A team of the Territory’s top young talents will launch the NT Talent Academy’s home campaign, with the under-18 girls’ side eager to extend their unbeaten record at TIO Stadium.
The Academy girls take on the Bendigo Pioneers in the first NT-based talent game from 4pm on Saturday, following their dominant defeat of the Calder Cannons last season.
They will be missing reigning NTFL NT News Rising Star Lakhyah Hill through injury but there’s plenty to make up for the loss including two-time All Australian Peggy Rock.
Rock was outstanding in the 2026 Marsh AFL National Development Championships campaign in Sydney, where she averaged 21.5 disposals across the two games.
The squad also features both Best on Ground medallists from the 2026 NTFL All Star Saturday Futures match, Amber Quinn and Tiwi Bombers Best and Fairest winner Taniesha John-Forrest.
Further strengthening the side are NT News Rising Star nominees Daisha Daly, Rosie Wilson, Aaliyah Mukhlis, Lailanie Rioli, Maitea Golowyn and Jenara Grant.
Grace Anstess (16.5 disposals per game) and Kayla Ilett (21 disposals average) enter the match in strong form following impressive performances at the National Development Championships.
The Under 18 Boys will then take centre stage as part of a marquee day of football, featuring as the curtain raiser to the Gold Coast v St Kilda, when they face Greater Western Sydney.
They return to action after Gold Coast’s second Top End match v Port Adelaide against the Western Jets on May 16, while the girls will face Gippsland Power on June 6.
Talent Manager Josh Kleine said it was fantastic they could continue to host home fixtures in the Northern Territory.
“It’s fantastic to see the AFL Talent League return to Darwin,” he said.
“Expanding from one boys’ and one girls’ match last year to two of each this year is a great step forward.
“It creates more opportunities for our players to showcase their talent at home, in front of family, friends and the wider community.
“That kind of support is invaluable and makes the experience even more special for everyone involved.”
FULL TEAM
FB: Amber Quinn, Ashlin Bucklar, Daisha Daly
HB: Grace Anstess, Taylor Mason, Marika Carlton
C: Makenzy Smith, Layla May, Rosie Wilson
HF: Taniesha John-Forrest, Kayla Ilett, Shakana Rankine
FF: Maya Wauchope, Taitum Tipuamantamerri, Lailanie Rioli
FOL: Cate Twaddle, Aaliyah Mukhlis, Peggy Rock
I/C: Chanelle Fejo, Brylee Akers, Montana Marranya, Maitea Golowyn, and Jenara Grant
FIXTURES
Under 18 Girls
May 2 – NT v Bendigo Pioneers, 4 pm – TIO Stadium
May 21 – NT v Calder Cannons, 6pm – Highgate Recreation Reserve
May 24 – NT v Murray Bushrangers, 11am – Highgate Recreation Reserve
June 6 – NT v Gippsland Power, 4pm – TIO Stadium
Under 18 Boys
May 9 – NT v Greater Western Victoria Rebels, 2:45pm – TIO Stadium
May 16 – NT v Western Jets, 11:30am – TIO Stadium