Cricket and culture at the MCG Training Camp
Another successful MCG Training Camp has wrapped up, with the 2025 edition bringing together the National Indigenous Development Squads from October 20-24 for an inspiring week of cricket and culture at Australia’s most iconic sporting venue.
The camp invites talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers from across the country for an intensive week of training, cultural connection and competitive matches. Participants took part in a diverse program of on- and off-field activities designed to develop their skills and prepare them for elite-level cricket.
Throughout the week, players attended indoor net sessions, physical conditioning workshops and mental wellbeing sessions, along with cultural engagement masterclasses featuring guest appearances from world-class cricketers Scott Boland and Will Pucovski.
Players and their support staff also came together with MCC and CA personnel for a BBQ at the Robbie Flower Terrace, reflecting on the progress made throughout the week and strengthening the sense of community that has become a hallmark of the camp.
The highlight of the week came with the T20 matches on the MCG, where the men’s and women’s National Indigenous Development Squads faced off against the MCC’s own XIs. In the women’s fixture, the MCC XI claimed victory by 32 runs, taking a 2–1 lead in the overall head-to-head tally. Rhiann O’Donnell (MCC) and Maddison Spence were named best players for their respective sides.
Earlier in the day, the men’s game showcased lots of talent and highlights before an injury brought the game to an early end. We’re pleased to share that the injured player is recovering well and is in good spirits.
The MCG Training Camp, alongside the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, forms part of a long-standing partnership between the MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia to support Indigenous cricket development and strengthen pathways at all levels.
The MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia recently renewed their partnership agreement, ensuring these initiatives will continue through to the end of 2028.
