Leroy Dhurrkay earns NTFL 2023-24 Round 14 Rising Star nomination
A young gun from Elcho Island showed his talent for Wanderers in his Premier League debut and earned the Round 18 Rising Star nomination. See all the 2023-24 nominees.
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An Elcho Island talent lit up the field for Wanderers in his Premier League debut earning himself the final Rising Star nomination of the season.
Leroy Dhurrkay scored two goals and showed off his handiness in the forward line in his side’s defeat of the Tiwi Bombers in Round 18.
The youngster shone in just his first game in the yellow and blue of Wanderers showing off his moves whether it was leaping for the ball or his goal sense.
Coach Aaron Motlop said he was a talent for the future despite his current rawness, and hoped to see more of him for the 2024-25 season.
“He’s a pretty raw, young kid from Elcho Island, his dad’s actually Manuel Dhurrkay who played for the Buffaloes and Wanderers, so he’s had that connection,” Motlop said.
“We ended up getting him over at the end of the season and he’s played well for us, which is a credit to him.
“He’s still very raw with his ability, he can jump and move very well, but it’s obviously a big step playing Premier League footy against talented players each week.
“He’s proven he can be goal kicker, he’s probably going to become a forward of some sort whether he’s a key or otherwise, it all depends on how he develops and invests in his footy.”
Motlop said securing him for the future, as well as other young talent, would play a part in the Muk Muks revival in the years to come.
But the young gun, as well as getting the win at all, was a step in the right direction for a Wanderers side who can take some confidence into the off season.
“There’s still a fair bit of development he needs to go through for next year, he has the ability there’s just everything else that goes into playing consistently every week,” Motlop said.
“Hopefully we can secure him for next season, we know he wants to come back and that could lead to a pathway for those Elcho Island boys.
“It’s imperative that we get this right, that we provide these opportunities for these young blokes to come and play Premier League foot, but also to hold on to them and ensure they’re performing at the level they need to.
“We want to make sure we continue that clear pathway for our juniors.”
Round 17 - Thomas Dewsbury (St Mary’s)
St Mary’s have picked up their fourth Rising Star nomination of the 2023-24 NTFL season as they return to the top of the ladder.
Thomas Dewsbury, who has impressed all year for the club’s under-18s side, picked up a Rising Star nod in his side’s demolition job of bottom side Palmerston.
After being named seven times in the best players for the under-18s and at least once in the Reserves coach Anthony Vallejo gave the club junior a go at the top level.
And he performed admirably scoring two goals in a match his side were expected to, and did, dominate from the opening quarter.
As well as getting the goals under his belt, Dewsbury also gathered 10 touches and assisted two more goal scoring efforts to help his side well and truly secure the 26.14 (170) to 2.3 (15) win.
Round 16 - Zander Nash (Darwin Buffaloes)
A Darwin Buffaloes recruit showed what he can do in the Premier League featuring heavily in the touches department against a hapless Wanderers outfit.
Zander Nash earned himself the Round 16 Rising Star nomination after a strong showing in just fourth NTFL Premier League game.
Nash earned the call up to the top side after a couple of strong performances in the Reserves and then made the leap to the top flight, facing sides such as St Mary’s, Nightcliff, PINT and Waratah.
But against Wanderers he played his best game racking up 17 touches from the defensive line, and featuring heavily on the rebound.
The player who has also played in the Coates Talent League is the second Buffalo to get selected for the Rising Star following William Munkara prior to the Christmas break.
Round 15 - Timmy Kerinauia (Waratah)
A Waratah youngster who has been improving each week in the reigning premiers’ backline scored himself the Round 15 Rising Star nomination.
Timmy Kerinaiua has been one of the big finds of the 2023-24 NTFL season, coming through from the Waratah under-18s premiership winning side.
And his winning form got him the call up to the top side this time around where he has often proven himself one of his side’s most reliable defenders.
