Eight NT Northern Territory players have been selected in the Allies squad, who will play in the NAB AFL Under 19 Championships game against South Australia this morning.
Ronald Fejo Jnr, Jamie Jones, Brodie Lake, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Beau Tedcastle, Jaedan Watts, Mishai Wollogorang and Will Rowlands have been named to play alongside New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland players and against players selected from Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
All selected players are part of the Cazalys NT Thunder Academy and AFLNT Talent Manager said the selected Territory player list boasts some of the most exciting up and coming AFL talent.
“It’s really exciting to see the lads get another opportunity to get out on the field to showcase their skills ahead of the NAB AFL Draft Combine coming up this month and the NAB AFL Draft next month,” he said.
“The selected players were chosen on their dedication and performance during the year and off the back of last Friday’s NAB Challenge game and we’re thrilled to be able to give the players another opportunity to expose their talent.”
Ronald Fejo Jnr:
Fejo has been a dominant player for the Cazalys NT Thunder Academy early this year. After originally playing for Wanderers Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL), he has relocated to Adelaide where he has played 16 reserve matches and debuted for West Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). Allies will be a great opportunity for Fejo to play off the wing and really display his AFL credentials.
Jamie Jones:
Jones is part of the SEDA school program in Darwin. He is known to be a very versatile player and proved he is a key player at either end of the ground while playing for the Territory in an Under 16 national carnival in Queensland last year. His attention to detail, professional approach, drive and hunger to get the best out of himself in order to better his game is second to none.
Brodie Lake:
Lake was unlucky to not to get drafted in 2020. He has decided to head back to Western Australia’s Peel Thunder Football Club in the WAFL where he is playing senior footy under Cam Scheppeard. Lake is also known for reading the play well and is a close checking defender who uses his speed, agility and endurance to break the lines and penetrate deep into the forward 50. A player who often sees reward for his efforts.
Andy Moniz-Wakefield:
After sustaining a knee injury playing in the Under 16’s National Championships in Blacktown during 2019 but he is now back up and playing again in the TIO NTFL for Nightcliff Football Club. Andy is a well-respected young man and highly rated amongst his peers. Andy's key football strength is his exceptional ball use whilst being very composed with the ball.
Will Rowlands:
Rowlands relocated to Adelaide and has played seven games for SANFL’s Norwood at an Under 16 level while kicking 16 career goals at an average of 2.3 a game. Rowlands averages 16 possessions a game at 70% efficiency and as well as his Cazalys NT Thunder Academy Under 17 and 19 squad selections, he has also been recognised by South Australia and selected as a state Under 17’s player.
Beau Tedcastle:
Tedcastle is a very exciting small forward who kicked 84 goals in the Under 18 NTFL last year as a 16-year-old. Tedcastle started the 2020/21 TIO NTFL season by kicking 11 goals over two games in the Under 18 competition and since made the transition into Premier League football for St Marys Football Club. Tedcastle is quietly spoken but has a lot of confidence in his ability to delicver x-factor moments on the field and has even been likened to by some as having Cyril Rioli like ability. He is quick, evasive and has strong hands on the lead. Tedcastle has very good goal smarts and is a strong penetrating kick.
Jaedan Watts:
Nephew of former Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns star Jared Brennan, Watts plays on his natural instinct and displays an evasive ability to beat his opponents in one-on-one situations while linking to take risks. Watts is quick off the mark and can be dangerous as a lead up forward. He has relocated to South Australia where he forms part of the West Adelaide's Colts program.
Mishai Wollogorang:
Wollogorang originally hails from Central Australia and played for CAFL’s West Football Club. He relocated to Adelaide and is playing for Woodville West Torrens where he most recently won an Under 18 Premiership after a breakout game in the second semi-final playing in the back pocket.
Ned Stevens and Jack Peris were also selected as part of Allies however cannot travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. Sandy Brock was also selected to play however has been ruled out due to an injury sustained last week.
To watch the game live, tune in via the AFL website or AFL Live app from 9.20am ACST.