Shai Bolton, Izak Rankine among stars to commit to Indigenous All Stars clash

Shai Bolton’s first match since joining Fremantle will be against the Dockers after he was confirmed as one of the latest batch of players to commit to the Indigenous All Stars game.

Shai Bolton's first game as a Docker will be against Fremantle

Fremantle’s biggest recruit Shai Bolton and Crows star Izak Rankine headline the second wave of players added to the Indigenous All-Stars squad.

Dockers captain Alex Pearce and Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey are the other two new inclusions for the match against Bolton’s former side, Richmond, at Perth Stadium in February.

Bolton was in the crowd a decade ago the last time the All Stars played in 2015, which was a driving point to making himself available.

“It’s a game I’ve always wanted to play in,” said Bolton, who joined the Dockers during the trade period after winning two flags at Richmond.

“I’ve watched a lot of my idols play in them like Adam Goodes and I’m just excited to finally be a part of one.

“I went to the last game in Perth in 2015, it was really enjoyable and fun to watch.

“Obviously I’ll be playing with ‘Son Son’ (Michael Walters) for the first time – he’s another one of my idols.

“It will be really fun, all the boys will be there, my family will be in the stands and I just can’t wait to play.”

Izak Rankine will play for the All Stars.

Freo skipper Alex Pearce will also play against his side.

Walters, Brisbane duo Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee, West Coast’s Liam Ryan, Demon Kozzie Pickett, Collingwood’s Bobby Hill and St Kilda veteran Brad Hill were named in the squad last week.

Rankine said he was keen to play in the game as soon as he heard about it.

“I’m very excited to run around with the brothers,” Rankine said.

“It’s great for the game to showcase our talents and a unique opportunity to play in the same team because usually we’re playing against each other.

“It should be an exciting brand of footy, a fast pace and a packed forward line.”

Hawk Jarman Impey is another who will feature.

Tickets for the February 15 clash will go on sale on Wednesday, with the AFL expecting the crowd to be a bumper one.

Impey, who played in the 2015 game, said of his inclusion: “I’m very proud to be selected in the Indigenous All-Stars squad and playing amongst a few great friends and great teammates over my journey.”

“I’m looking forward to representing my people and being a part of the team.”

Ticket prices start at $10 for a junior under 15 and $35 for an adult, with family tickets (two adults and two juniors) only $70.

Club and AFL members will receive an early bird discount of $5 saved on each reserved seat ticket purchased before Christmas Eve.

For tickets and more information head to afl.com.au/allstars

FIRST SUPERSTARS COMMIT TO INDIGENOUS ALL STARS GAME

Brisbane Lions premiership forward Charlie Cameron wants next February’s Indigenous All Stars clash with Fremantle to act as an inspiration to the next generation of hopefuls after he was named among the first batch of stars to lock into the game.

Cameron and teammate Callum Ah Chee, flag-winning cousins Brad and Bobby Hill, Demons star Kysaiah Pickett and WA cross-town rivals Michael Walters and Liam Ryan have committed to the first Indigenous All Stars clash in a decade.

“The opportunity to represent the AFL Indigenous All Stars team is extremely special to me, and I am honoured to play alongside the game’s best Indigenous talent,” Cameron said of the clash at Perth Stadium on February 15.

“I hope this match will inspire the next generation of Indigenous players to follow their dream of one day playing AFL.”

The early buy-in from some of the game’s leading Indigenous players is a big boost for the game, with All Stars coach Xavier Clarke excited by the team he is likely to have at his disposal to tackle the Dockers.

“It is exciting to see the calibre of players that are committing to the game,” Clarke said.

“To have the best players available, including a number of premiership players, and to have the opportunity to coach them is something I am thrilled to get to do.

“What’s more exciting is this is only the first wave of player announcements and we will have more top players to join the squad in the coming months. (We) can’t wait to put on a great game for fans.”

Charlie Cameron has committed to play in the game. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Walters, who will play against his club teammates, said it would be one of his career highlights, given he missed the last All Stars game in 2015 due to injury.

“I’m really excited to be a part of it. It’s one of the games I grew up watching and I’ve always wanted to play in it,” Walters said.

“I was unfortunately injured for the last game in 2015, so I can’t wait to run out with the boys in February.

“Obviously with it being here in Perth, (we are) hoping to get a good crowd … and it’ll be great to be around the Indigenous stars of the competition.”

St Kilda’s Brad Hill will get the chance to play in his second Indigenous All Stars game, having played in the last clash against West Coast in 2015.

Tickets to the Indigenous All Stars game will go on sale on December 18 – at $10 for juniors under 15 and $35 for adults. Family tickets (two adults and two children) will be available for $70.

Club and AFL members will receive an early bird $5 discount saved on reserved seats purchased before Christmas.