15 Greatest Indigenous Australian Athletes of All Time
Australia boasts a rich and proud sporting legacy, which Indigenous Australians have helped to shape rather significantly. Indigenous athletes have become great by tenacity, skill, and unrivaled passion—from shattering records on the international scene to motivating generations at home. This listicle honors the best Indigenous Australian athletes who have not only made a lasting impression on their particular disciplines but also become strong spokespeople for their communities.
Whether your passion is sports or you’re an inquisitive Australian learning about our athletic icons, these amazing tales will inspire you.
1. Cathy Freeman – Track and Field
Image Source: Nick Wilson/Getty Images
Cathy Freeman is one name that comes above others in Australian sports. Freeman, who was born in Mackay, Queensland, became well-known during the 2000 Sydney Olympics when she lit the Olympic flame and then took gold in the 400m final, so representing unity and national pride. She was the first Indigenous Australian athlete to take home an individual Olympic gold medal.
🌟 Why she’s great: Beyond her athletic prowess, Freeman’s ability to carry the hopes of a nation with grace made her an icon.
2. Adam Goodes – AFL
Image Source: Phil Hillyard
Along with being a great Australian Rules Football player, Adam Goodes was a fervent supporter of Indigenous rights having been a dual Brownlow Medallist and two-time premiership winner with the Sydney Swans. His bravery in challenging racism spurred national dialogues on respect and identity.
🌟 Why he’s great: A game-changer both on and off the field, Goodes represents leadership, integrity, and activism.
3. Evonne Goolagong Cawley – Tennis
Image Source: The Australian
Ranked world No. 1 in 1976 and a trendsetter in the 1970s and 1980s, Evonne Goolagong Cawley won seven Grand Slam singles titles. Globally, the Wiradjui woman’s elegant manner and calm won her admirers.
🌟 Why she’s great: She broke barriers for Indigenous women in sport and remains a beloved figure in Australian tennis history.
4. Lionel Rose – Boxing
Image Source: Brittanica
Defying Fighting Harada in Tokyo, Lionel Rose became the first Indigenous Australian to take home a world boxing title in 1968. He was also the first Aboriginal person chosen Australian of the Year. The stuff of legends is his account from struggle to valor.
🌟 Why he’s great: Rose’s success inspired countless young Indigenous Australians to dream big.
5. Johnathan Thurston – NRL
Image Source: The Australian
Johnathan Thurston is generally considered as one of the best rugby league players of all time, a magician with a football. Four-time Dally M Medallist and a major player in Queensland’s State of Origin supremacy, JT’s humility and leadership are unparalleled.
🌟 Why he’s great: He’s the ultimate team player and a strong advocate for Indigenous youth and education.
6. Ashleigh Barty – Tennis
Image Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Ash Barty was retired young, but her influence was great. The former world number one won the Australian Open (2022), Wimbledon (2021), and French Open (2019). A proud Ngarigo woman, Barty blended quiet dignity with great sport.
🌟 Why she’s great: She brought joy to Australians and left the game on her own terms, a true champion.
7. Patrick Mills – Basketball
Image Source: Marty Jean-Louis (SIPA USA)
Key member of the Australian Boomers and NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Patty Mills Being a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, he has increased Indigenous presence in international sports and guided Australia to produce its first Olympic basketball medal.
🌟 Why he’s great: Mills uses his platform to promote cultural awareness and inspire the next generation.
8. Anthony Mundine – Boxing & Rugby League
Image Source: News.Com.AU
Anthony Mundine was an NRL star prior to his outstanding boxing career. Unquestionably gifted but polarizing, “The Man” captured several boxing titles and never held back when speaking his truth.
🌟 Why he’s great: He was a dual-code athlete who brought flair and confidence to everything he did.
9. Buddy Franklin – AFL
Image Source: The Australian
Among the most exciting players the AFL has seen, Lance “Buddy” Franklin is Franklin is a once-in- a-generation forward having seven times as an All-Australian, two times as a premiership player, and belongs to the 1000-goal club.
🌟 Why he’s great: His athleticism and showmanship have redefined the modern Australian athlete.
10. Nova Peris – Athletics & Hockey
Image Source: National Seniors Australia
Only one Australian has won Olympic gold medals in two distinct sports: hockey (1996) and track (2000). Nova Peris She also was the first Indigenous woman chosen for federal parliament.
🌟 Why she’s great: A true trailblazer on and off the field, with an unmatched sporting legacy.
11. Greg Inglis – NRL
Image Source: Love Rugby League
In every sense Greg Inglis was a game-winner—powerful, quick, and instinctive. With the Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs, the former Queensland and Australia international injected genius into the NRL.
🌟 Why he’s great: His athletic dominance made him one of the most feared players in the league.
12. Danny Morseu – Basketball
Image Source: The Courier Mail Australia
First Torres Strait Islander to represent Australia at the Olympics in basketball (1980 and 1984) Danny Morseu He made it possible for sportsmen like Nathan Jawai and Patty Mills.
🌟 Why he’s great: Morseu is a foundational figure in Indigenous Australian basketball history.
13. Michael Long – AFL
Image Source: Herald Sun
Two-time Premiership winner with Essendon and Norm Smith Medallist Michael Long His most long-lasting influence came from campaigning, which spurred the AFL’s emphasis on racism following a prominent incident in 1995.
🌟 Why he’s great: A pioneer for change, Long helped create a more inclusive AFL.
14. Maurie Longbottom – Wheelchair Rugby
Image Source: Daily Telegraph
Key player in Australian wheelchair rugby, Maurie Longbottom has attended several Paralympic Games. Proud Wiradjui man, he has supported Indigenous involvement in para-sport and inclusivity.
🌟 Why he’s great: His story speaks to resilience and the spirit of competition.
15. Ash Taylor – NRL
Image Source: Photosport.NZ
Though injuries ended his career, Ash Taylor was once regarded as one of the best rising talents in rugby league. From early life, the former Titans halfback had great leadership and ability.
🌟 Why he’s great: Taylor remains a role model for aspiring young Indigenous NRL players.
Honorable Mentions
- Nathan Jawai – The first Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA.
- Jade North – First Indigenous player to captain the Socceroos.
- Shannon McCann – Champion hurdler and advocate.
- Bevan French – Lightning-fast NRL winger and Indigenous All Stars rep.
Final Thoughts
Passionate, tenacious, and fiercely proud of their background, these Indigenous stars define what it is to be a great Australian athlete. They have set records, opened doors, and motivated millions of people.
Their contributions have helped to define Australian identity as much as the sports scene. Let’s never forget the pioneers who raced, kicked, punched, jumped, and battled their way into our hearts and history books as we support upcoming heroes.
🎯 Who’s your favourite Indigenous Australian athlete? Let us know in the comments or share your own top picks on social media!
