AFL Northern Territory congratulates Joel Jeffrey, Ben Long, Steven May, Jesse Motlop, Willie Rioli, Maurice Rioli Jr, and Jase Burgoyne on their well-deserved selection in the 2025 Toyota Indigenous All-Stars side, set to take place in Perth on Saturday, February 15 against the Fremantle Dockers.
Their inclusion reflects extraordinary emerging talent and promises to deliver an exciting and dynamic showcase of skill, pride, and footballing heritage next weekend.
The Indigenous All-Stars game has long been a platform to celebrate the legacy of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Australian football talent, with past legends such as Maurice Rioli Snr and Michael McLean amongst others gracing the field.
This year, the spotlight shifts to a new generation of players, each bringing their own unique skills and stories to the game.
Steven May (Larrakia) returns to the All-Stars stage for the second time, having previously played in the 2013 clash against Richmond at TIO Traeger Park. May's experience and leadership will be an asset to the team.
Joel Jeffrey (Kukatj, Wulwulam) will also take to the field, just like his father, NT Football Icon and AFLNT Hall of Fame Legend Russell Jeffrey, who represented the Indigenous All-Stars in 1994. It’s a powerful moment for the Jeffrey family, with Joel continuing the family legacy.
Ben Long (Anmatjerre), cousin to 2015 Indigenous All-Stars player Jake Long, will represent his family and add to the growing the Long dynasty in AFL football. With strong ties to the NT’s football community, Ben’s inclusion further cements the Long family’s influence on the game. Ben’s uncle, Michael Long OAM is considered AFL royalty for not only his on-field ability, earning himself a Norm Smith Medal in 1993 and featuring in 190 games for the Essendon Bombers, but his off-field impacts in supporting the next generation of Indigenous Australians that saw him be presented the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Joining them is Jesse Motlop (Larrakia), also celebrating a significant family connection in the game, after his father Daniel Motlop, played in the 2003, 2007, and 2009 Indigenous All-Star teams.
Willie Rioli (Tiwi), whose father, the late Willie Rioli Snr, represented the Indigenous All-Stars in 1994, will once again carry the torch for the Rioli family. That historic match was coached by Willie’s older sibling, Maurice Rioli Snr, creating a powerful link between the past and present. Willie’s selection continues the family’s proud legacy within the All-Stars squad.
Maurice Rioli Jr (Tiwi), son of the legendary Maurice Rioli Snr, continues his family's deep-rooted connection to the Indigenous All-Stars. His selection to the squad reflects his immense talent and leadership qualities, ensuring the Rioli name remains synonymous with excellence in Indigenous Australian football.
With ties to the Territory, Jase Burgoyne (Warai, Kokatha) is carrying on a proud family legacy. Joining his father, Peter Burgoyne, who played for St Mary’s in the NTFL; in showcasing his talent in the Indigenous All Stars, Jase continues a tradition of excellence. Peter, who was part of the All-Stars teams in 2003 and 2007, was also honoured with a place in the Indigenous Team of the Century. Meanwhile, Jase's uncle, Shaun Burgoyne, made four appearances in the All Stars, featuring in 2005, 2007, 2009, and captained the 2015 team.
The Indigenous All-Stars have played six games this century for four wins and two losses. The team's most recent fixture was a narrow defeat to West Coast at Leederville Oval in 2015.
INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS Get your tickets NOW