW - Queensland - Victoria - Western Australia
LIVE SCORES HERE
MEN
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Coach: Trent Keep
LACHLAN DUNEMANN (KALKADOON)
One of Tennant Creek’s finest, the gun fast bowling all-rounder caught the eye at the recent Imparja Cup in Alice Springs. An emerging leader, Lachlan will captain the Territory in its return to the competition.
STEVEN ROSER (WULI WULI)
One of several well travelled campaigners, Steve openers the batting for club side Gracemere Hotel in Rockhampton. A key performer last year for Tracey Village in the Darwin comp, his fire with the willow compliments an infectious personality.
HARRISON JOHNNY (GARAWA WAANYI)
At just 15, Harrison divides his time between Alice Springs and boarding school at Ipswich Grammar. He can shape the ball effectively in the right conditions, and his time in Mackay will enrich him with a valuable cultural experience.
BRADLEY ILOTT (ARRERNTE)
Currently bowling his off-spin for North Canberra Gungahlin in the premier ACT comp, Brad brings a wealth of experience from clubs across the country. Not afraid to toss it it up, he backs his skills in the short format.
Full squad: Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon) (c), Allister Young (Yawuru/Yamitji), Ayden Allan (Walpiri), Benjamin Stares (Dharug & Dharawal), Bradley Ilott (Arrernte), Daniel Fett (Jawoyn), Matthew Groves (Ngarrindjeri), Djarrin Stuart (Arrernte), Greg Louis (Arrernte), Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi), Sam Richards (Ngiyampaa), Shane Buttfield (Kamilaroi), Steven Roser (Wuli Wuli), Brayden Dunbar (Milikapiti)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Coach: James Dunn
JACK COPPINS (BARKINDJI)
Club: Prospect (Adelaide Premier Cricket)
A veteran of eight campaigns, the proud skipper arrives in Mackay searching for an elusive title. Loaded with cricket smarts, the right-hander is at his best when anchoring the innings.
LIAM CONNORS (GAMILARAAY)
Club: Woodville (Adelaide Premier Cricket)
Among the standouts last year, Liam was named in the Team of the Tournament. Cagey with the ball and difficult to score off , the right-armer’s swag of deliveries includes a deadly mix of slower balls and cutters. Capable of forcing the pace in the latter overs.
JAKE CALGIE
Club: Northern District (Adelaide Premier Cricket)
Experienced and aggressive, Jake’s blistering power down the ground has the potential to light up Great Barrier Reef Arena. Sharp in the inner circle, he’s sure to keep opponents honest between the wickets.
JACKSON GILLESPIE (KAMILAROI)
Club: Adelaide, SACA under-19s (Adelaide Premier Cricket)
A chip off the old block, Jackson is the son of Aussie legend Jason Gillespie. A big unit with a solid build, the teenage paceman is smooth through the crease and, like ‘Dizzy,’ hits the deck hard. Brings fireworks to the lower order.
TYLER LATHAM (KAURNA, KAMILAROI)
Club: Port District (Adelaide Turf Comp)
The keen gloveman brings good form and is one to keep an eye on behind the stumps. With the stick, Tyler’s form has come along in leaps and bounds over the past year and he’s a genuine threat in the top or middle order.
Full squad: Jack Coppins (Barkindji) (c), Jake Calgie, Brodie Cameron (Ngarrindjeri), Jackson Gillespie (Kamilaroi), Andrew Miller (Wirangu), Logan Clifton (Kokatha), Liam Connors (Gamilaraay), Connor McMillan (Adnyamathanha), Harry Sullivan (Barkandji), Tyler Latham (Kaurna, Kamilaroi), Keynan Harradine (Ngarrindjeri), Bailey Thompson (Kokatha), Michael Burgoyne (Narungga, Mirning), Steven Warrior (Kaurna, Narungga, Kokatha)
NEW SOUTH WALES
Coach: Jeff Cook
BEN PATTERSON (WIRADJURI)
Club: Dubbo CYMS
The Dubbo all-rounder returns after winning a place in last year’s Team of the Tournament. An Australian Indigenous XI rep, he bowls with good heat and can pack a punch in the middle order.
