NT Thunder Academy AFL and AFLW League Championship impresses talent manager

The future is bright for Territory football. This was the sentiment of the AFLNT’s talent manager after NT Thunder Academy players impressed on Friday night.

THE future is bright for Territory football, and that includes the remote regions and Central Australia.

These were the sentiments of AFLNT talent manager Simon Hargrave after the NT Thunder Academy AFL and AFLW League Championship Challenges at TIO Stadium on Friday night.

The boys’ match was a draw, Team Jeffrey kicking 9.3 (57) to Team Rosas’ 8.9 (57).

And in the girls’ game, Team Baird triumphed 12.5 (77) to 8.5 (53) over Team Ponter.

But it was the amount of bright young talent from all around the region who participated in both games which really impressed Hargrave.

“For the girls’ game, we had 18 players come up from Alice Springs and some from Katherine,” Hargrave said.

“And the boys had nine from Alice Springs, four from Tennant Creek, three from Katherine, four from the Tiwi Islands and one from Gove.

“We’ve got plenty of talent here in the Territory who can go to the next level, and we’re looking forward to seeing what these kids can produce as part of our program over the next two to three years.”

There was no shortage of standouts from both games.

Team Jeffrey and Team Rosas after their 2021 NAB League Championship game. Picture: AFLNT Media

“Sandy Brock is back from Perth (playing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL) and he held firm down back,” Hargrave said.

“Riley Stone and Brodie Grace were also impressive, and Tadgh Evans kicked three goals for Team Jeffrey, which was captained well by Thomas Clarke in the midfield.

“Erini Gikas, Kyanne Campbell and Grace Whittaker stood out in the girls’ game.”

Attention now turns to the 2021 AFL Combine on October 9.

Territory products, and Thunder Academy and Allies squad members Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Ned Stevens will take part.

Moniz-Wakefield is a star for Nightcliff, and is part of Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy program. Stevens has stood out for Waratah and was selected as part of the Gold Coast Suns’ Next Generation Academy program last year.

“It (both players being invited to the Combine) will not only be great motivation for our other NT Thunder Academy players to aim to secure a spot on the next two Combine lists, but also give the next generation of Territory players something to strive for,” Hargrave said.

Moniz-Wakefield enjoyed a fine 2020-21 NTFL season with eventual premiers the Tigers, kicking 10 goals and finishing in his team’s best six times.

“Andy reads the play very well and his commitment to improve is very good,” Hargrave said.

“He’s not afraid to ask a lot of questions and he trains six days a week.”

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EARLIER: Plenty of young Territory talent will be on show in tonight’s Cazalys NT Thunder Academy NAB AFL and AFLW League Championship Challenges at TIO Stadium.

It’s the second NT NAB AFLW under-17 Championship Challenge game after last Friday’s clash in Central Australia.

And the emerging talent will once more be on show in spades when the teams play in Darwin tonight.

“This opportunity will really showcase our Territory talent on home soil and in front aspiring Cazalys NT Thunder Academy players and supporters,” said Hargrave.

“It is a great reward for what has been another challenging year due to COVID impacts and to see the top Territory players coming together and playing together and against one another is really exciting.”

Have a look at the players to look out for below.

J’noemi Anderson and Annabel Kievit Picture: AFLNT

J’NOEMI ANDERSON

J’Noemi is fresh from travelling across and playing in Gold Coast Suns NAB AFLW Championship game against the Brisbane Lions last Sunday. Missing game 1. J’Noemi is a player to watch in tonight’s game understanding where to position herself at a cost and not afraid to go in hard at a contest.

ERINI GIKAS

Erini captained Team Baird and led from the front with a best on ground performance for Team Baird in last Fridays NAB AFLW game in Alice Springs collecting 23 positions, 12 tackles and 2 forward 50 entries. She is a not afraid of getting in and under at a contest.

GRACE WHITTAKER

Grace like Erini Gikas captained Team Ponter last week and collected 26 possessions 10 hit outs, 5 inside 50 entries and 2 rebound entries, displaying her capabilities across the ground. One to keep an eye out for in tonight's clash.

ANNABEL KIEVIT

Annabel also had the opportunity last week to travel across and play in the Gold Coast Suns colours in the first of NAB AFLW championships in Queensland. Annabel has had limited opportunities this year due to injuries, but displayed what she is capable of for the Suns last weekend and look forward to seeing her skills on display tonight.

TYRELL MARTIN

Tyrell Martin hails from Harts Range and played for both Plenty Highway and South Alice Springs Football Clubs in the Central Australian Football League. This year both clubs came away with the Under 18 Premiership’s which Tyrell was part of. Tyrell displayed his talent winning Best on Ground honours for South in their Under 18 Premiership.

TYSON WOODS

Tyson has achieved a lot already in his short career, having already represented NT Thunder at NEAFL level and this year claiming a premiership in the TIO CAFL Senior men’s competition in Alice Springs.

JAMIE JONES

Jamie will captain Team Rosas in tonight’s clash and a brilliant tall athletic and great at rebounding of centre half back.

SANDY BROCK

Sandy has recently returned to Darwin having played in the WAFL in Perth for Peel Thunder. Recently included into the Allies squad to travel to SA next week. Sandy will be sure to display his agility across the ground.