Late ruckman Alex Aurrichio’s best mate Tom Fields to play in an emotional NTFL season opener
MUCH loved late ruckman Alex Aurrichio’s best mate Tom Fields will fly to Darwin to play in what will be an emotional NTFL season opener under lights for Waratah against Palmerston on October 2. And Warriors coach Ryan Ayres confirmed plenty of interest from Katherine Camels stars for this season, including former NAB League player Josh Carlin.
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THERE is no denying the significance of the 2020-21 NTFL season opener which will see Waratah take on Palmerston at Gardens Oval on October 2, and the hosts are set to receive a massive emotional boost.
Southport star Tom Fields – who was best mates with late Warriors and Sharks ruckman Alex ‘Rooch’ Aurrichio – is set to play in the historic clash, which will be played under newly-installed lights.
Aurrichio was tragically killed when he was hit by a Nissan Patrol while riding along Gunn Point Rd in June.
Fields – rookie listed by Carlton for the 2014 AFL season – has a long-raking left boot, and has also played 88 games for South Adelaide in the SANFL.
That is not the only positive news for Waratah.
Katherine Camels star and Tahs co-captain Brodie Carroll is also back after playing just five games last season.
He is now fully fit after suffering a cruel elbow injury in an inter-squad hit-out right before the 2019-20 season.
“(Brodie) was really unlucky – that happened a week before our first game of the season,” Waratah coach Ryan Ayres told the NT News.
Ayres confirmed interest from fellow Camels standouts Josh Carlin, Dylan Wareham and Liam O’Connor for 2020-21.
There has been no shortage of interest from Terang Mortlake in the Hampden Football Netball League, with key-position player Alex Moloney relocating to Darwin, with teammate Jordie McKenzie set to follow.
McKenzie served as an assistant coach at the Bloods last year after battling concussion symptoms.
And Waratah junior Will Hetherington is set to receive plenty of Premier League game time this season.
“I’ll be talking to Tom Fields about whether he’ll just come up and play the one game for Rooch, or if we’ll have him for the season,” Ayres said.
“Because he lives in Brisbane he could potentially be a fly-in fly-out player for us.
“We’re building good relationships with Katherine Camels players, and I’ve had several conversations with Josh Carlin, but nothing is in black and white yet.
“I’ve been down there a few times and we’ve had a few beers together.”
Waratah has also built strong relationships with Tiwi Islands players, and that will only strengthen in 2020-21.
“We had some Tiwi boys come and play for us last year, and (Waratah club president) Rohan Langworthy has done a lot of work regarding sponsorship and funding,” Ayres said.
“We’re trying to capitalise on what’s happening around the world with the COVID situation, and look for local Territory talent, and continue to build these relationships.
“Our numbers at training have been great – we’re getting 50 or 60 people.”
Everyone at the Tahs cannot wait for Round 1 on what will be a massive occasion under lights for much-loved late American ruckman Aurrichio.
“It will be great to remember Alex,” Ayres said.
“Alex was Tom’s best mate.”
Ayres also had a little chuckle about the upcoming clash against the Magpies.
“It’s my third Round 1 game here at Waratah and I haven’t won a Round 1 game yet,” he said.
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