NT Academy coach Jason Roe says Dominique Carbone and Janet Baird will impress in the Under-18 Northern Territory NAB AFLW All Stars Match at TIO Stadium

NT ACADEMY coach Jason Roe says Buffettes star Dominique Carbone can improve her chances of being picked up by an AFLW club in the Under-18 Northern Territory NAB AFLW All Stars Match at TIO Stadium on Friday.

Buffettes star Dominique Carbone has been identified by NT Thunder Academy coach Jason Roe as one to watch in the Under-18 Northern Territory NAB AFLW All Stars Match at TIO Stadium on Friday. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

NT THUNDER Academy coach Jason Roe believes Friday’s Under-18 Northern Territory NAB AFLW All Stars Match at TIO Stadium will be the perfect occasion for Buffettes young gun Dom Carbone to continue pressing her claims to play professional football.

And double-blues captain Kylie Duggan believes Carbone, just 19 on Friday, is also a future senior women’s skipper at the club, as well as someone who can succeed at AFLW level.

“She’s still very young but she’s in great shape,” Duggan told the NT News.

“She 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.”

Carbone will play for Team Ponter against Team Hewett in the 5.30pm clash on Friday.

The traditional NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships have been restructured this year due to restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to state-based exhibition matches instead.

The achievements of NT natives Ponter (Adelaide Crows) and Jasmyn Hewett (Gold Coast Suns) have been recognised, with the pair lending their surnames to the two NT teams.

Roe believes Carbone is one to watch for Team Ponter, to be mentored by Buffettes head coach Chris Atkinson.

“Dom has a real high work ethic, and coming from a rugby league family she loves the contests,” Roe said.

“She’s also got a very good understanding of the game in both attack and defence.”

Palmerston star Janet Baird – the 2018-19 Gwynne Medallist and one of seven current Territory Draft hopefuls – will also play for Team Ponter.

“Janet has had her injury setbacks, but she’s shown great persistence and resilience,” Roe said

“And she’s been rewarded with an invitation to the Draft Combine (on the Gold Coast next Saturday).”

The boys’ Under-18 Territory All Stars game will follow, with Team Rioli to take on Team McLean from 7.15pm.