Darwin Buffettes star Ashanti Bush and Dominique Carbone train and impress at AFLW Hawthorn Hawks

DARWIN Buffettes half-forward Ashanti Bush is hoping her little taste of training with Hawthorn last week can lead to a career at AFLW level. Bush was a guest at the Hawks alongside fellow Darwin young gun Dom Carbone.

Buffettes stars Ashanti Bush and Dom Carbone at Hawthorn training last week. Picture: Supplied

DARWIN Buffettes half-forward Ashanti Bush is hoping her little taste of training with Hawthorn last week can lead to a career at AFLW level.

Bush was a guest at the Hawks alongside fellow Darwin young gun Dom Carbone.

Both were highly deserving of their opportunities.

Bush kicked a bag of seven goals against Tracy Village on January 9, and was the best on ground for Arnhem after its 72-point win over Katherine South in the 2020 Big Rivers Women’s Grand Final in September.

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Carbone has been super impressive for Buffettes this season, finishing in her team’s best four times.

Both also stood out in the NAB AFLW Territory All Star game, also in September.

“It (training with Hawthorn) was a good experience,” Bush, 18, told the NT News.

“The coaches were impressed with everything, and I need to keep working on groundballs.

“Dom trained well.

“She’s very tough and skilful. I think my skills and fitness can be good at AFLW level. I’d love to play at that level.”

Darwin Buffettes’ Ashanti Bush is being watched closely by Hawthorn Hawks. Picture: Che Chorley

Bush said Buffettes captain Kylie Duggan had been a massive positive influence on her, with Bush and Carbone, also just 19, helping the double-blues to third on the NTFL Premier League ladder.

Darwin has 10 wins with just two losses ahead of Saturday’s Round 15 clash away to Palmerston.

“Kylie has taught me everything and given me a lot of confidence,” Bush said.

Duggan was full of praise for both Bush and Carbone at the start of the 2020-21 season. “Ashanti Bush is one to look out for,” she said.

Darwin Buffettes star Dom Carbone trained with Ashanti Bush at Hawthorn Hawks last week, and both impressed the coaching staff who watched them. Picture: Che Chorley

“Molly Althouse, Keira Kurnoth, Talia Corrie, Clessae Desatge and Tiahne Clarke are others we’ve got coming through who will be strong players for us.

“They’ll give us more run and more energy in the legs this season.

“They’re naturally talented footballers.

“(Carbone) has what it takes to go to that next level, and she also has what it takes to take over the captaincy at some stage.

“I won’t be around in that role forever, and I hope Dom is someone who can take over.”