6 NAAFVLS Remote All Star Players receive NT Thunder Contracts
The 2015 NAAFVLS Remote All Stars camp finished today with the 21 participants and staff returning to their communities after spending eight days at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.
Thanks to the generous support of NAAVFLS (North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Services), this group of young men, recognised as young leaders in their respective communities, were given the opportunity to win a remote player contract with NT Thunder.
The NAAFVLS Remote All-Stars were the first to live in and experience the cutting edge facility and experience the opportunities of the newly opened MLLLC. The camp comprised of education sessions, health checks, training and two practices matches against NT Thunder.
At the completion of the camp, six of the 21 participants were awarded NT Thunder contracts which is a great result for the projects AFLNT facilitate in remote communities, and a great reward for those individuals.
NT Thunder Remote Contract Additions
Lochlan Dhurrkay - Elcho Island
Gibson Turner - Santa Teresa
Faron James - Tennant Creek
Liam Patrick – Lajamanu (pre-signed)
NT Thunder Rookie List Additions
Marcus Hamilton - Katherine
Ralph Dhamarrandji - Elcho Island
Ricky Ashley - Ramingining
The main benefit of an NT Thunder remote contract is these players are able to train and live in their communities, building on their leadership skills and enabling them to role-model for peers back home. All while still possessing the opportunity to represent the Territory playing for NT Thunder. As and when selected to play, these remote players will travel to Darwin for home games, or interstate with the team.
Head Coach of NT Thunder Xavier Clarke Comments:
"I congratulate all players on being awarded a contract with NT Thunder for 2015. Each player builds quality to our list, with our playing depth looking healthy as we prepare for our first game against the Southport Sharks on the 18th April.
These players will have the opportunity to play senior NEAFL football, and I feel confident that they will settle into our senior team and have an immediate impact."