St Mary’s defender/midfielder Kieren Parnell on why a stack of setbacks have made him more resilient ahead of clash v Districts

STAR St Mary’s midfielder/defender Kieren Parnell already knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles.And all signs point to the 22-year-old continuing his good form against Southern Districts in Round 15 NTFL action.

Kieren Parnell has been in good form for St Marys this NTFL season. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

STAR St Mary’s midfielder/defender Kieren Parnell already knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles.

He is back in terrific form after suffering ACL injuries in his right knee in 2016 and 2017.

In 2019, he was a good chance at being picked up in the AFL Draft after he was looked at by a number of clubs, but that did not happen.

St Mary’s young gun Kieren Parnell remains positive despite missing out on AFL draft selection

Exclusive NTFL action: Nightcliff Tigers v St Mary’s. Watch the replay HERE

Southern Districts clash with St Mary’s at Norbuilt Oval in our LIVESTREAM NTFL action. Watch REPLAY

The now 22-year-old also admits he’s disappointed there is no longer a senior NT Thunder team in the NEAFL for him to continue pressing his claims, as he refuses to give up on his dream of playing at the elite level.

And even last weekend he copped missing out on the NTFL Buffaloes representative team – Parnell was selected as an emergency player – on the chin.

But the athletic and skilful youngster has put all that behind him.

Parnell has been among Saints’ best in their past three games – wins over Waratah and Wanderers and a close nine-point loss to two-time defending champions Nightcliff.

“I’ve always got hope (of playing in the AFL) but it’s just about getting the right opportunities now,” he told the NT News.

“No more NT Thunder is disappointing, and it was disappointing that I was an emergency (for the NTFL Buffaloes).

“We had a good young group building at Thunder.

“But another door has opened for me at North Adelaide in the SANFL after the NTFL season.

“And my body feels as good as it can at the moment.”

Parnell says the key to his good form has been keeping things simple.

Kieren Parnell has overcome his fair share of setbacks and been in good form for the Green Machine. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT Media

“I’ve just been playing my role down back,” he said.

“Just focusing on beating my man, and if I do that then I’m doing my job.

“Having guys like Will Hams and Anthony Long around me has really helped.

“Anthony brings great leadership and Will has played at AFL level (with Essendon).

“And having Jack Geary back in the team has been great.

“He’s one of the better players in the competition, and is the full package with what he brings.

“He’s got such a high workrate.”

Parnell said the fourth-placed Green Machine would be keen to make a statement against the sixth-placed Southern Districts in Round 15 action at TIO Stadium from 5pm on Saturday.

“Especially because our last game was a loss against Nightcliff,” he said.

“I’m excited about this game.

“Every time we play Districts they give us a good contest and they’re well coach by Matt Cannard.

“It won’t be an easy game for us.”