Eagle Johnston soaring in his debut NTFL season

The Wanderers junior program continues to produce senior footballers with Lloyd Johnson the latest graduate.

WANDERERS have unearthed a Mitchell Taylor lookalike in running defender Lloyd Johnston and they’re more than happy with the comparison.

Particularly when 17-year-old Johnston dominates across half back in the manner Taylor has for a number of years for the NTFL Eagles.

Capable of big marks, hard running and finding teammates with accurate foot and handpassing, Johnston is the Round 4 nomination for the NT News’ Rising Star.

Named in Wanderers’ best players in the three games he has played in his debut season in league football, Johnston’s consistency in the key defensive role has not gone unnoticed.

A product of the Eagles’ junior program, he was prolific against Palmerston at TIO Stadium where he played a sweeping role that often turned defence into attack.

His coach Aaron Motlop said Johnston was adaptable with his ability to play in the ruck or up forward as the situation demanded.

“Guys of his age can play in a variety of positions, but with Lloyd finding his way in league footy we want to establish him in a particular role,’’ Motlop added.

“We know he plays across half back very well, where he has been good for us all season.

“Lloyd’s got a really good concept of knowing when to defend and when to attack and that’s really rare for a young man just coming into senior footy.

“He already has the unique ability to understand when he has to play really tight and when to zone off and become an attacking option.’’

Johnston’s nomination comes on top of another four-quarter performance by St Mary’s utility Xavier Vallejo, who was named in the club’s best players after their 17-point loss to Nightcliff on Saturday night.

The $500 NT News Rising Star is in its 25th season, awarded to NTFL players under-21 years of age in the first week of the new season.

Players are judged on skill, team ethics, discipline, consistency and their potential to play at a higher level.