Peggy Rock and Layla May impress in NT Academy tour of Sydney

The Territory’s best rising stars has wrapped up its first tour of Sydney facing off against elite academy talent. Read how their trip went and watch their most thrilling goal.

An under-16 NT side brimming with talent has wrapped up its first tour of Sydney, and while scores weren’t on the Territory’s side the trip marked a big step forward for the young players.

The Cazalys NT Talent Academy took on the GWS Giants and Sydney Swans academies this week to give the under-16s girls a taste of elite opposition in Blacktown.

And while the results didn’t go the NT’s way in terms of wins they showed spirt starting their campaign against the Giants.

GWS took the early lead but Makenzy Smith from St Mary’s helped spark a revival with a composed set shot from 40m out that shifted the tempo to the Territory’s favour.

Kayla Ilett capitalised on a forward stoppage with a sharp finish, before Latoya Young brought the NT fans to their feet with a blistering run and goal, giving her side a surprise lead at the first break.

Arianna Parmenter of the Northern Territory competes for the ball during the Marsh AFL National Development Championship U16 match between GWS Giants Academy and Northern Territory. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

Young won the under-17s Women’s Best and Fairest in the 2024 Central Australian Football League and was among many from the NT who had shown their potential in recent times.

GWS responded strongly in the second term, piling on three unanswered goals to wrestle back control and maintained that lead despite the NT’s pressure.

A late charge in the final term added two more goals to the NT tally, but the Giants held firm to secure the win.

Midfielder Peggy Rock was immense, collecting 22 disposals, 10 clearances and eight tackles in a dominant display showing why she’s so highly regarded in the junior NTFL.

Peggy Rock of the Northern Territory handballs during the Marsh AFL National Development Championship U16 match between GWS Giants Academy and Northern Territory. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

Jenara Grant with 21 disposals and Layla May with 20 disposals and seven tackles were others who impressed.

Sydney were also able to get to an early lead against the NT with five first quarter goals, but it didn’t put the Territory off from competing.

Kayla Ilett ignited the second quarter with a stunning boundary-line goal from long range, before Akia-Marie Lake thrilled the crowd with a lightning-fast major on the run with a fitting celebration.

Makenzy Smith and Layla May celebrate a goal during the Marsh AFL National Development Championship U16 match between GWS Giants Academy and Northern Territory. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

The Swans stayed in control and added goals to their total, but the Territory’s Grace Anstess and Rock continued to deliver powerhouse performances.

Darwin Buffaloes midfielder Layla May was named the NT Academy’s Most Valuable Player of the tour for her consistent showings.

Cazalys NT Academy Talent Manager Shannon Millar said she was proud of how the side performed against difficult opposition.

“This tour was never just about the scoreboard, it was about seeing how our players respond to elite competition, and they didn’t disappoint,” Millar said.

“The growth we’ve seen in terms of composure, intensity, and connection as a group is huge.

“These players have shown they belong on the national stage, and this experience will fuel their hunger to keep improving.”

All matches from the Academy’s Sydney trip are available to watch via the AFL Play YouTube Channel.

Talented junior squad named for NT under-16s Sydney trip

The Cazalys NT Talent Academy has named its final under-16s girls team set to travel to Sydney in two anticipated matches against the GWS Academy and Sydney Swans Academy.

The NT side brimming with talent will kick off its campaign on April 14 at Blacktown International Sportspark against the Giants.

Despite a 42-point defeat in their last match against the Giants the NT side showed plenty of growth and proved the region is making significant strides in team development.

The second fixture comes just days later on April 17 against the Swans.

Last time the two teams met Sydney burst out of the gates to dominate until the Territory responded with a four goal third quarter.

Nightcliff’s Peggy Rock is one to keep an eye on and has the talent to back up her credentials earned in the NTFL.

Kayla Ilett is one of the best young forwards in the Territory game and will be a standout for the NT Talent Academy. Picture: AFLNT Media

The Tigers is a standout All-Australian talent and a three-time consecutive best and fairest winner in the junior grades.

St Mary’s Kayla Ilett will be a serious threat in the forward after claiming the leading goalkicker title in both the Under 16s and Under 18s with 47 goals this season.

Jenara Grant from the Darwin Buffaloes will be one to watch in defence with her composure and skill crucial in shutting down opposition forwards.

The squad also proudly features regional representative including Latoya Young from South Alice Springs and Nalarni Paterson, one of the most exciting prospects emerging from the Barkly League.

The matches will be streamed live and free on the AFL Play YouTube Channel.

FULL TEAM:

Backline – Claire Corbett, Gabrielle Reisinger, Jenara Grant, Jessica Hardwick, Lakhyah Hill, Amber Quinn

Centre – Makenzy Smith, Layla May, Akia-Marie Lake

Forward – Nalarni Paterson, Kayla Ilett, Olivia Gee, Harmony Lacey, Latoya Young, Taitum Tipumantamerri

Followers – Miley Cunningham, Peggy Rock, Grace Anstess

Interchange – Skye Smith, Maitea Golowyn, Kaitlyn Berry, Taniesha John-Forrest, Arianna Parmenter

Originally published as Peggy Rock and Layla May impress in NT Academy tour of Sydney