Indigenous Gold Coast SUNS stars Joel Jeffrey and Ben Long will join a 31-man squad for the 2025 Toyota Indigenous All Stars game in Perth.
Jeffrey (Kukatj, Wululam) and Long (Anmatjerre) will line-up alongside a suite of the league’s finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players for the clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on February 12.
The two Northern Territory products have provided stunning moments of brilliance in SUNS colours in recent years. Jeffrey has played 28 AFL games since debuting for the club in 2021 while 32 of Long’s 111 AFL games have come since joining the SUNS.
Both players’ ancestries are steeped in Indigenous football royalty. Joel is the son of former Cats, Saints and Lions defender Russell Jeffrey while Long is the nephew of Essendon great Michael Long cousin to Hawks premiership star Cyril Rioli and uncle of new teammate Daniel Rioli.
“It’s a really proud moment to have this opportunity to represent my family and my culture,” Long said.
“I’m excited for the chance to play alongside so many incredible Indigenous players and it’ll be even more special to share the experience with Joel.”
Indigenous All Stars Head Coach Xavier Clarke said the selection committee were fortunate with so many talented Indigenous players available.
“It was fantastic to see so many players available to play in the game. It’s an exciting squad and I can’t wait to coach such a great list of players against Fremantle,” Clarke said.
“I am in a fortunate position of having so much talent to work with and I can’t wait to see the boys put on a show.”
Tickets are on sale now and prices start at $10 for a junior under 15, and $35 for an adult, with family tickets (two adults and two juniors) only $70, allowing juniors to attend for free.
The 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match will take place on Saturday, 15 February 2025 at Optus Stadium in Perth, with the Indigenous All Stars taking on Fremantle as part of the AFL pre-season fixture.
For tickets and more information head to afl.com.au/allstars.
