Ex-AFL player Nathan Djerrkura one of three quality additions at Wanderers

EX-AFL star Nathan Djerrkura is among three quality additions set to bolster new Wanderers coach Dean Rioli’s bid for back-to-back Northern Territory Football League flags next year.

NTFL Premier League Wanderers v Waratahs at TIO Stadium: Nathan Djerrkura on the offensive for the Wanderers in their face off against the Waratahs at TIO Stadium

EX-AFL star Nathan Djerrkura is among three quality additions set to bolster new Wanderers coach Dean Rioli’s bid for back-to-back Northern Territory Football League flags next year.

Djerrkura, who retired from the AFL three years ago after 25 matches with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, played just once during the Wanderers’ successful 2014-15 campaign. The 26-year-old follows Joel Cubillo and Lochie Dhurrkay in joining the Wanderers’ cause.

Dhurrkay has a strong family connection at Wanderers and Rioli said that was the reason he left Palmerston, where he played 13 games last season.

Rioli said his decision to leave the Magpies had nothing to do with Dhurrkay’s move and he would not “poach” any players from his former club.

But he actively pursued Djerrkura and Cubillo.

“They’re Wanderers boys and didn’t play any games last year, so the first thing I did was touch base with them and find out if they’re going to be available,” Rioli said. “Both are committed to playing a heap of games this year and have great leadership qualities.

“They’ll both play in the midfield and up forward, so really it will just bolster the depth of our midfield.”

Daniel Motlop could also play double-digit matches this year – after managing nine last season – and will be one of Rioli’s assistants, along with dual Palmerston premiership mentor Russell Jeffrey. Motlop, 33, is back living in Darwin and working as the Indigenous Affairs adviser for the Northern Territory Government.

“If Daniel can play 10 games that would be fantastic, with him being at the age he is and depending on how his body holds up,” Rioli said. “It’s about monitoring him and having a program where it’s about peaking at the right time of the year, so he will do just enough to get by, but will play a huge role in the coaching.”

Rioli scoffed at suggestions St Mary’s, the side Wanderers beat in the grand final, was a fading force.

He pointed to the Saints’ winning culture and successful program – as well as murmurings about a strong recruiting push – as evidence they will be one of the Wanderers’ major threats.

The Wanderers are looking internally for improvement, with the likes of Simon Bates, Paul Grant and Joel Seden looking sharp since pre-season training began two weeks ago.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to take over a club that is the reigning premiers, so I don’t want to make too much change,” Rioli said. “Those players who missed out (last season) will continue to put pressure on former players … I expect there to be three to five opportunities for new players.”