NT Academy coach Jason Roe says Wanderers’ Beau O’Connell and Joel Jeffrey, and Southern Districts’ Brodie Lake one to watch in U18 Territory All Stars game

NT THUNDER Academy coach Jason Roe has labelled AFL hopeful and young Wanderers star Beau O’Connell a “freakish” footballer ahead of Friday night’s Under-18 Territory All Stars game at TIO Stadium.

Wanderers star Beau O'Connell will continue to press his AFL claims in the Under-18 Territory All Stars game at TIO Stadium on Friday night. Picture: SIMON PHILLIPS

NT THUNDER Academy coach Jason Roe has labelled AFL hopeful and young Wanderers star Beau O’Connell a “freakish” footballer ahead of Friday night’s Under-18 Territory All Stars game at TIO Stadium.

O’Connell – the joint 2019-2020 NTFL Nichols Medallist – was the youngest player at 18 to win the prestigious award since Willie Rioli Sr.

He will indeed be one to watch in the Team Rioli v Team McLean game at 7.15pm as he continues to press his claims for AFL selection.

“Beau has the ability to kick freakish goals,” Roe said.

“He is an athletic-type player with a burst of speed and great ability to read the play.

“He is good at the contest and is resilient young man who goes about his business with minimal fuss.”

Draft Combine invitees Brodie Lake and Joel Jeffrey, from Southern Districts and Wanderers respectively, are also set to star.

Lake had an outstanding season with Central District at Under-18 SANFL level, regularly finishing with over 20 disposals.

And Jeffrey booted 31 goals for the Muk Muks in the 2019-20 Premier League competition.

“Joel is a very versatile player who can play forward, mid and back but his preferred position is forward,” Roe said.

“He has a strong overhead mark and has very good foot skills.

“Brodie is an outside runner, who likes to run, carry and break the lines and can also kick goals.

“His breakaway speed from a contest is very good. He’s an on-field leader who sets standards through his actions.”

And Buffaloes 17-year-old gun Antonio James – who won the Trenorden-Oatey Cup with Westminster in Adelaide earlier this month – is another rising talent expected to play.

“Antonio made his Premier League debut in the NTFL with the Darwin Buffaloes in 2018-19,” Roe said.

“He has a background in rugby league and made the hard decision to play in the All Star match ahead of his rugby league grand final (for Darwin Brothers), understanding that it will boost his AFL chances.

“He’s a medium-sized very hard-running defender who has exceptional skills both sides of his body.

“He reads the play really well and loves the contest. and has a hard-hitting, high work ethic.”