He has been a frequent sight in the top outfit this season, even earning nods in his side’s best players as he makes the courageous tackles even when size is against him.
In this match he got 13 touches, made three tackles and even worked well on the rebounding end of events ensuring the ball returned to his midfield whenever he could.
He joins Dwayne Kerinauia and Brody Embuscado as Waratah’s Rising Star nominees from the season.
Round 14 - Ethan Knight (St Mary’s)
St Mary’s recruit Ethan Knight finally got his chance at Premier League level after rising up the ranks, and impressed enough to earn the Round 14 Rising Star nomination.
The 17-year-old onballer from country Victoria made the trip up to play NTFL footy for the first time this season, and found his place at St Mary’s.
The Hamilton Kangaroos had to climb the ranks to earn himself a spot in the top side, which is currently brimming with midfield talent.
But after several impressive performances in the reserves he was sent in against Palmerston and impressed, causing another headache in selections for coach Anthony Vallejo.
Knight notched 17 disposals in the 21.13 (139) to 3.4 (22) win to help his side take the percentage boosting win they were looking for.
“He’s worked really hard, he’s one of those blokes who have come up from down south and really made that big step,” Vallejo said.
“He’s an onballer, but we’ve got a really strong on ball side so he’s fought really hard and done really well over the past couple of months to get his chance.
“He’s a young kid who just has a crack, he’s got a fair bit of energy and doesn’t mind the rough stuff, and he brought that on the weekend which we were happy with.
Vallejo was looking forward to seeing the young gun make a return in the coming years with the idea of him properly breaking through to the top team.
“He’s earned his stripes really well, but he’s only young so I’m hoping to see him back next year and see how he continues to grow,” Vallejo said.
“At the moment it’s just about him playing his role and he’s doing that very well.
“He’s an in and under sort of player and the weather up here does seem to suit him.”
Meanwhile, Jonita Kingsley from Wanderers proved herself a true standout in her side after performing well in her team’s best performance to date.
The Arnhem Crows premiership winner picked up the women’s Rising Star accolade putting herself in the conversation for the end of season award.
ROUND 13 - Brody Embuscado (Waratah)
A Waratah junior with prospects of playing in the SANFL has earned himself the Round 13 NTFL Rising Star nomination.
Lock down defender Brody Embuscado impressed against the Tiwi Bombers with a 12 disposal display.
The young gun is currently boarding in South Australia where he is doing pre-season with Glenelg, but has been able to give Waratah his services so far in the season.
Coach Ryan Ayres was impressed with his performances so far and saw him as a player who would continue to excel as he gained experience.
“He’s a young lad who has played all his junior footy at Waratah and has been really solid for us all season,” Ayres said.
“He plays a key lock down positon, which is pretty hard to do for someone of his age at Premier League level, but he’s proven himself capable over the past couple of years.
“Unfortunately for us we will probably lose his services for the rest of the season as he’s going back to complete the SANFL pre-season and excel further there.
Those overhead marks are his best attributes, and he’s just been very clean playing the ball on the ground and passing off first give, he’s a really promising young kid.”
ROUND 12 - Damien Dunn (Tiwi Bombers)
An exciting Tiwi Bombers small forward showed off skills he’s honed down south in an impressive Round 12 outing, which earned him the latest Rising Star nomination.
Damien Dunn has been training and playing in South Australia while at boarding school, and has been doing pre-season with the Glenelg under-18s squad.
Back in Darwin for the school holidays he has been given the chance to play with the Tiwi seniors, picking up his second game for the side, against Palmerston in Round 12.
Coach Patrick Bowden was instantly impressed with the way in which the 17-year-old performed throwing himself into contests, getting 12 touches and scoring two goals in the side’s win.
“He’s come back home for the school holidays so we decided to give him a go in the senior team and he played really well,” Bowden said.
“He’s a small forward and I felt his pressure, particularly tackle pressure was really good as well as his ball winning and he obviously hit the scoreboard with a couple of goals.
