After becoming the first Northern Territorian selected for the Annual Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp, 16-year-old Harrison Johnny has returned home to Alice Springs inspired and motivated for what’s ahead.
Held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 20–24 October, the camp brought together some of the country’s most promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers for five days of coaching, cultural connection, and leadership development.
The proud Garawa and Waanyi fast bowler described the experience as “incredible” particularly the opportunity to play and train on the MCG alongside some of Australia’s most respected cricketers.
“The camp was very good. Being able to play with some very experienced cricketers and being able to play at the MCG was incredible,” Johnny said.
“One of the biggest learning things that I'll take back is… And I'm not even a batter, but I'd take back what Will Pucovski said in the batting chat. He said to just envision yourself doing the best you can. Keep a cool head and you don't have to improve and be a batter. You can improve in stuff that you're good at and try and focus on those things.”
Originally from Alice Springs, Harrison started playing cricket in Year 7 after a friend’s father encouraged him to join the local team at Complete Constructions Cricket Club.
“I started off playing soccer and AFL, but after joining cricket I just fell in love with it,” he said.
“There aren’t a lot of opportunities in Alice, but I was lucky to start young and got to play A-grade at 14 or 15. That helped me learn quickly and improve faster because I was playing with adults. I was learning more than what the kids my age were learning.”
Earlier this year, Harrison represented the Northern Territory at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay after being identified through the Annual Imparja Cup powered by DXC Technology.
He said the Imparja Cup had played a key role in his journey.
“The Imparja Cup is a great opportunity for young Aboriginal cricketers to get around people who love the game,” he said.
“You learn from older players, feel supported, and it gives you the chance to be seen. Playing there helped me get picked for the NT team, and it’s something I’ll definitely keep playing in.”
Harrison will return to Alice Springs to compete in the Imparja Cup 2026, which will again bring together Indigenous players from across the country.
NT Cricket Pathway and Development Coach Trent Keep said Harrison’s story shows what’s possible when young players embrace opportunity.
“Harrison has made the most of every chance given to him, from the Imparja Cup through to the NICC and now the MCC Foundation Camp,” Keep said.
“His story is a great example of how the Indigenous cricket pathway can open doors for young Territorians who are willing to step forward and give it a go.”
The Imparja Cup will return to Mparntwe/Alice Springs from Friday 20 to Tuesday 24 February 2026.
Registrations are now open HERE <.