Under 16 Thunder begin national campaign

The Under 16 NT Thunder Academy squad will travel to Sydney today in preparation for their first-round match on Sunday 23 June in the 2019 NAB AFL Under 16 National Championships in NSW.

Comprising of 36 of the best Under 16 men in NT footy, the diverse team has a breadth of talent with a strong Indigenous representation making up over 60 per cent of the squad and nine players coming into the team from remote areas or outside of Darwin.

Seven players selected in the squad already have eyes on them with Andy Moniz-Wakefield (Melbourne - Darwin Region Multicultural Selection), Tyrell Martin (Melbourne), Ariki Lowe (Melbourne), Nathan Dickson (Collingwood), Preyben Tipiloura (Essendon), John Tipiloura (Essendon) and Brayden Rioli (Essendon) all AFL Next Generation Academy players.

AFLNT Talent and Pathways Manager, Wally Gallio said the players were excited, although somewhat apprehensive about the upcoming testing and national campaign.

“For some of the players it will not only be their first time playing competitive football at this level, but also their first time in Sydney making for an unforgettable experience.

“The four days prior to the game this Sunday will consist of a training camp and Combine testing, allowing time for the players to settle and coach, Matt Campbell, to select the first-round team of 23 to take on Tasmania,” he said.

The squad commenced with over 70 players and has since been reduced to 36 players of which 23 will play in Round 1 and 24 in Round 2 and 3. Final teams will be announced prior to each round.

2019 NAB AFL Under 16 National Championships

Round 1

10:30am Sunday 23 June

NT Thunder vs Tasmania

Blacktown International Sport Park, NSW

Round 2

10am Tuesday 9 July

NT Thunder vs NSW/ACT

Metricon Stadium, QLD

Round 3

12:15pm Saturday 13 July

NT Thunder vs Queensland

Yeronga, QLD

2019 NT Thunder Academy Squad members:

Coach: Matt Campbell

Team Manager: Megan Lake