Internationally recognised
Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas have been named in the initial Indigenous All-Stars squad of 33.
The pair has been named in the initial Indigenous All-Stars squad of 33 to compete in the upcoming International Rules Series against Ireland.
Wells says his selection is a significant milestone in his career.
“To be named in the company of players like Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin is a privilege, but to represent the Kangaroos and our families internationally is something Lindsay and I are very excited by," he told NMFC.com.au.
This year will see the first time history a team made up solely of Indigenous players will travel to Ireland to represent their country.
“It’s a really great initiative to put together an All-Stars Indigenous team to represent the code on an international scale," Wells added.
“With the variety of players available there will be some incredible talent on display and I know all the boys will do Australia proud.”
The team will be coached by Michael O’Loughlin, with games in Cavan and Croke Park.
It could make for a busy month for Wells and Thomas as the North group prepares for its high-altitude training camp in Utah, scheduled for November.
"It is an opportunity of a lifetime and something we would never forget, should we be named. To travel to the other side of the world to do what you love... play footy."
The final 21 will be released following the AFL Grand Final.
The squad in alphabetical order:
Tony Armstrong (Sydney)
Harley Bennell (Gold Coast)
Eddie Betts (Carlton)
Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
Allen Christensen (Geelong)
Aaron Davey (Melbourne)
Alwyn Davey (Essendon)
Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon)
Shane Edwards (Richmond)
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)
Adam Goodes (Sydney)
Curtly Hampton (Greater Western Sydney)
Bradley Hill (Hawthorn)
Josh Hill (West Coast)
Stephen Hill (Fremantle)
Leroy Jetta (Essendon)
Lewis Jetta (Sydney)
Michael Johnson (Fremantle)
Andrew Krakouer (Collingwood)
Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon)
Brandon Matera (Gold Coast)
Ash McGrath (Brisbane)
Steven Motlop (Geelong)
Danyle Pearce (Fremantle)
Patrick Ryder (Essendon)
Matthew Stokes (Geelong)
Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne)
Travis Varcoe (Geelong)
Andrew Walker (Carlton)
Michael Walters (Fremantle)
Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast)
Daniel Wells (North Melbourne)
Chris Yarran (Carlton)