“He was doing a lot out there, flying for marks and doing a lot of work on the ground as well, so we were happy with how he played out there.”
Dunn’s performance in the 16.14 (110) to 9.1 (55) win over Palmerston showed he’s a player who had the potential to make a mark in the big state league’s should he choose to play there.
“It shows he’s been doing some hard work down in Adelaide with preseason so hopefully we can keep him for a few more games,” Bowden said.
“He’s in the right place to build and develop, and hopefully he can keep on going with his footy and do well.”
Meanwhile, Lily Tastula of Waratah picked up the women’s nomination after an impressive showing against top of the table PINT.
Tastula was a standout for the side which despite losing 6.6 (42) to 2.5 (17) showed plenty of resilience in what was the women’s grand final rematch.
ROUND 11 - Adrian Scott (Nightcliff Tigers)
Nightcliff junior Adrian Scott has emerged as one of the top young guns of the season, and was named the Round 11 Rising Star nominee as a result.
The 17-year-old came through the age grades at Tiger town and has cemented his place in the senior side for the 2023-24 season.
Scott has made himself a fixture in the Nightcliff forward line, and is a constant source of energy there whether it’s kicking goals or taking on the contest.
His work has impressed first season Tigers coach Leigh Crossman, who has awarded Scott’s efforts with plenty of appearances.
“He’s come up from the under-18s and played a little bit with us last year,” Crossman said.
“He’s got some great ground speed and goes through purple patches in matches where he kicks a couple of goals which really gets us going.
“He’s great at getting the ball on the outside and the speed and skill, which he brings for us, is always pretty handy and important.”
Meanwhile, Marietta Puautjimi was named the women’s Rising Star after showing off her skills for St Mary’s against the Tiwi Bombers.
Puautijimi constantly offered herself for the ball and gave away with a goal in her side’s 15.16 (106) to 0.3 (3) win.
ROUND 10 - Tyson Mattiazzo (Palmerston Magpies)
Palmerston junior Tyson Mattiazzo has fought up the ranks and taken his opportunities at the top level and has now earned himself the Round 10 Rising Star nomination.
Mattiazzo, 17, has been one of the standout young performers for the Magpies this season earning consistent best on accolades at under-18s and reserves level before making the step up.
The tall player got his first senior game in Round 8 against St Mary’s and though his side has struggled this season Mattiazzo has played the role he’s been called on to fill.
The Magpies almost beat Wanderers in Round 10, leading temporarily late in the piece, and Mattiazzo played a key role there placing second in the side for inside 50s.
Palmerston coach Josh Heath praised the young gun for his commitment in training and on the field, where he has played further forward with four inside 50s to his name.
“He has really good potential coming through our junior program and has taken his opportunity in our forward line,” Heath said.
“We see a long future for him and just want to continue to develop his game and giving him exposure at the top level.
“It’s his commitment to the process. He spoke to me right at the start about what he has to do to play in premier league and he really put the work in and was consistent in his approach.
“He’s good below the knees for a tall kid, he can take a mark and he’s good at leading up the ground which is something we’re still working on his craft around.
“It’s about getting him in there and giving him experience, it’s hard for him in a losing side, which is disappointing, but he’s definitely playing his role, which is the main thing.”
The Magpies have yet to claim a win in the 2023-24 season, with players from previous seasons no longer available, while club leaders such as Jonty Patrick have suffered injuries.
However, young players such as Mattiazzo are being earmarked as future senior leaders in the club, with Waylon Davey, Orlando Turner and Gabriel Mulholland others to keep an eye on.
Meanwhile, the likes of Ashton Hams, who has got 40+ touches two rounds in a row are inspirations to the Magpies’ growing next generation.
“We had a significant number of senior players either become unavailable or go on to other levels of football, such as VFL or in the case of Sam Clohesy get drafted,” Heath said.
