Rovers star Nigel Lockyer Jr shows his toughness as well as freakish skills, which saw him just miss out on a spot on Essendon’s roster

NIGEL Lockyer Jr is widely known for his freakish athleticism and leaping ability – but in Round 9 CAFL action at Albrecht Oval on Saturday, a good crowd also saw how tough the 23-year-old is.

Star Alice Springs footballer Nigel Lockyer Jr just missed out on joining Essendon’s roster for this AFL season, but he cannot wait to have another crack at it next year. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

NIGEL Lockyer Jr is widely known for his freakish athleticism and leaping ability – but in Round 9 CAFL action at Albrecht Oval on Saturday, a good crowd also saw how tough the 23-year-old is.

The Rovers forward left the field limping in pain with a foot injury in the second quarter.

And he didn’t look happy.

But he returned before halftime and went on to help his team to an important 13.9 (87) to 10.8 (68) win over Pioneer in an entertaining and physical clash.

Lockyer Jr soldiered on to boot a brilliant and vital 50m goal with his sore left foot.

That gave his team a one-goal lead in the final quarter.

He kicked another two majors finishing with a total of five and as one of the best on ground, the first-placed Rovers’ class coming to the fore late in a tight contest.

A screaming pack mark by Shaun Edwards – who put in another composed showing – before finding the ever-impressive Toshie Kunoth up front to score – gave Rovers a 14-point lead late in the contest.

The victory meant Rovers will finish minor premiers and get a double chance in the finals.

They will enjoy two weeks off with a bye next weekend, and finals to begin the week after the Melbourne Demons v St Kilda AFL clash at Traeger Park on August 29.

Lockyer Jr said with that extended time off he would be right for finals, when Rovers will attempt to defend their CAFL flag.

“I was really happy with that one (the goal from 50m out). My left foot is not that good so I was a bit nervous about that one, but I was glad it went through,” Lockyer Jr told the NT News.

“I’ve had ankle injuries before but nothing major.

“We’ve got two weeks off with the AFL game, so hopefully I’ll get back on the training track and it’ll be OK.”

Lockyer Jr – who also stars for Palmerston and has represented NT Thunder at NEAFL level – came ever-so-close to picking up a spot on Essendon’s roster during the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period for the 2020 AFL competition.

He was ultimately pipped for that position, but the young talent loved the experience and believes he can push for a spot again next year.

“That was the best experience, man. Just the culture down there and everything I learned, and guys like Dylan Shiel taught me a lot of things,” Lockyer Jr said.

“I took a lot out of it. I loved teaming up with Dylan.

“I stayed up here due to the coronavirus, but I’m looking forward to hopefully doing the same thing next year.”

A classy goal from Jawoyn Cole-Manolis – poking his nose through congestion before snapping truly – saw the third-placed Pioneer trail by a goal, before they had a one-point lead early in the fourth quarter, with Shawn Foster displaying some moments of magic up front.

But that was before the experience of Rovers shone through, with Charlie McAdam racking up plenty of clean touches and disposals on a wing, and then in the backline later in the game.

Cameron Glover was also among Rovers’ best.

“It was a really hard-fought game and a really hard-fought win,” Lockyer Jr said.

“The good teams always know how to win games and I think that showed at the end.

“We stuck to our structure and that worked in the end.

“You saw how tough the opposition was, and coming up to finals everyone is going up a level.”

Meanwhile, Lockyer Jr said the Magpies should continue their improvement in the upcoming 2020-21 NTFL competition, after finishing sixth with seven wins last season.

“I’ve been concentrating on the competition down here, but I’ve also been doing my own (pre-season) work down here. I’m just staying ready,” Lockyer Jr said.

“Daniel Stafford and (Pioneer’s) Chrissy Williams who played today (should make Palmerston competitive). I’m keen to run out with them.”

Lockyer Jr – who has starred with Rockets in the Alice Springs Basketball Association – modestly shrugged off the question on just where he gets his freakish leap from.

“I think I got it from my dad. He likes to tell me that all the time so I’ll go with that,” Lockyer Jr said with a laugh.

“He’s a bit of a legend with Souths.”

But McAdam paid his young teammate the ultimate compliment, saying when he applies himself the sky is truly the limit.

“When he’s ready to tick there’s no one in the comp who can stop him,” McAdam said.