Shai Bolton and Alex Pearce locked in to join Indigenous All-Stars to face Fremantle Dockers in February

Boom recruit Shai Bolton’s highly-anticipated first game since joining Fremantle will be in opposition colours, with the dynamic forward to represent the Indigenous All-Stars against the Dockers at Optus Stadium in February. Bolton has joined Fremantle captain Alex Pearce, Adelaide excitement machine Izak Rankine and experienced Hawthorn defender Jarman Impey as the latest additions to the star-studded squad. Brisbane pair Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee, Fremantle’s Michael Walters, West Coast forward Liam Ryan, Collingwood’s Bobby Hill, St Kilda star Bradley Hill and Melbourne powerhouse Kysaiah Pickett were announced last week. Bolton said representing the Indigenous All-Stars would be a dream come true. “I’m very excited. It’s a game that I’ve always wanted to play in. I’ve watched a lot of my idols play in them, like Adam Goodes, and I’m just excited to finally be a part of one,” Bolton said. “I went to the last game in Perth in 2015, it was really enjoyable and fun to watch. With all the brothers there, it will be a good week. We’ve got a bit of a camp before the game as well, all the boys will love it I reckon. “Obviously I’ll be playing with Son Son (Walters) for the first time - he’s another one of my idols. “It will be really fun, all the boys will be there, my family will be in the stands and I just can’t wait to play.” Having Bolton, Pearce and Walters all in the same team means Fremantle’s three highest profile Indigenous players will be competing against them. Tickets for the clash on February 15 will go on sale through Ticketmaster from 12pm on Wednesday for club and AFL members, with the general public then able to make purchases from 3pm. Tickets start at $10 for juniors who are under 15 and $35 for adults, or a family ticket for two adults and two juniors for $70. Impey and Brad Hill are the only players remaining from the All-Stars team which lost to West Coast in Perth in 2015. He was a 20-year-old making his way for Port Adelaide at the time and said this was a huge opportunity to play for the team again. “I’m very proud to be selected in the Indigenous All-Stars squad and playing amongst a few great friends and great teammates over my journey,” he said. “I’m looking forward to representing my people and being a part of the team.” The Indigenous All-Stars team hasn’t played a match since 2015 but the AFL is keen to make the most of the concept. The decision to play the game at Optus Stadium was a sign of their belief they can attract a big crowd and that players would want to compete. Adding Bolton, Pearce, Impey and Rankine has given them even more star power. Former St Kilda and Brisbane star, and current North Melbourne assistant coach, Xavier Clarke has been appointed to coach the team and he will have enormous scoring power at his disposal. The team already included six men who kicked at least 25 goals last season and more of the game’s best forwards are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.