The final five spots on the NT Thunder list will be up for grabs from March 6-16 during the North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service (NAAFVLS) Remote All Stars Camp here in Darwin.
25 of the top remote indigenous footballers from around the Northern Territory will join in a 10 day training camp and will play two matches against the existing NT Thunder listed players at Northline Oval on Friday 7 and 14 of March.
NT Thunder Head Coach Xavier Clarke is genuinely excited about the prospect of incorporating the NAAFVLS Remote All Stars program into his list development program for 2014.
"It is going to be an exciting 10 days and I look forward to seeing what they can bring to the table, we know that remote players bring an elevated level of excitement and flair to the game, but it will be about looking at their discipline and ability to adapt to what is going to be required of them during a rigorous NEAFL season which will predominantly decide if they will receive a contract."
Coaching the NAAFVLS Remote All Stars will be former NTFL player and coach and AFL/VFL listed player Russell Jeffrey, who is eager to show that remote football players can mix it with the best.
"This is going to give our remote boys the best possible chance to be exposed to a formal selection program for the first time which will hold them in good stead for the future,"
The NAAFVLS remote all stars will undergo physical fitness testing, have presentations from AFL Recruiters on the expectations of football at the elite level and undergo key training and recovery programs to get a broader understanding of their commitment should they be awarded a Thunder contract.
"The camp will test them physically and mentally as we will be putting them through a battery of physical testing along with playing two matches against quality opposition in order to win one of the five contracts on offer,
"It is going to be a big test for these boys and I look forward to providing them with the guidance and necessary support to help them achieve."
The 25 participants in the NAAFVLS Remote All Stars Camp will also undergo a number key outcome based programs including, NAAFVLS community legal education programs, Health Checks and SAFE Assist Suicide Prevent talks.
NAAFVLS CEO Tony Lane is excited to be partnering with the Remote All Stars Team and says that these young men once they earn a contract will become NAAFVLS Ambassadors and champion the message of reducing family violence and sexual assault in remote NT communities.
"NAAFVLS is proud to be involved with this concept and looks forward to delivering a key message to young men who will become leaders of their community, should they be fortunate enough to win a contract with NT Thunder.
"The NT Thunder brand is growing at a rapid pace in remote NT and NAAFVLS hopes this partnership will raise an awareness of family violence in remote communities, in line with other initiatives," said Mr Lane.
Players in attendance have been selected from the following locations: Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Maningrida, Groote Eylandt, Tiwi Islands, Ngukurr, Lajamanu, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Kalkarindji, Harts Range, Yuendumu, Hermannsburg, Wadeye, Laramba.