“It left a gap in terms of our playing list which gave an opportunity for our younger guys to come through, it is a rebuild but we want to give these opportunities too.
“We’re really trying to encourage our junior talent coming through to stick with us, and we will look after them and reward them and hopefully they become long term Palmerston senior players.
“Hams is someone the kids look up to, he’s just a fantastic leader, he engages with the playing group and him getting loads of touches and being consistent has been magnificent for us.”
ROUND 9 - Thaddeus Puautjimi (Tiwi Bombers)
Tiwi Bombers’ Thaddeus Puautjimi was a near constant in and around the action for his side when they beat Wanderers, earning himself the Round 9 Rising Star nomination.
The 17-year-old recently finished year 12 and is now showing off his talents on the field, which first became apparent when he won the TIFL best and fairest.
He’s quickly become a core player in the young Tiwi side which has made a marked improvement on its showings from recent seasons.
The youngster has already been named in his side’s best four times this season, including in both of their wins against Palmerston and most recently against Wanderers.
Puautjimi shone when the NTFL returned to Wurrumiyanga Oval for the first time in the 2023-24 season, with 12 impactful touches which included a goal.
Bombers’ coach Patrick Bowden said Puautjimi was a workhorse on the wing who had all the natural talent to take his game to the top levels of the sport.
“I had my eyes on him very early on after he won the TIFL best and fairest,” Bowden said.
“He plays on the wing, he is just a workhorse. He works up and down the wing, has great endurance and is a very good runner.
“He’s got unbelievable skills so we like to get the ball in his hands and we like him using it for us.
“He never misses training, he’s there every single session. He’s one of the ones I can rely on to be there day in and day out.
‘He’s quite skinny and has quite a bit of weight to put on he has all the skill and ability, we just need to give him time to develop and get himself right so he can play at that top tier.”
He becomes the second Tiwi Bomber to earn a Rising Star nomination in this season after ruck Karlson Kantilla received a nod in Round 3.
Meanwhile, Tiwi had another Rising Star nomination in the women’s competition as Ephrianna Tipungwuti earned herself selection after her side’s massive win against Wanderers.
She was one of 13 goal scorers in her side’s 21.16 (142) to 0.4 (4) win over the Muk Muks and picked up a number of valuable possessions throughout.
ROUND 8 - Tristan Singh-Lippo (Nightcliff Tigers)
Nightcliff’s energetic forward Tristan Singh-Lippo has earned a Rising Star nomination on the back of some stunning x-factor moments in his side’s Round 8 win over Southern Districts.
Singh-Lippo has been one of the most exciting young forwards across the past two seasons since breaking into the top level with the Tiwi Bombers last season.
But for 2023-24 he’s returned to where he played his junior footy and is making an impact with his run and carry and impressive speed.
He only had a handful of touches against the Crocs but was deadly with every single one kicking a goal and making a thrilling fourth quarter dart down the ground to see his side home.
Coach Leigh Crossman said the excitement machine was an impactful player throughout the encounter with his abilities on full show.
“He was obviously pretty impactful with his run and carry and ability to use the ball,” Crossman said.
“His speed through the middle and further up forward is critically to what we’re about and what we like to do.
“He obviously gets the crowd and going as well as the other players around him, which is great for our group.”
Also key is how he feeds off the players on and off the field, making good use of the ball alongside his bigger bodied teammates.
The 19-year-old has had some wins off the field too having recently completed his Aboriginal Liaison Officer course with the police, which his side celebrated.
“Being able to put some bigger players around him allows him to feed off that energy, and he’s had the room to flourish on the outside of those players,” Crossman said.
“He’s very energetic and bubbly, the guys all look after him and they celebrate his wins off the field too, which is probably more important than the footy side of things.”
Adrian Scott is another young Nightcliff player who is flourishing at the moment and is a purple patch at the moment whether it’s scoring goals or getting the touches.
And he was another who performed during the win over Southern Districts, which will go down as one of the most important of Nightcliff’s season.
