The Northern Territory has had eight representatives selected for the Central Allies team who will play in the NAB AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships in July.
The players will travel to the Gold Coast and join with 16 South Australian representatives to make up the newly formed Central Allies team.
The Central Allies will play the Eastern Allies (Tasmania and NSW/ACT) on Monday 9 July at Metricon Stadium, before playing Vic Country at 1pm on Wednesday 11 July and the powerhouse in Vic Metro at Bond University on Friday 13 July at 10.00am.
Central Allies Head Coach and AFLNT Development Coach, Jimmy Driscoll said the players selection was reward for their performance in the first round of the National Championships against South Australia in Under 18 carnival.
“This is a great opportunity to play Division 1 football against the Eastern Allies, Vic Country and Vic Metro and showcase our talent.
“A lot of the girls that have been selected both from SA and NT were part of the Allies team last year. We’ve got a good combination of experience and a few that are in the program for the first time so it will be a good mix.”
“With the relationship with the Adelaide Crows, we also have some AFLW and ThunderW listed players in Ebony Marinoff and Ruth Wallace coming as assistant coaches along with a number of support staff from AFLNT which will be great development for them as well,” he said.
PLAYERS
Janet Baird
Position: Defender
Description: AFL National Academy member. Captain of the NT Thunder Academy Under 18 team for the past two years and has played two senior games with the VFL W side this year. She intercepts really well off half-back and creates play with her reading and run. Was a member of the Allies team in 2017.
Jessie Brock
Position: Ruck
Description: Was selected in the Allies last year but was unable to play. Has an elite soccer background and is constantly improving in the ruck for NT. Reads the ball well in flight when forward and creates a contest when resting there.
Bella Clarke
Position: Key forward
Description: Can play at either end of the ground and always provides a contest. Smart around goals and presents well when up the ground.
Madeline Gault
Position: Midfield
Description: Played two games so far as the 23rd player for NT Thunder in the VFL W and was best on ground in the Women's NTFL Premier League Grand Final this past season. Ultra-competitive and very clean below her knees. Played Allies in the same tournament last year.
Alysha Healy
Position: Defender
Description: Ultra-competitive and attacks the ball well coming out of the backline. Played NTFL Premier League and defended against some of the VFL W listed players and where she more than held her own.
Tabitha May
Position: Midfield
Description: Was named the Northern Territory’s MVP for the games against South Australia in Round 1 of the NAB AFL Women’s U18 Championships this year. Has elite speed and is very smart around the ball. Can play either inside or outside the contest and spreads well from congestion, is also a rookie listed player for NT Thunder.
Arthurina Moreen
Position: Key forward
Description: Tiwi player that has elite skills and smarts. Is rookie listed with the NT Thunder in the VFL W. Represented the Allies at the same tournament in 2017.
Danielle Ponter
Position: Midfield
Description: Currently playing VFL W for Essendon. Elite ball user and reader of the play, she can play inside mid and then push forward to take marks and kick goals. Played for the Allies in 2017.