KOBE ROSS (KAIWALAGAL)
Club: Sutherland (Sydney Premier Cricket)
The first cricketer of Torres Strait Islander descent to represent NSW at the National Indigenous Champs, Kobe returns after a fine campaign last year in Alice Springs.
A gun left-hander from the Illawarra region, he is rapidly making a name for himself in Sutherland’s first grade squad.
TYRAN LIDDIARD (BIRIPI)
Club: Penrith (Sydney Premier Cricket)
One of the stars of the competition, Tyran’s cricket has kicked on since making his debut at 15. Now 27, the National Indigenous rep and NSW 2nd XI star is a fine gloveman and a dashing left-hander.
LUCA CROFT (GURINDJI, MALGNIN, MUDPURRA)
Club: Bankstown (Sydney Premier Cricket)
The Bankstown left-arm quick is one to keep an eye on. A regular wicket-taker in second grade, the Sydney Sixers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rep is set to make his nationals debut in Mackay.
ETHAN FITZPATRICK (NGUNNAWAL)
Club: Ginninderra (ACT Premier Cricket)
A key member in last season’s grand final combination, Ethan is a right-arm leg-spinner with all the tricks and skills to lift the run rate in the closing overs.
Full squad: Brendan Smith (Dunghutti), James Whiting (Wiradjuri), Les Smith (Biripi, Dunghutti), Austyn Nugent (Wiradjuri), Evan Pitt (Western Arrarnta), Pat Rosser, Tyran Liddiard (Biripi), Kobe Ross (Kaiwalagal), Luca Croft (Gurindji, Malgnin, Mudpurra), Ethan Fitzpatrick (Ngunnawal), Ben Mitchell (Dharawal), Ben Patterson (Wiradjuri), Kaine Balgowan (Bundjalung)
QUEENSLAND
Coach: Michael Prien
DYLAN MCLACHLAN (KAMILAROI)
Club: Valley (Queensland Premier Cricket)
With a Bulls one-day cap on his resume, the 26-year-old keeper is set to come out all guns blazing at the top of the order. A genuine 360-degree player, the Australian Indigenous rep will lead Queensland from the front.
NOAH VOJINOV (WIRADJURI)
Club: Northern Suburbs (Queensland Premier Cricket)
After an impressive debut carnival last year, the Norths all-rounder is primed to go again. Holds his own in the middle order and brings a point of difference with his left-arm orthodox.
JAECOB PRIEN (JURU/BINDAL)
Club: Western Suburbs (Townsville)
One of several rising talents in the squad selected as part of the Queensland development program, Jaecob will play a key role in the middle order. Still 17, the right-hander has been tasked with rotating the strike to satisfy the team’s heavy hitters.
BANJO SEANIGER (DHARUG)
Club: Sunshine Coast (Queensland Premier Cricket)
Another of the teenage brigade, Banjo travels from Toowoomba to get his weekend fix with Sunshine Coast. A talented off spinner, look for him to weave his magic in Mackay.
CRUZ BAKER (DHARUG)
Club: Northern Suburbs (Queensland Premier Cricket)
Currently playing third grade and U19s at Norths, the opener has the talent to light up the Queensland innings from the get-go. Loves to swing hard and if he gets going, fans can expect plenty of fireworks.
CODY FILEWOOD (YUWIBARA)
Club: Pioneer Valley (Mackay)
A Mackay local with links to the traditional owners of the region, Cody makes his tournament debut on home turf. Was recently named player of the local T20 competition where he starred with the bat and bowling his right-arm offies.