ROUND 7 - Chad Bertrand (Saints) and Bonnie Brown (Districts)
ROUND 6 - Taj Murray (Nightcliff) and Ciana Niesner (Palmerston)
ROUND 5 - William Munkara and Alysha Jeffrey (Darwin Buffaloes)
ROUND 4 - Stanley Waistcoat (Districts) and Mikayla Baldwin (Palmerston)
A five-goal NTFL premier league debut for Southern Districts has earned Tennant Creek product Stanley Waistcoat the Round 4 Rising Star nomination.
The teenager has caught the eyes of coaches across the Territory whether for Spitfires in the Barkly league, Rovers in the CAFL or with the Crocs in the NTFL.
His uncanny skills and dangerous running has led to selection in the NT’s under-18s Coates Talent League, while he also spent time with South Fremantle in the WAFL in 2023.
He returned to Districts this season where after impressing twice in the reserves got the call up to the Premier League side against a challenging PINT outfit.
And the young talent was dangerous on the attack all day constantly threatening goals coming away with five majors and two score assists from 12 possessions, in the 20.17 (137) to 4.4 (28) victory.
Districts coach Shannon Rusca said the young talent had flourished against one of the top teams in the competition.
“He’s doing some great things in Darwin, started in Division 1 where he caught the eye of selectors, who had no hesitation in putting him in against one of the comp’s top teams,” Rusca said.
“He flourished in that environment where he used his very uncanny skills to find the footy and find the goals.
“He was threatening all day, he was very clean below his feet and in the air, he reads the ball in flight very well and he judged a few over his head and took some contested marks, which was great.
“Stanley is very good in training, he’s very exciting and very bubbly and he brings in a lot of laughter to the group.”
The junior made his AFL aspirations known earlier this year while attending the National Indigenous and Multicultural Talent Program held in Adelaide.
And it’s an ambition Rusca believes he has the talent and ability to achieve, it just comes down to how he applies himself.
“He’s got the talent and the ability, for him it comes down to the right time and right place,” Rusca said.
“He’s got to put in the work to be at the level above NTFL, there’s no doubt if he chooses that path he could entertain that.”
ROUND 3 - Karlson Kantilla (Tiwi) and Paula Pavic (Saints)
A Tiwi Bombers youngster playing just his second NTFL game showed his talents in the ruck setting up a dominant win against Palmerston, and earning himself the Rising Star nomination.
Karlson Kantilla had perhaps the toughest start for any ruckman playing in the NTFL as he faced off against the league’s best in the middle, Matt Dennis from Southern Districts.
Despite the size disparity he dug in and came away with eight hit outs to his name on that occasion, setting himself up well as one to watch at centre bounce.
And against Palmerston he returned his side’s trust with results winning the contest 19 times, while also proving himself a running threat bursting out of centre square.
Alongside his valuable work in the ruck, the exciting prospect picked up 14 possessions, five clearances, three tackles and made two scoring assists.
Coach Patrick Bowden said he had been impressed by Kantilla’s willingness to fight on in the ruck against whichever opponent he faced.
“He’s a young fella who held his own against Matthew Dennis in his first game of NTFL footy, he was outsized, but never gave up,” Bowden said.
“And again on the weekend he did a great job, he won a lot of contests around the footy, he’s got great skills and great game knowledge and I think he’s going well.
“He can play multiple positions but at the moment he’s holding down ruck for us, but everything he’s done in the TIFL leading up to this season has been in ruck so it’s natural for him.”
Meanwhile, Paula Pavic has picked up the Rising Star nomination in the women’s competition after multiple starring performances for her Saints’ side
Pavic, another starring ruck, supplied her side with ball after ball in their 22.16 (148) to 0.0 (0) win over Southern Districts in Round 3.
A constant thorn in opposition sides whether jumping or contesting the ball in the midfield, Pavic is a busy player and one who hasn’t slipped in form once in the opening three rounds.
