Cricket training camp returns to the MCG
Cricket Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation have announced the return of the MCG Indigenous Training Camp, which will begin on Monday on Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Country.
The initiative will bring together the Men’s and Women’s National Indigenous Development Squads for a week of high-performance cricket and cultural exchange at the MCG.
“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,” Head of Cricket James Allsopp said.
Increase in participation
“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.”
The camp forms part of a long term partnership between CA and the MCC Foundation, designed to create more pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers.
Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to strengthen player development, foster cultural pride, and support smoother transitions into competitive cricket environments.
MCC Foundation Chair Christian Johnston said the Foundation was proud to host the 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,” he said.
“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 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).