Full squad: Cruz Baker (Dharug), Zac Patel (Tommeginne), Dylan McLachlan (Kamilaroi) (c), Darcy Graham (Gangalidda) , Noah Vojinov (Wiradjuri) , Jacob Turner (Mbarbarram), Jamison Allan (Barkinjii / Maliangaapa), Matt Dalton (Ngemba), Banjo Seaniger (Dharug), Brad Radford (Barada Barna), Cody Filewood (Yuwibara), Jaecob Prien (Juru/Bindal), Jake Coolwell (Mununjhali, Gooreng Gooreng, Ghungalu)
TASMANIA
Coach: Harry Allanby
BRAYDEN DEVRIES
Club: Ulverstone (Cricket North West), Greater Northern Raiders (CT Premier League)
The classy wicketkeeper arrives in Mackay at the top of his game. A beast at the top of the order, the lefty recently smashed NSW at the Country Champs, blasting a ton off 66 balls. Selected in the Tasmanian 2nd XI, Brayden is on the cusp of first-class honours.
HAYDEN CLARK-SULLIVAN
Club: Clarence (CT Premier League)
The 17-year-old leggie is known for giving the ball a big rip and represented the state at this season’s U17 nationals. A whippet in the field, Hayden never backs down from a contest.
RHYS FRENCH
Club: Ulverstone (Cricket North West)
A genine all-rounder, Rhys likes to mix it up with the ball. A fierce competitor, he skids it through at good pace and can add value with the willow at No.5 or 6.
BRANDON KOPPER
Club: Glenorchy (CT Premier League)
A key performer in the team’s charge to the semi finals last year, the right-armer returns for another campaign. Swings the new ball and has a variety of change ups, while his clean striking is a feature in the closing overs.
Full squad: Brandon Kopper, Ben Spinks, Lachlan Nichols, Rhys French, Jack Pearce, Kane Lovell, Toby Bellchambers, Brayden Devries, Toby Hutton, Eli Sheean, Russi Sturzaker, Hayden Clark, Lucas Kamaric. Head coach: Harry Allanby. Assistant coaches/cultural support: Guy Grey, Scott Pearce
VICTORIA
Coach: Barry Neivandt
WADE KING (NGAMPIAA)
Club: McKinnon CC (Cricket Southern Bayside)
A prominent figure on the Indigenous rep scene, the star all-rounder was named in last season’s team of the tournament. Has been in cracking form in club cricket, including one blazing knock of 154 from just 99 deliveries.
JHIAH BAXTER (NYGENA WALMATJARI)
Club: Lara CC (Geelong CA)
A regular among the past Victorian squads to tour Alice Springs, Jhiah brings deadly skills with the bat and the gloveman is capable of forcing the pace at the top or in the middle order.
JOSH NANSON (DHARUG)
Club: City Colts (Wangaratta DCA)
The right-arm quick made an impression for Victoria last season with his economical spells. Dangerous with the bat, he has no trouble finding the fence in the closing overs.
Full squad: Kane Hawkins (Barkindji), Jhiah Baxter (Nygena Walmatjari), Brenden Miller (Palawa), Will Marks (Wotjobaluk), Ricci Marks (Wotjobaluk), Wade King (c) (Ngampiaa), Pat Jackson (Yorta Yorta), Clay McCartney (Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Wotjobaluk), Joshua Ward (Gunaikurnai), Jacob Bourke (Taungurung), Josh Nanson (Dharug), Tyler Nanson (Dharug), Lachlan Jackson (Yorta Yorta), Brodie Webber (Bundjalung)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Coach: Jermaine Davis
BROCK LARANCE (BIRIPI)
Club: Willetton (WA Premier Cricket)
Originally from western NSW, Brock made a name for himself at last season’s carnival, smashing 87 from 36 in WA’s stunning grand final victory over NSW. A quality all-rounder, he has played in the Australian Indigenous team and represented NSW Country.
JAY COLLARD
Club: Rockingham-Mandurah (WA Premier Cricket)
WA’s victorious skipper returns for another shot at the title. Likely to bat at No.3, the all-rounder is also considered slippery with ball in hand.
HUGH SANDO
Club: Bentley (Suburban Turf)
With more than five campaigns under his belt, the attacking opener is set to fill the big shoes vacated by former Melbourne Stars BBL all-rounder Clinton Hinchliffe. A powerful right-hander, he goes from ball-one and leaves nothing in the tank.