ROUND 2 - Seth Harris (St Mary’s) and Shanie Lami Lami (Tiwi)
An 18-year-old who made the trip up from the Mornington Peninsula on his own has been awarded the Rising Star nomination following a courageous second round of the NTFL.
Seth Harris joined St Mary’s midway through the pre-season after making the trip up on his own in a car with no aircon, and has quickly cemented himself as a hard working club man.
He is the latest in the connections between Mornington and the Green Machine following two-time Dennis Dunn winner Jackson Calder and Sam Fowler.
And he very quickly impressed against reigning premiers Waratah in Round 2 picking up 26 possessions, four clearances, four tackles and five inside 50s.
Coach Anthony Vallejo was impressed with his showing saying the young player would be one to keep an eye on as the season goes on.
“He’s a young kid who moved up by himself in a car with no aircon so he’s pretty committed,” Vallejo said.
“The first thing we noticed was his fitness, we’ve got some really good runners in Dylan Landt and Kieren Parnell, but he was up there in front of those boys sometimes.
“He’s a really courageous kid and a hard runner, we’ve seen him through the middle and know he can play down back as well.
“He uses the ball really well on his left and right foot, but for such a young kid he’s got a really mature head on his shoulders
“He’s brought into the club culture, he doesn’t miss a training session and even turned up for some Auskick sessions and did a bit extra around the club.”
Meanwhile, Shanie Lami Lami from the Tiwi Bombers was named the Rising Star nominee for the Women’s Premier League.
The young starred in her first outing of the season kicking two goals and three behinds against Southern Districts in her side’s narrow victory at the Croc’s home.
And she will also be one to watch as the season wears on with the Bombers women keenly targeting their first go at the NTFL women’s finals.
ROUND 1 - Dwayne Kerinaiua (Waratah) and Marika Carlton (Palmerston)
An exciting Waratah prospect kicked four goals in his first game with the premier league side to earn himself the Round 1 Rising Star nomination.
Dwayne Kerinaiua, 18, got his first taste of premier league action playing with the Tiwi Bombers in the 2022-23 season, while also running out for the Waratah under-18s side.
But in Round 1 he settled on playing top grade for the Tahs where his x-factor talent came to the fore in a four-goal display.
He filled in brilliantly in a forward line including his good friend and formerly Essendon Bombers listed Anthony Munkara, and constant goal-threat Jayden Magro.
And it wasn’t just his goal kicking which impressed coach Ryan Ayres in the dominant win against Southern Districts, but his speed on and off the ball as well as his tackle pressure.
“He’s an extremely, exciting talent and a natural footballer like all the footballers from Tiwi are,” Ayres said.
“It’s good to have him in the Waratah system, he’s got those Tiwi connections, but he’s chosen to play with us which is great.
“He kicked four goals in a forward line which worked well together, but his tackle pressure was elite as well and he’s got genuine leg speed.”
Before joining the premier league team, Kerinaiua proved his talent in Waratah’s under-18s win where he kicked all five of his side’s goals.
“He’s an absolute freak, they kicked five goals and he kicked all of them to get best on ground,” Ayres said.
“Then he also played in our team against the Central Australian rep side and kicked a couple there so he’s an exciting prospect for sure.
“It’s one thing playing for Waratah, but I think he’s got enough talent to challenge himself and push for bigger and better things.”
He isn’t the only exciting prospect to star in the match against Tahs with Timothy Kerinaiua and Xavier Blitner also impressing.
Meanwhile, Marika Carlton won the women’s rising star showing why she was so highly rated coming through the junior grades with a three-goal showing against Wanderers.
Carlton has been one of the most anticipated juniors in the women’s competition having won the best and fairest accolade in both the under-16s and under-18s competitions last year.
The Palmerston junior also collected the best-on-ground honours in both team’s premiership successes, and is now the first nominee for the 2023-24 Rising Star.
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