Maroons Chosen In Indigenous Squads

Cricket Australia (CA) and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation today announced the third annual MCG Training Camp that will take place on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country from Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24, bringing the Men’s and Women’s National Indigenous Development Squads to one of the world’s most iconic sports stadiums.   
  
The camp will again bring together talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers from across Australia to undergo a week of intensive training, cultural exchanges and competitive cricket.  

Queensland male players Jacob Turner, Cruz Baker, Jacob Prien and Banjo Seaniger and female players Carys Underwood, Grace Abdy and Mahlie Bennett (pictured) will spend next week at the camp in the wake of their efforts for Queensand in the NICC earlier this year in Mackay where the maroon men won the title and the women were runners-up.
  
The partnership is part of a shared commitment between the MCC Foundation and CA to improve opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers, including easing transition through competitive pathways.

A feature of the camp will be two T20 matches against the Melbourne Cricket Club Men’s and Women’s XIs on the MCG, as well as training sessions, exploration and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and personal development opportunities.  
   
James Allsopp, CA Head of Cricket said:  
  
“The National Indigenous Training Camp has become an important part of the cricket calendar and we are delighted that 28 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers will get this opportunity.  
  
“We are committed to ensuring more Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islanders enter our elite pathways and this camp will provide important experience and exposure for talented young players as they continue their careers.  
  
“Along with other initiatives, including the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and investment in participation programs, we are seeing some increases in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players reaching the elite levels of the game, and we hope this camp will foster growth.

“We are grateful to our partner, the MCC Foundation, for their continuing support of cricket and for bringing this training camp to life at the MCG.”  
  
MCC Foundation Chair Christian Johnston said:  
  
“The MCC Foundation is proud to host once again the MCG Training Camp, welcoming the National Indigenous Development Squads – along with their coaches and support staff – to Australia’s iconic home of sport.
 
“This initiative offers an opportunity for talented cricketers to strengthen their skills and pursue their sporting dreams, providing them with the rare opportunity to train and play on the hallowed turf of the MCG.  

“I look forward to watching the participants in action next week and continuing to follow them as they progress on their cricketing journey.”  
  
Squads for the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp   
  
National Indigenous Development Men's Squad   
Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi/NT), Banjo Seaniger (Dharug/Qld), Cruz Baker (Dharag/Qld), Jacob Prien (Juru & Bindal/Qld), Elijah Dare (Wiradjuri/WA), Jacob Turner (MbarBarram/Qld), Hayden Collins (Nyikina/WA), Jackson Gillespie (Kamilaroi/SA), Bailey Toseland (Taungurung /Vic), Brayden Devries (Palawa/Tas), Blake Smith (Wiradjuri/NSW), Liam Connors (Gamilaraay/SA), Ethan Fitzpatrick (Ngunnawal/NSW/ACT), Brock Larance (Biripi/WA)  
  
National Indigenous Development Women's Squad   
Callee Black (Wiradjuri/NSW), Maddison Spence (Wiradjuri/NSW), Dharmini Chauhan (Wiradjuri/NSW), Carys Underwood (Kaomu/Qld), Grace Abdy (Waanyi Ganggalida/Qld), Anne Dubois (Arrente/SA), Aimee Ravot (Wiradjuri/NSW), Mahlie Bennett (Wiradjuri/Qld), Tahlia Meier (Wamba Wamba/Vic), Merinda Hale (Yorta Yorta/Vic), Charlotte Toohey (Whadjuk/WA), Veronica Keen (Badimia/WA), Elsie Simpson (Kurnai /WA).