The AFL is pleased to announce the Polly Farmer Foundation as the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars Legacy Partner, and reveal the voting panel for the Polly Farmer Medal, awarded to the player of the match.
The Polly Farmer Foundation supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students via a strengths-based approach, empowering students to complete school and move into successful post-school pathways.
Named in the honour of one of Australian Rules Football’s greatest players, for over 25 years the Foundation has rolled out academic enrichment programs to thousands of students across Australia.
As the Indigenous All Stars’ Legacy Partner, the Polly Farmer Foundation will receive a donation from the AFL, with a portion of the AFL Indigenous All Stars merchandise sales going to the Foundation.
Furthermore, the AFL has confirmed the Polly Farmer Medal voting panel for the match, where the player judged best on ground will be presented the medal by Polly’s daughter Kim.
The panel will comprise of Fox Sports broadcasters and former AFL stars Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts, National Indigenous Radio Services match day caller and Indigenous Team of the Century member Chris Johnson, and AFL.com.au reporter and Indigenous media personality Megan Waters.
AFL Executive General Manager of Social Policy and Inclusion Tanya Hosch said the AFL was proud to have the Polly Farmer Foundation as the All Stars Legacy Partner.
“Polly Farmer had a deep connection to Noongar country and with the Farmer family’s longstanding involvement in Australian Rules Football, combined with the amazing work the Foundation does, it is a wonderful opportunity for us all to support the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“The AFL is honoured to have the Foundation on board for the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match. This match is more than just a game, it will be a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence on and off the field, and a momentous occasion for all involved.”
Polly Farmer Foundation patron, secretary and vice chair, and daughter of Polly Farmer, Kim Farmer said the Foundation was honoured to be involved in the match and was looking forward to presenting the Polly Farmer Medal on Saturday.
“I am delighted that the AFL have decided to bring back the celebrated Indigenous All Stars AFL game again. When it was last played, Dad (Polly Farmer) was honoured to present the Polly Farmer Medal for the best on the ground. This year I am honoured to represent him, and to highlight the Polly Farmer Foundation, during this great game,” she said.
“Dad’s contribution to Australian Rules football left an indelible mark in football history. However, it is the Polly Farmer Foundation, that was established to create opportunities for young Indigenous students to succeed in education, that is such a proud legacy. The Foundation is delighted to be the AFL All Stars Legacy Partner this year.”
Mandy Gadsdon, Chair of Polly Farmer Foundation said the Foundation continues to provide programs to empower students to follow their dreams.
“The Foundation have proudly had thousands of young Indigenous students go through our programs, assisting them to achieve their academic aspirations. Our programs provide a safe space for students to study, to receive tutoring and mentoring, access to technology, and support and encouragement to achieve their dreams.
“Through academic achievement, students show commitment to opportunities that are presented to them across both the educational arena, and in their chosen sports, including AFL.”
Polly Farmer Medal voting panel:
- Shaun Burgoyne – Fox Footy match caller, games record for Indigenous players – 407 games for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, four-time premiership player and 2015 Polly Farmer Medal winner.
- Eddie Betts – Fox Footy match caller, All Australian selector, 350 games for Carlton and Adelaide, three-time All Australian
- Chris Johnson – National Indigenous Radio Services match caller, Indigenous Team of the Century member, 264 games for Fitzroy and Brisbane, three-time premiership player for Brisbane, and two-time All Australian
- Megan Waters – AFL.com.au journalist and Indigenous media personality
The 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match will take place on Saturday, 15 February 2025 at Optus Stadium in Perth, with the Indigenous All Stars taking on Fremantle as part of the AFL pre-season fixture.
For tickets and more information head to afl.com.au/allstars
About the Polly Farmer Foundation
Polly Farmer Foundation was founded with the vision to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to have the opportunity to have an enriching and successful education.
Its flagship program ‘Follow the Dream’ supports both male and female students though afterschool tuition and mentoring, and access to extracurricular career, leadership and cultural activities and camps.
The program’s success is built through strong relationships with community, families, schools and partners, empowering students to achieve their education and career aspirations. Over 75 per cent of program participants continue directly into positive post school pathways including tertiary education or employment.
Today, the Foundation supports over 3,000 students annually across 150 schools nationwide, continuing Polly's legacy of educational excellence through community partnership.
