Peggy Rock, Cate Twaddle and Shakalia Gardiner-Dunn named in NT talent squad
The Northern Territory Talent Academy has announced its under-18s girl’s side for their historic Coates Talent League clash in Darwin. Check out the squad.
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The Northern Territory Talent Academy has announced its under-18s girl’s side for their historic Coates Talent League clash in Darwin.
The talent academy will take on the Calder Cannons at TIO Oval 2 from 5pm in the first sanctioned match the girls will have played on their home ground.
It makes it a milestone moment for the Territory’s growing influence in the AFL landscape and a showcase of the region’s strong talent pathways, particularly in the women’s game.
The boy’s program returned to home soil as the curtain raiser ahead of the Suns v Bulldogs AFL match at TIO Stadium in May, it was their first time playing in Darwin since 2022.
The girls have only previously featured in local exhibition games.
Saturday’s match will mark a major step forward, offering the squad the chance to close out their 2025 Coates Talent League campaign in front of a home crowd.
After a slow start against the Sandringham Dragons, the NT side rebounded with a spirited showing against the Murray Bushrangers and now return to Darwin with a point to prove.
NT Talent Academy Head Coach Dale Eames welcomed the occasion and said it was exciting for the girls to return home.
“It’s incredibly exciting for our Northern Territory girls to play a home game at TIO Oval 2,” Eames said.
“There’s nothing like running out onto our home ground with the support of family, friends, and the local community behind them.”
The match has free entry via the Bonson gate with the match to be streamed live and free on the Coates Talent League app.
FULL TEAM:
Backline: Lakhyah Hill, Danika McDonald, Bella McLean, Tatyana Perry, Lexie Cagney, Cate Twaddle
Centre: Keanne Hart-Aluni, Taelah Smith, Layla May
Forward: Shakana Rankine, Eva Harris, Lavinah Pollo, Demi-Lee Braun, Bonnie Brown, Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn
Followers: Jade Moir, Aaliyah Mukhlis, Marika Carlton
Interchange: Peggy Rock, Caity Sutherland, Bella Foster, Jenara Grant, Sharna Edwards
Emergency: Gabriella Reisinger, Jessica Hardwick, Faye Ratara
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Originally published as Peggy Rock, Cate Twaddle and Shakalia Gardiner-Dunn named in NT talent squad
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