Ethan Bush, Sonny Smiler among players in NT Coates Talent League squad
Elite junior footy will return to the Top End with two matches of the Coates Talent League to be played at TIO Stadium showcasing the Territory’s talent ahead of the AFL. See who made the NT team.
Northern Territory
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Elite junior footy will return to the Top End with two matches of the Coates Talent League to be played at TIO Stadium showcasing the Territory’s talent ahead of the AFL.
The competition that displays some of the best young players in the country was last played in the NT in 2022 when the Territory’s side played the Geelong Falcons.
That team featured future AFL draftees Will Rowlands and Lloyd Johnston who have both since been on the Gold Coast’s list.
It’s the first time the NT will host its own girls NT Talent Academy team marking a breakthrough in growing the game in the Territory.
The Boys team will kick off as part of their 2025 campaign at 3:30pm on Saturday against the Western Jets before the Suns take on the Western Bulldogs from 7.05pm.
The Jets, who closed out their 2024 season with five wins from 15 matches, are winless in 2025 after three rounds and a side the NT will want to show their skills against.
The girls will take the spotlight on June 14, with their home debut set for for 5:00pm at TIO Oval 2, a day before the Suns second Darwin-based game against Hawthorn.
The NT squad is building on a strong 2024 campaign including a close loss to the Western Jets and a solid victory over the Murray Bushrangers and hopes to use the NT crowd to continue that climb.
NT Talent Manager Shannon Millar said the matches represent a significant moment for Territory football.
“It’s incredibly exciting for our Northern Territory athletes to play a home game at TIO Stadium,” she said.
“There’s nothing quite like running out onto our home ground with the support of family, friends, and the local community behind them.
“This is a special opportunity not only for the players to showcase their talent on a big stage but also for loved ones to be there in person, sharing in the journey and celebrating the pride of Territory footy.”
To gain entry, you will be required to purchase a ticket to the 2025 Toyota AFL Match at https://tinyurl.com/326u8srp, while the girls match is free entry.
FULL TEAM FOR UNDER 18 BOYS:
Back: Ethan Bush, Jack Hewett, Brock Sandry, Malakai Le Rossignol, Deacon Summerville, Gus Trigwell
Centre: Sonny Smiler, Jordan Clyne, Kalen Russell
Forward: Adrian Scott, Hugo Timms, Calvin Peris-Chong, Waylon Davey, Issav Herold, Alijah Davey
Followers: Taj Murray, Clay Shadforth, Taj Stanley
Interchange: Kyran Cole-Manolis, Nathaniel Lampton, Joel Munnich, Hau-Tze Rock,
Ryan Bonham
Emergencies: Nathias Bourke-Miler, Zac Withers, Aaron McWilliams
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