Big marking forward Jarrad Waite the latest AFL recruit to step out in Darwin’s wet season heat

ST MARY’S recruit Jarrad Waite always wanted to test his skills in the tropical heat of Darwin

Former Carlton and North Melbourne forward Jarrad Waite is plying his trade with NTFL club St Mary’s. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD.

ST MARY’S recruit Jarrad Waite always wanted to test his skills in the tropical heat of Darwin.

The 36-year-old ticked off one of his post-AFL bucket lists when he turned out for St Mary’s in their 14-point shootout loss to the Tiwi Bombers last week.

Waite’s 244 games in a 17-year career at the elite level included 184 in the dark blue of Carlton and 60 in the blue and white vertical stripes of North Melbourne.

His 377 goals at both clubs made him a certainty to line up in front of goals for his NTFL debut on a hot Saturday in October.

Waite almost turned out for Waratah last season, only deciding after his AFL career ended a month out from the NTFL season that the time was not right.

But that all changed this year through the link between his VAFA club St Kevins and St Mary’s.

“It meant I’ve got to do something I’ve wanted to do and it’s turned out to be really enjoyable,’’ Waite told the NT News.

“Obviously 2.30 on a Saturday morning getting transitioned into it wasn’t the greatest, especially playing against the Tiwis who have some boys who are pretty quick.

“There wasn’t a lot of defensive transition by both teams, but for me it was exciting to get out there and get a taste of Northern Territory footy.’’

Waite loved his time in the AFL, despite missing out on what he called the “ultimate success,’’ a premiership medal.

“I left Carlton after 13 years there and played four years at the Kangas where we got close to a grand final with a couple of prelims, but it wasn’t to be.’’

Waite will line up against the Darwin Buffaloes in tomorrow night’s rivalry game at TIO Stadium before returning to Melbourne.

But he wants to qualify for the finals if Anthony Vallejo’s side are good enough to make it to the March playoffs.

“I’ll fly in as required, I’m keen to get to six games and qualify to play finals footy if we get there,’’ Waite said.