The boys and girls 12 and under Aussie Rules squads have headed to the Australian Championships

Two squads of the best up and coming 12 and under Aussie Rules talent from across the Territory will take on the Australian Championships. EVERY PLAYER NAMED.

The first ever 12-and-under girls team to represent the NT is heading south alongside a strong boys’ squad to compete in the Australian Football championships.

The 46 players were selected from across the Territory including the Top End, Barkly, Central Australia, Big Rivers and East Arnhem.

They were selected at a School of Sport Education Inter-regional Championships held in March and now have the chance to showcase their skills in front of the rest of country.

The group will play at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury, New South Wales, from August 5-12 with the boys coached by Jeffrey Cameron while Eilish McCluskey is at the helm of the girls’ team.

Cameron was particularly proud of his side’s development over the past 17 weeks and said he was “looking forward to seeing them play footy against quality opposition”.

“What they’ve been able to achieve with their skills, teamwork and want to play has been fantastic to see and very rewarding as coach,” he said.

The NT boys team heading down for the 2023 under-12 Australian Championships. Picture: Supplied

“This also includes the reserve boys who without them we wouldn’t have been able to train or play, all of the boys have come a long way with all facets of the game.

“I’m very proud and honoured to represent the NT as the coach of the boy’s team and can’t wait to see what the lads can achieve.”

His captain Jack Anstess was also brimming with confidence heading into the tournament saying he was looking forward to mixing it with interstate players.

“I’m looking forward to making new friends, winning a game or even maybe a championship,” he said.

“I’m hoping to make friends with other players from interstate and have lots of fun with my team.”

McCluskey said her girls side had shown so much growth as players and as individuals in the lead up to the tournament.

The NT girls team heading down for the 2023 under-12 Australian Championships. Picture: Supplied

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the girls go out there and show all the other states how amazing we are,” she said.

“I have been privileged so far to watch their growth as players and individuals. It’s a very exciting time in the NT as we are the first ever under-12 girls AFL team to represent the NT.”

Among her players is co-captain Emily Berry who was very pleased to be named one of the inaugural captains for the historic occasion.

“I’m so happy to be given the opportunity to be one of your captains,” Berry said.

“Over the past couple of months, we’ve trained hard and hopefully we’ll do the NT proud.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the Alice and Katherine girls and can’t wait to play with everyone in Albury.”

BOYS

Fraser Cruse

Mason Cameron

Hamish McPherson

Lenny Pratt

Jack Anstess

Johnny Halikos

Matthew May

Oliver Rivas

Ryder Harvey

Sidney Rusca

Edward Clarke

Riley Anstess

Ely Novinetz

Dempsey Hansen

Sam Abbott

Lane Howie

Cohen Brennan

Levin Maher

Curtis Baird

Jarvis Pearce

Dre Jackson

Max Gardner

Duqarn Foster

Lachlan Ammerlaan (Student Official)

Coach: Jeffrey Cameron

Manager: Emma Willmott

Sports Trainer: Sharyn Morcom

Team Support: Stephanie Cockfield

GIRLS

Mia Keelan

Sadie McCormack

River Williams

Zarlee Medbury

Emily Berry

Ja’mea Ward

Zanetta Rea

Rose Randall

Pania Reid

Soriyah Downie

Ava Robinson

Elaine Tiparui

Sienna Ammerlaan

Milah Pratt

Rhykia Labastida

Nellie Barker

Latia Booth

Amira Fanning

Nylah Amarant

Eve Cunningham

Hannah Fior

Olivia Schulz

Madison Turner