Eagles sign talented star from the NT’s Robinson River Mishai Wollogorang for 2021 season

From one of the most remote towns in the Northern Territory to signing with the SANFL’s reigning premier – read the inside story on the Eagles’ latest recruit.

Woodville-West Torrens has signed Mishai Wollogorang. who hails from a remote indigenous community, Robinson River, which has a population of 285 people. Picture: Russell Millard

Mishai Wollogorang is a long way from his home in one of the country’s most remote indigenous communities.

But the rising footballer, who hails from Robinson River – a town in the Northern Territory 1350km from Alice Springs with a population of 285 people – has a big dream.

He wants to be the first from Robinson River to play football at a high level.

And he is one step closer after moving almost 3000km away to Adelaide and signing with reigning SANFL premier Woodville-West Torrens.

“At first it was hard, leaving all my family back home, probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but it’s something that I had to do,” Wollogorang, 19, said.

“My Mum knew it would be the best thing she made me do.

“Hopefully I can make my family proud and most of all my community proud.

“To play in the SANFL is massive and maybe one day in the AFL would be even bigger for not only myself, but for my community.”

New Woodville-West Torrens recruit Mishai Wollogorang. Picture: Russell Millard

The Eagles identified the speedy defender during a community visit to Yirara College in Alice Springs where he had been boarding while completing a Year 13 carpentry traineeship.

He featured with West in the Central Australian Football League last year and was named in the best six times from eight matches.

Wollograng, who had now started an apprenticeship with Eagles major sponsor Maughan Thiem, said he was a bit overwhelmed during his first visit to SA.

But his new teammates and coaches had helped with the transition.

“I remember when I first came here before Christmas, I went to Tea Tree Plaza to do a bit of shopping and there was heaps of people there,” he said.

“I was shocked with the amount of people there, that was pretty much double or three times the amount of people at home.

“I have only played football in front of about 60 or 70 people … (but) the lads at the club have been amazing, they’ve been so welcoming with a big smile, so it’s been good.”

He said earning a spot in the league team would be challenging but he was keen to prove his worth.

“There is a bit of pressure but I’m young so I just want to give it everything I’ve got.

“I’m really looking forward to the experience.”