Indigenous All Stars: Brad Hill can’t wait to play with ex-Fremantle Dockers teammate Michael Walters

Former Fremantle star Brad Hill can’t wait to walk onto his favourite ground in the country behind one of his favourite players in the country, close friend Michael Walters. Walters — who Hill is staying with while in Perth for the All Stars match — was unveiled as the captain of the star-studded Indigenous side at the weekend, with Hill named as one of three vice-captains alongside Charlie Cameron and Jarman Impey. During the three seasons where Hill came home to link up with older brother Stephen in purple, Walters was in his pomp. Now they will lead the best group of Indigenous footballers ever assembled. Hill has returned to his home State early because St Kilda players are on a four-day break this week. He was one of only a few players that played in the most recent game a decade ago. “It’s awesome to be back, it doesn’t feel like 10 years ago,” Hill said. “I’m very excited to be an older player now, but to go out and play alongside some of this younger talent coming through, I can’t wait. “Sonny has been in the system for so long and he is very passionate about his culture and his people. You guys in WA know how much he does for the community. “He has been in the system for so long and us younger players, even myself, we look up to him and he has led the way for such a long time. “For us to go out there and him be the captain of our side is special for him and we can’t wait to run out there behind him.” Ten years after he played alongside his brother for the All Stars, Hill will suit up with his cousin, Norm Smith medallist Bobby. “Bobby is going to be awesome to play alongside, obviously because we’re so close and just to be able to go out there and run out with him,” he said. Of the 25-man squad named for the All Stars, 14 are from Western Australia. The buy-in from players has been extraordinary and Hill believes the same group of players would be keen to also represent their States. “Obviously it has been a long time and a lot of the boys who are playing wouldn’t have even been in the system and this is definitely the biggest one we’ve done — playing at a mainstream venue like Optus — and hopefully we get a big turnout, hopefully, we can set this up for the future players that come through the system,” he said. “Hopefully it’s an awesome weekend and we can keep doing it every year or every couple of years. “I think players would love to be able to represent their State and play in big games like that. For us, being in this, we want it to be big and be able to do it every year or every couple of years. “It’s massive for us to be able to represent our people, or if you are playing State of Origin, represent your State. As long as you get full buy-in from everyone.” Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is expected to fly to Perth and take on a non-playing role with the All Stars while he spends time away from his club for personal reasons. Hill wasn’t certain on Wednesday if Ugle-Hagan would travel, but said All Stars players were looking forward to a chance to wrap their arms around him. “I’m actually not too sure. If he does come, it would be great for all us boys to get around him and support him. Don’t know exactly what has been going on, but definitely when he comes all the brother boys will be wrapping their arms around him and supporting him, enjoying the week and a couple of days with him, so it would be nice,” he said.