2025 Year in Review: Sport

In 2025, several Indigenous athletes reached significant career milestones, led the return of major cultural sporting events, and were honoured with national awards for their excellence on and off the field.

Major 2025 Award Winners

The 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards (NATSISA), held in November, recognised the following top performers:

Tamika Upton (National Sportsperson of the Year): A proud Barada woman, Upton captained the Brisbane Broncos to the 2025 NRLW Premiership and secured her third consecutive Dally M Medal, cementing her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Danielle Ponter (NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year): The Adelaide Crows (AFLW) star and two-time premiership player was honored for her elite performance and dedication to mentoring the next generation in Darwin.

Tamika Upton captained the Brisbane Broncos to the 2025 NRLW Premiership.

Lydia Williams (Trailblazer of the Year): The legendary Matildas goalkeeper, who retired in August 2025, was recognized for her long-standing career and for “clearing the branches” for future First Nations athletes.

Chad Perris (Para Athlete of the Year): Known as the “White Tiger,” the proud WAIS graduate won silver in the 100m T13 at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

Landen Smales (Junior Sportsperson of the Year): A rising star in surfing who was celebrated for his breakout year on the international circuit.

(L-R) Rhyan Mansell of the Tigers, Bobby Hill of the Magpies, Bradley Hill of the Saints, Tyson Stengle of the Cats, Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos, Shane McAdam of the Demons, Jesse Motlop of the Blues, Alwyn Davey Jnr of the Bombers and Arthur Jones of the Bulldogs pose during the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round (AFL Photos)

AFL Indigenous All Stars Return

For the first time in a decade, the AFL Indigenous All Stars match returned in February 2025, featuring a squad of the league’s most elite talent:

Michael Walters: Captained the All Stars side in an exhibition match against his own club, the Fremantle Dockers.

Key Squad Members: The 2025 team featured headliners including Bobby Hill (2023 Norm Smith Medalist), Izak Rankine, Charlie Cameron, Shai Bolton, and Kysaiah Pickett.

Michael Walters is chaired off by Michael Frederick and Shai Bolton to celebrate his retirement.

Leadership Group: Walters was supported by veterans Bradley Hill and Jarman Impey.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round (Rounds 10-11) marked its 10th anniversary with the theme Past Legacies, Future Legends. Clubs wore stunning Indigenous-designed guernseys, and West Australian legend Stephen Michael was honored as the round’s namesake. Standout moments included Nic Martin winning the Yiooken Trophy for best-on-ground in the Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

Prominent Athletes in Other Codes

NRL: Harvey Norman All Stars

The All Stars match on February 15 saw the Māori All Stars edge the Indigenous Men’s team 10-6 in a thrilling, low-scoring contest. Jesse Arthars earned the Preston Campbell Medal for his standout performance. The event kicked off the season with powerful cultural displays, including war cries and hakas.

Josh Addo-Carr (Rugby League): One of six Indigenous players selected for the historic 2025 Ashes series for the Kangaroos, using his platform to inspire youth following a career-saving move to the Eels.

Katelyn Smith (Football): A standout for the ParaMatildas, she was named Sportsperson with a Disability of the Year at the NATSISA awards.

Telaya Blacksmith (Athletics): A Warlpiri woman and para-athlete who continued her rapid ascent in track and field, often cited as a future Olympic and Paralympic hopeful.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley (Tennis): While retired, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 NATSISA for her enduring impact on Australian sport.

Indigenous Australian Athletes at the Olympics

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes have made significant contributions to Australia’s Olympic history, with 66 known Indigenous Olympians representing the nation across Summer and Winter Games. They have won 15 medals, including standout moments that have inspired generations and highlighted cultural pride.

Maurice Longbottom starred for Australia at the Paris Olympics.

Paris 2024 Olympics

In the most recent Games, 11 First Nations athletes competed across nine sports, with several making history:

Patty Mills (Basketball) – Became the first Indigenous Australian to compete in five Olympics.

Taliqua Clancy (Beach Volleyball) – Third Olympics, previously won silver in Tokyo.

Maurice Longbottom (Rugby Sevens) – Known for his speed and leadership.

Alex Wilson (Basketball 3×3) – Part of Australia’s inaugural 3×3 team.

Calab Law (Athletics) – Debut in sprints and relay.

Marissa Williamson Pohlman and Callum Peters (Boxing) – Pohlman was the first Indigenous woman in Olympic boxing.

Others: Brooke Peris and Mariah Williams (Hockey), Conor Nicholas (Sailing, first Indigenous sailor), Abbey Connor (Swimming).

The team featured cultural elements like a yarning circle in the village, credited with boosting performance and wellbeing.

Iconic Historical Moment

Cathy Freeman’s gold medal in the women’s 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics remains one of Australia’s most unifying sporting achievements. She lit the Olympic cauldron and ran in a full-body suit, celebrating with both Australian and Aboriginal flags after her victory.

2025 celebrated the 25th anniversary of Cathy’s achievements.

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