Marika Carlton and Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn among Territorians selected for Allies squad
A group of the NT’s brightest young footballers will represent the Allies in a big draft boost after the Territory talent academy pulled off a historic win on their home deck. Read who got selected.
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A group of the NT’s brightest young footballers will represent the Allies in a big draft boost after the Territory talent academy pulled off a historic win on their home deck.
Marika Carlton, Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn, Lakhyah Hill, Danika McDonald, Taelah Smith, and Peggy Martin have earned their spots in the Allies for the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships.
Carlton and Gardiner-Dunn have both been recognised for their talents with NTFL Rising Star wins, while Hill and Smith turned heads themselves throughout the competition as well.
Alice Springs product Danika McDonald, representing Pioneer, has built consistent form in the Coates Talent League, averaging 15.3 disposals per game.
Meanwhile, Martin showed flashes of brilliance with the Sandringham Dragons and is a noted talent for the future.
The Allies begin their campaign against Vic Country at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Melbourne on June 22.
They have further clashes against Vic Metro (July 13), Western Australia (July 19) and their final fixture against Queensland (July 27).
It follows a historic win for the NT Talent Academy when it closed out its Coates Talent League campaign in style with a win against the Calder Cannons in their first home match.
The NT brought pressure after losses to the Sandringham Dragons and Murray Bushrangers but still found themselves behind at quarter time.
But a stirring fightback with goals from Eva Harris, Bella Foster and Jade Moir made it a three point ball game at the main break.
And they didn’t look back from there with Carlton scoring twice and Gardiner-Dunn and Keanne Hart-Aluni getting on the board as well to completely flip the switch.
Smith captained the side with 25 disposals, while Peggy Rock had 31 to her name and Lexie Cagney proved a strong contributor too off half back with 21 disposals and five tackles.
Head Coach Dale Eames praised his side’s growth across the campaign that led to the win at TIO Oval 2.
“They delivered a performance that made their families, friends, and the entire Northern Territory incredibly proud,” Eames said.
“This group is highly capable. Some of our early results in Melbourne didn’t reflect what they’re truly capable of, but they’ve stuck together week on week and kept improving.
“On Saturday, we won both the contested possession and tackle count convincingly and when you win that statistical combination you win most games of footy.
“It was a significant milestone to play our first-ever Coates League game in Darwin. To mark that with a win made it even more special. We hope to host more games in the Territory in the future.”
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Originally published as Marika Carlton and Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn among Territorians selected for Allies squad
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