NT Talent under-18s boys and under-16s girls academy squads named for 2026

The NT Talent Academy has announced its first set of boys and girls squads for the 2026 campaign showcasing some of the best young talents from across the Territory. Check out the full squads.

Nathaniel Chambers

2 min read

November 18, 2025 - 2:15PM

News Sport Network

Miley Cunningham and Calvin Peris Chong selected for the 2026 NT Talent Academy. Pictures: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media and Matt King / AFL Photos

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The NT Talent Academy has announced its first set of boys and girls squads for the 2026 campaign showcasing some of the best young talents from across the Territory.

The under-18s squad is headlined by Hugo Timms from PINT who claimed the 2025 under-16s NT MVP after providing a commanding presence for the Territory team.

Another to keep an eye out for is Mackiah Jones from Pioneer who recently claimed the 2025 Rising Star in the Central Australian Football League competition.

There’s a strong list of players joining them including plenty of NT News Rising Star nominees such as Calvin Peris-Chong, Frances Tipungwuti, Deacon Summerville, Sonny Smiler and Hau-Tze Rock.

Then there’s a group of players who have impressed from remote and regional areas in Ian Thomson, Tyler Kelly and Kevin Gurrawara.

Jordan Clyne selected for the 2026 under-18s NT Talent Academy. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

The under-16s girls group has also been selected with 2024-25 under-14s best and fairest winner Frances Bowden.

She will be joined by two of the big goal kickers from the same age group including Alana Finn and Tezziema Vincent.

Central Australia has plenty of representation including Taylah Palmer and Olivia Shulz who both featured strongly in the CAFL best and fairest medal count.

Talent from across the regions is apparent with Miley Cunningham, Pieona Puautjimi, and Bella Brown named from the Tiwi Islands while Tarneisha White represents East Arnhem and Akeima Lake will fly the flag for Katherine.

Southern Districts are well represented in both squads proving the growing talent in the side’s youth groups in recent seasons.

Under-18s Boys

Darwin Buffaloes: Kalen Russell, Nathias Bourke-Miler, Paddy McAuliffe-Smith, Jack Jones, Gary Lawford, Riley Seden-Kurnoth, Ricco Chubb, Eirenaios Ryder

Katherine: Ian Thomson

Nightcliff Tigers: Jack Hewett, Calvin Peris-Chong, Gus Trigwell, Hau-Tze Rock

Palmerston Magpies: Jordan Clyne, Deacon Summerville, Joel Munnich, Jaxon Boulton, Archie McLeod, Owen Campbell

PINT: Hugo Timms, Oscar Timms

Pioneer Eagles: Nathaniel Lampton, Kyran Cole-Manolis, Malakai Le Rossignol, Dillon Mallard, Flectha Murphy

Rovers: Brock Sandy

South Alice Springs: Duron Davis

Southern Districts: Leon Zammit, Sydney-Jack Baker, William (Will) Innes, Benjamin (Ben) Barnard, Isaac Herold, Dusty Cannard, Thomas Fabila, Glen Ah Mat

St Mary’s: Ethan Bush, Aaron McWilliams, Jalyn Priestley, Juraiya Calma-Long, Kairyce Lowah, Taj Sartori

Tennant Creek: Tyler Kelly

Tiwi Bombers: Frances Tipungwuti, Hubert Cunningham

Wanderers: Edward Darcy, Sonny Smiler, Jaren Sambo, Mazlan Patrick

Ramingining: Kevin Garrawurra

Waratah: Lukah Case, Zac Withers

Under-16s Girls

Southern Districts: Brylee Akers, Keira Pilkie, Olivia Gee, Skye Smith, Tayla Drummond, Alana Finn, Violet Withers, Courtney Hayes, Isla Jeffers, Athanasia Makrylos, Ava Robinson, Ruby Moylan, Mia Wilson, Pyper McGennisken

Wanderers: Chanelle Fejo, Eimi Smith

Darwin Buffaloes: Faithe Bouwer, Harmony Lacey, Payton Shadforth, Saana Higlett, Taitum Tipuamantamerri, Stacey Nona, Aleyah May

Nightcliff Tigers: Amber Quinn, Frances Bowden, Kaitlyn Berry, Regina Rumbewas, Erin Combe, Darcie Maley