Fifteen players to watch in the Men’s and Women’s Premier League football season in 2022
Football NT’s Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions starts tonight, and the NT News has highlighted 15 players to watch this season.
Northern Territory
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THE Football NT Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions kick off tonight, amid plenty of off-season signings which will whet the appetites of rusted-on football fans.
The game continues to grow in the NT, from an exposure point of view and through the number of women’s teams — growing from four to six in recent years.
Hellenic skipper Elli Makrylos, her second year in charge, said the women’s team had been built upon youth.
“It is all young girls coming up (at Hellenic), it’s a really young team,” Makrylos said.
“I’m one of the older players here, which is weird because I’m only 21.
“With the support of everyone it’s been a breeze (as captain).”
Casuarina captain Nikky Kalitsis agreed, believing girls were starting out in the sport at a younger age, while playing with and against older women had improved their skills “dramatically”.
Meanwhile, there have been some big moves during the off-season, bolstering Darwin Hearts’ stocks.
Goal scoring machine Uche “Christian” Okwara has moved from University Azzurri where he scored 90 goals in 90 matches.
Also making the switch to Hearts is Mindl grand final winner and agile defender Kelvin Mapendere, who has previously played at Darwin Olympic and Azzurri.
Football insiders believe Mapendere, who can also score goals, will bring a taste of Mindl’s successful culture, while premium goalkeeper Nelson Nheu has also signed.
Meanwhile, Port Darwin has recruited Yolanda Kanyai, with new coach Wayne Pearson saying it would give his squad a huge boost.
“It’s great to have someone of Yolanda’s ability and experience. Our squad is coming together nicely,” Pearson said.
Football NT chief executive Bruce Stalder told NT News this week there would be more cameras at Premier League games capturing the action for its live stream audiences.
“We’ve increased our livestreaming from a very low base to a reasonably high base this year, we’ll have plenty of cameras,” Stalder said.
“Two cameras for every game.
“Your livestream is crucial, it actually increases our attendance, our numbers have actually gone up at the stadium as has our viewership, they don't cannabilise each other.”
So after speaking to several Football NT insiders, NT News has a list of 15 players to watch this season:
Men’s Premier League
Sulav Maskey — Darwin Hearts
The former Under 19 Nepal captain and Hellenic player is a big signing, returning to the club where he previously clinched its goal scoring title and the MVP.
Matthew McNabb — Hellenic
One of the older players in the Hellenic outfit, McNabb has become synonymous for reliability.
Alex Turner — Hellenic
An exceptional defender, Turner is also a strong leader at the club and revered within the competition.
Will Reeve — Darwin Olympic
In his just his second year at the club, Reeve has been made vice-captain, rewarding his consistency and ability to be among the best players most games.
Ponloue Yin — Darwin Olympic
A winger returning from an ACL injury, Yin has built a reputation for his speed, control of the ball and a powerful shot from long range. He is also extremely competitive and physical for a man of smaller stature.
Safari Mukunbiju — University Azzurri
The striker, renowned for his speed and aggression, is returning from a long suspension, after getting in a fight in a match last season.
George Karpathios — Hellenic
Karpathious, who can play midfield and in defence, wields excellent ball control, dictates play and has played all over the country and overseas, gaining an enviable level experience for a young player.
Matt Wallace — Mindl
One of the club’s best, the midfielder has a big engine and also provides important leadership.
Jacques Matete — Darwin Olympic
The pacy and consistent midfielder will be out to produce a strong year after claiming the league’s rising star award last season.
Women’s Premier League
Sophia Makrylos — Hellenic
An up and coming star who is poised to be one of the competition’s best after a strong season in 2021.
A true Premier League standout who is skilful, clever and composed for a 20-year-old, Makrylos is also expected to kick plenty of goals this season.
Alexandra Fulton — Port Darwin
Always in the thick of the action and a valuable playmaker, Fulton has certainly made her mark on the competition in just a few years. Coach Wayne Pearson said he was excited to add her skill and experience to his young, developing side.
Nikky Kalitsis — Casuarina
A workhorse, clever and committed, the 20-year-old has shone in the midfield and with her leadership skills.
Stella Campbell — Port Darwin
Port Darwin’s younger keeper has been a reliable saver of goals for her club, and was outstanding when handed Premier League experience last year.
Tayah Hartog — Hellenic
Hartog, a junior who has come through the reserves, is a fresh face to watch in 2022.
A consistent performer, who can keep goals or mix it in other positions, Hartog got valuable experience at Premier level last year, and turned plenty of heads.
Still only in Year 11 at Casuarina Senior College.
Lauren Douglas — Casuarina
Another workhorse who was a popular member with Hellenic before she switched to Casuarina, Hellenic skipper Elli Makrylos says the centre midfielder has been a constant challenge for her former teammates.
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