Western Australia is set to be well represented in the 2026 Under 23 Men’s and Women’s National Indigenous Development Squads for November’s MCG Training Camp.
The camp, which will take place at the MCG on Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung Country from November 21-25, brings together talented First Nations cricketers from across Australia to undergo a week of intensive training, cultural exchanges and competitive cricket.
Having featured in the victorious WA Men’s Aboriginal Team’s success at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay earlier this year, Hayden Collins features in the National Indigenous Development Men’s Squad.
Collins also featured in the squad last year.
Job Van Bunge will also join the squad as an Assistant Coach.
WA will be well represented in the Women’s squad, with Charlotte Toohey, Elsie Simpson, Emma-Lee Hammond and Veronica Keen selected.
Hammond was the only one of the quartet who didn’t attend last year’s camp.
After coaching WA’s Women’s Aboriginal Team at the NICC earlier this year, Alex Stewart will assume the role of Head Coach again for the Women’s Squad.
The camp will feature two T20 matches against Melbourne Cricket Club Men’s and Women’s XIs on the MCG, as well as training sessions, personal development opportunities and the exploration and celebration of First Nations’ cultures.
The MCG Training Camp is part of a partnership between Cricket Australia and the MCC Foundation to improve opportunities for First Nations Cricketers and provide development opportunities. MCC Foundation also supports Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships as part of the partnership, which is now in its fourth year.
The WA Cricket Foundation supports indigenous talent through a range of pathways and thanks it’s generous donors who make it possible.