CODY HOFFMEISTER
Club: Bayswater-Morley (WA Premier Cricket)
Tipped for a big tournament, the super quick opening bowler brings a wealth of carnival experience and wicket-taking form from the Perth grade scene.
HAYDEN COLLINS
Club: Midland-Guildford (WA Premier Cricket)
One of several teenagers in the squad honing their craft at WA’s Aboriginal cricket academy, Hayden is a prodigious batting talent and U17s state rep. Quick on his feet, he’s lightning in the field.
Full squad: Blade Holliway, Rhai-Arn Cox, Hayden Collins, Elijah Dare, Lachlan Famlonga, Nathan Ellett, Tahj Bashford, Cody Hoffmeister, Jay Collard (c), Hugh Sando, Yagan Walley, Brock Larance, Amien Murdoch
WOMEN
NEW SOUTH WALES
Coach: Kerry Marshall
JULIE MUIR (WIRADJURI)
Club: Campbelltown Camden (NSW Women’s Premier Cricket)
The Blues’ respected leader returns for another campaign. Brings a wealth of knowledge for the next generation and is still a regular among the wickets.
ROXSANNE VAN-VEEN (GUNDUNGURRA)
A nationals veteran, the hard hitting keeper was named in last year’s team of the tournament following NSW’s grand final victory over Queensland. Brings good form with the bat, having scored a brisk 51 for the Western Outlaws earlier this season in the Regional Bash.
CALLEE BLACK (WIRADJURI)
Club: Penrith (NSW Women’s Premier Cricket)
The Bathurst teenager has been a constant in the NSW pathways program for a number of years and returns for another nationals campaign. Gifted with bat and ball, the left-arm pace bowling all-rounder continues to shine in Penrith’s top grade.
CADENCE WATERS
Club: St George-Sutherland (NSW Women’s Premier Cricket)
One of four youngsters making their tournament debut for NSW, Cadence is a teenage pace bowler from Port Kembla who has already had a taste of first grade in Premier Cricket.
AIMEE RAVOT (WIRADJURI)
Club: Penrith (NSW Women’s Premier Cricket)
Another from Penrith’s first grade side, Aimee destroyed Queensland in last year’s decider taking 3-14 with her leg-spin. No stranger to the big stage, the right-arm Australian Indigenous rep has toured Vanuatu.
Full squad: Cadence Waters (Mulubinba), Marnee Walters (Ngemba/Gamilaroi), Piper Hooke (Wiradjuri), Roxsanne Van-Veen (Gundungurra), Sasha Croft (Gurindji, Malgnin, Mudpurra), Tayah McVittie (Worimi), Zaylia Page (Dunghutti, Gumbaynggirr, Iman), Zoe Flemming (Kamilaroi), Aimee Ravot (Wiradjuri), Callee Black (Wiradjuri), Julie Muir (Wiradjuri) (c), Taleha Urszulak (Dharawal/Wadi Wadi), Maddison Spence (Wiradjuri)
QUEENSLAND
Coach: Brad Stout
DHARMINI CHAUHAN (WIRADJURI)
Club: Mackay Cricket Club
They went down to NSW in last season’s grand final but Queensland have already rocked their rivals by recruiting their best player.
The player of the series in 2024, Dharmini opened the batting in the decider and showed why she’s a force on the rep scene, hammering a match-winning 63 from just 51 balls.
CARYS UNDERWOOD (KAOMU)
Club: Sunshine Coast (Queensland Premier Cricket)
The Sunshine Coast teenager had a breakthrough carnival in 2024. A first grade pace bowling all-rounder in Premier Cricket, Carys can also tick the score over in the middle overs.
TRACEE WILLIAMSON (KAURAREG)
Club: Pioneer Valley (Mackay)
A Mackay local, Tracee will be eager to impress friends and family with her prowess at the top of the order. Known for her power game, she has the skills to get Queensland away to a flyer.
