Seven members of the Northern Territory State Academy have tonight been presented with awards at the NT Thunder Club Champion Presentation Dinner at SKYCITY Darwin.
Brandon Rusca was awarded the NT School Sports U15 Long Medal following an outstanding season where he represented the NT Kickstart team at the AFL National Diversity Championships and subsequently was selected in the national Flying Boomerangs squad.
Matt Blake was awarded the U16 McCasker Award for his season where he again stood out as the captain of the Northern Territory U-16 side. Leading from the front, the Waratah young gun enjoyed a consistent year and looks set for a big season in the NTFL.
Rising talent Michael Mummery took home the U16 McAdam Medal for his outstanding season where he stood out at the NAB AFL National U-16 Championships on the Gold Coast, subsequently gaining selection in the NAB AFL Academy.
Draft hopeful Tony Olango was awarded the U18 McCasker Award for his stellar season that saw him impress on the national stage while representing the Territory earlier this year. The ruckman was also selected in the Allies team that competed in the NAB AFL National U-18 Championships.
Fellow Allies teammate Rohan Armstrong took home the U18 McLean Medal after showing his versatility playing in a variety of positions at the NAB AFL National Championships this year. An elite kick, Armstrong was awarded the NT Most Valuable Player during this year’s NAB AFL National U-18 Championships.
AFL Women’s draft hopeful Morgan Johnston took out the Women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award for her season where she left no stone unturned. Never shirking from the contest, Johnston runs hard and smart and uses the ball well. Johnston was judged best afield in the NT State Academy match against the Victorian Academy ealier this year,
Emerging star Tabitha May was awarded the Youth Girls’ MVP for her standout performances at the Youth Girls National Championships this year. A consistent performer, May’s versatility is what stands out.
NT THUNDER STATE ACADEMY AWARDS
NT School Sports U15 Long Medal - Brandon Rusca
U16 McCasker Award - Matthew Blake
U16 McAdam Medal - Michael Mummery
U18 McCasker Award - Tony Olango
U18 McLean Medal - Rohan Armstrong
Youth Girls’ MVP - Tabitha May
Women’s MVP - Morgan Johnston