Rising Star nominee Brendon Minkulk combines with skill with grit to Waratah over the line

BRENDON Minkulk’s development as a league footballer reached new heights with his Round 6 nomination for the NT News Rising Star award

Gunbalanya's Brendon Minkulk is the pride of NTFL club Waratah this week after his Round 6 nomination for the 2019 NT News Rising Star award. Picture: Liz Cruse/AFLNT Media

BRENDON Minkulk’s development as a league footballer reached new heights on Saturday when he won the Round 6 nomination for the NT News Rising Star award.

The Gunbalanya flyer was a key factor in Waratah’s 43-point win over the Tiwi Bombers at Gardens Oval.

His willingness to put his body on the line in contested situations and use the ball to his side’s advantage when gaining possession impressed coach Ryan Ayres.

“It’s all part of Brendon’s development and ability to work in with his teammates,’’ Ayres told the NT News.

“We played him across half forward where he uses the ball very well and can defend when the situation demands.’’

A Territory Thunder under-18 representative, Minkulk played in the NEAFL with the senior side.

Other standouts in the weekend’s matches included Southern Districts’ Brodie Lake in a defensive role and Nightcliff’s Caleb Walker who continued his high workrate against the Darwin Buffaloes.