EDFL: Jarrod Stokes signs for Essendon Doutta Stars

A winless EDFL club has added some more quality to its playing list with the arrival of a Northern Territory league representative.

Essendon Doutta Stars have received a boost in its bid to win its first game of the 2022 season with the signing of a Northern Territory star.

The Essendon District league club announced earlier this week Jarrod Stokes, captain of the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL Premier League, had signed for the remainder of the 2022 season.

Stokes arrives at Nipper Jordan Oval on the back of a terrific NTFL season where he finished in the league’s best and fairest, just one vote behind joint winners Eric Guthrie from the Palmerston Magpies and Daniel Bowles from the Nightcliff Tigers.

In January, he was a co-captain on the NTFL side which took on SANFL club Woodville West Torrens.

“Jarrod is a versatile midfield player who has strength and agility,” Doutta Stars said in a social media post.

“Welcome to the Stars Jarrod. We hope to see you wearing the blue (and) gold against Avondale Heights this weekend.”

Stokes’ arrival takes Doutta Stars’ NT contingent to four in 2022 as he prepares to join Tommy Clarke (Darwin Buffaloes), Michael Graham (Waratah) and Lionel Ogden (Southern Districts) at the club.

Graham has played all three games this season, kicking two goals in round one against East Keilor, while Ogden returned for his second game at the weekend.

Jarrod Stokes has signed with Essendon Doutta Stars. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

Clarke, who is yet to debut, has been described by the club as a “solid mid-forward, (who) is hard at the footy, is smart and skilful”.

“His inclusion will add depth and talent to our senior club,” Doutta Stars said following his unveiling.

Doutta Stars are 0-3 after the opening three rounds of the EDFL season and will host Avondale Heights on Saturday.