GRACE ABDY (WAANYI GANGGALIDA)
Club: Valley (Queensland Premier Cricket)
Back for another campaign, the right-arm offie is known for tying batters in knots and backing it up with boundaries in the middle order.
Full squad: Christina Coulson (Kaurareg), Clodagh Ryall (Kaurareg), Dharmini Chauhan (Wiradjuri), Grace Abdy (Waanyi Ganggalida), Tamika Hansen (Iman), Lucy Neumann Ngyiampaa), Jessica Martin (Wiradjuri), Grace Warcon (South Sea Islander), Tracee Williamson (Kaurareg), Carys Underwood (Kaomu), Tameika Wilson (Dharug), Juliette Wenitong (Kabi Kabi)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Coach: Alex Stewart
VERONICA KEEN
Club: Midland-Guilford (WA Premier Cricket)
An old head on young shoulders, the 19-year-old returns to skipper WA at another carnival. A rising keeper aligned to the high performance pathways, Veronica is a state U19s rep who is clever at working the ball around the field in the middle overs.
MIKAYLA HINKLEY
Club: Subiaco-Floreat (WA Premier Cricket)
The well travelled 26-year-old certainly knows her way around the pitch. Currently representing WA in the WNCL, the right-hander has mixed with cricket’s elite during WBBL stints with the Scorchers and Brisbane Heat.
EMILY RAMIREZ
Club: Karratha CC
In a squad dominated by Premier cricket talent, the Karratha slugger flies the flag for regional WA. An Australian Indigenous rep, Emily recently gave birth, but according to her coach “still wacks the ball as hard as ever”.
JAHLIRA KNIGHT
Club: South Perth (U14s)
At 14, Jahlira is the youngest player on display. A promising all-rounder who bowls seam-up, she’s sure to return home a better cricketer, enhanced by a rich cultural experience.
Full squad: Veronica Keem (c), Jahlira Knight, Regina Deleeuw, Montanna Campbell, Charlotte Toohey, Candice Franklin, Emma Lee Hammond, Seren Simpson, Elsie Simpson, Mikayla Hinkley, Freodora Garlett, Amelia Whiteman, Emily Ramirez
VICTORIA
Coach: Jamie Jewiss
TAHLIA MEIER (WAMBA WAMBA)
Club: Heidelberg (North Metro CA)
As a key piece in the Victorian puzzle, the Aussie Indigenous representative posted two fifties at last season’s tournament, and the right-hand opener heads to Mackay after recording three recent centuries on the club scene.
MERINDA HALE (YORTA YORTA)
Club: Prahran (Victoria Premier Cricket)
Another in fine form with the willow, the captain has scored a couple of tons since February while opening the batting in first grade for Prahran.
BROOKE NAM (WAILWAN, WIRADJURI)
Club: Epping (North Metro CA)
A consistent scorer at club level, Brooke showed her all-round class in Alice Springs last year, taking 5-11 in the victory over WA.
Full squad: Merinda Hale (c) (Yorta Yorta), Jaide Anthony (Palawa), Annabelle Glossop (Wadawurrung), Tahlia Meier (Wamba Wamba), Rose Stewart (Gunditjmara, Taungurung), Tya Fry (Gunditjmara, Wotjobaluk), Jacintha Tass (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri), Kareena Jacobsen-Logan (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri), Taylah Blacklaw (Wadawurrung), Brooke Nam (Wailwan, Wiradjuri), Shawana Brown (Wiradjuri, Wailwan, Wirangu, Pitjantjatjara), Molly Ward (Gunaikurnai), Crystal West (Yorta Yorta, Barkindji), Taya Barnett (Wiradjuri)
Phoenix rising: Hills Alliance gives hope to AFL female juniors
An alliance between two proud AFL Sydney junior clubs has given fresh life to the girls game in the northwest. Here’s how the newly formed Hills Phoenix is making a difference for the youth.
Johns/Daley Cup: Grand final preview, players to watch
Some of the best rugby league talents in regional NSW will battle it out for glory in the grand final of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup. GF preview and players to watch.