Southern Districts utility Jaeden Watts wins the Round 15 Rising Star nomination

JAEDEN Watts has the football smarts and right mix of skills and stamina to go a long way in the game of Australian football

Jaeden Watts has been a revelation at Premier League club Southern Districts this season. Picture: Aaron Black/AFLNT Media

JAEDEN Watts has the football smarts and right mix of skills and stamina to go a long way in the game of Australian football.

That was Southern Districts coach Shannon Rusca’s assessment of the 16-year-old utility player’s third game at Premier League level on Saturday.

Watts was one of his side’s best in an otherwise disappointing loss to flag favourites Nightcliff in the twilight game at TIO Stadium.

His performance earned him the Round 15 NT News Rising Star nomination and an opportunity some of the greats of NT football who went on to big things after winning the league’s under-21 award.

Watts started the game in the forward half where he kicked an early goal and later moved to the wing and down back where he found the football on a number of occasions.

“Jaeden’s got a bag of tools he uses very well on matchdays and it was obvious in everything he did against Nightcliff that he is a footballer with a big future,’’ Rusca said.

“His ability to make decisions whether in possession or not and find the right spaces shows maturity above his years and when he gets the footy he does something constructive with it.’’

St Mary’s wingman-forward Jacob Long was an impressive performer in his side’s win over Palmerston on Saturday night, booting three goals from opportunities presented to him and creating some nervous moments in the Magpie defence.

The Magpies got good service from Mishai Perry Jr, who continues to remind his own officials and opposition supporters of his efficiency when the ball is in his hand.

The 23rd recipient of the NT News Rising Star will be unveiled on Sunday, March 8 when the league’s best and fairest count is conducted at Mindil Beach Resort Casino.