Player pathways and recruitment programs big parts of a planned talent advisory group

Plans to establish an AFLNT talent advisory group tasked with creating talent and support programs for the Territory’s best young players are at an advanced stage

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham says the establishment of a talent advisory group is a big step forward in boosting Territory playing numbers in the AFL and AFLW

AFL Northern Territory wants to create a talent advisory group to focus on increasing the number of Territorians on AFL and AFLW lists.

AFLNT has placed a strong focus on growing its young players and creating pathways for Territory footballers to play at a national level.

The Talent Advisory Group will be responsible for putting talent programs and associated support processes in place that line up with AFL national guidelines.

AFLNT boss Stuart Totham said the group was about making sure his organisation had the best development opportunities, programs and platforms in place to support its young guns.

“We need to maximise the number of NT players getting listed and the Talent Advisory Group will strengthen relationships with players, clubs and affiliated leagues to make this possible,’’ he told the NT News.

The group will also provide a platform for affiliated competitions and regional and remote stakeholders to contribute to the design, development and review of all Northern Territory State Academy underage talent pathway programs.

AFLNT talent manager Simon Hargrave said representatives from all over the Territory would sit in on the group to make sure the programs and processes are robust and sustainable.

“We have a lot of natural talent in the Territory and we want to give these kids the best possible chance to develop their skills, regardless of whether they are based in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs or a remote community,” he added.

The AFL’s talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan is keen to see local programs enhanced to continue growing grassroots football.

“We have seen some amazing AFL players come from the Territory and we know there’s more where that came from,” Sheehan said.

“This Talent Advisory Group will be instrumental in developing local footy talent and providing the best possible pathways to get to the national level of our game.”

Expressions of interest are open until Friday, November 27, with the group’s first meeting due to take place in December.

For more information on driving the AFLNT’s talent programs forward, visit https://www.aflnt.com.au/news/2020/talent-advisory-group-to-strengthen-nt-thunder-program-and-grow-nt-talent-pool.