From Flinders to Mackay: Sam Field's cricket journey
Photo credit: Cath Coady (The Memory Collectors)
This NAIDOC Week, we spoke with Melbourne Cricket Club cricketer Sam Field, a Trawlwoolway and Palawa man, who recently represented Victoria at the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) on Yuwibara Country in Mackay.
Sam reflected on his cricket journey, his Indigenous heritage and what he hopes the future holds for First Nations players in the game.
Sam's love of cricket started at the Flinders Cricket Club.
“Watching my dad play, I always wanted to be like him. That's where my cricket journey started.”
In 2022, Sam made his First XI debut for Flinders at the age of 12, making him the youngest First XI player in the Club’s history.
From Flinders, he found his way to the MCC through the Pucovski Junior Academy, and at just 16 years of age, the talented all-rounder has already made his mark. He played most of the 2025/26 season in the Second XI and was part of the Third XI premiership-winning side. The year prior, he captained the U16 WJ Dowling Shield team.
After impressing over the 2025/26 summer, Sam was selected to represent Victoria at the 2026 NICC. The annual T20 tournament, supported by the MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia, brings together talented First Nations players from across Australia to develop their skills, build connections and pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the game.
While Victoria was defeated by Western Australia in the final, Sam's performances across the week earned him selection in the team of the tournament.
“It was a fantastic experience. The cricket was competitive, but there was also a really strong sense of community.”
“One of the highlights was the cultural day at Cape Hillsborough with players from all the other states. We learnt about the local culture, history and Country, and it was a great opportunity to connect with other Indigenous players and share experiences.”
Sam's Indigenous heritage is something he is still discovering.
“I'm proud to be Trawlwoolway and Palawa, and a descendant of Mannalargenna through my mum's family. We only discovered that connection in recent years, so it's been a journey of learning more about our family's history, culture and heritage. It's a part of my identity that I'm very proud of.
“As we've learnt more about our family history, NAIDOC Week has become an important opportunity to celebrate and strengthen that connection.”
Sam's goals for the future are clear. Premier First XI cricket at the MCC, Victorian Country Under 19s selection and a chance to develop his skills at the MCG Training Camp alongside other standout players from the NICC.
Looking beyond his own career, Sam hopes to see more First Nations players given opportunities to showcase their skills and progress through the pathway system.
“The more opportunities there are, the more young Indigenous players will be encouraged to stay involved in the game.”
For a full summary of the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships, visit Cricket Australia.
