AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) is pleased to announce the planned curtain raiser match for the Gold Coast SUNS and Hawthorn AFL game in Darwin will still go ahead tomorrow, Saturday 29 May, although now an exhibition match following the announcement of the AFL game in Darwin not proceeding.
This exhibition game will be played against two teams comprising of Under 19 Cazalys NT Thunder Academy Girls and 2021 AFLW players.
2021 Cazalys NT Thunder Academy players will come together from across the Territory as part of either Team Baird and Team Ponter, named after Territory born and bred AFLW players, Janet Baird and Premiership player Danielle Ponter.
Two 2021 AFLW and ex-NTFL players, Janet Baird and Sally Riley will join the Academy girls which will great opportunity for the girls to not only play with and against AFLW players from the Territory, but also showcase their own talent.
A 2018/19 Gwynne Medallist (NTFL Women's best and fairest) and 2017/18 TIO NTFL Women's Rising Star, Janet Baird played 47 Premier League games and kicked 22 goals for the Palmerston Magpies before being picked by the Gold Coast SUNS in the 2020 draft.
Originally from Tracy Village FC in the NTFL and ex-NT Thunder player, Sally Riley spent time playing for the inaugural Adelaide Crows where she was part of the leadership group. Riley was also signed with the Gold Coast SUNS in 2019 before announcing her retirement earlier this year.
AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave said this is a great opportunity for the Cazalys NT Thunder Academy girls to showcase their skills in front their AFLW role models and a home crowd.
“As well as walking out to play in front of friends and family, the girls will also be showing off firsthand what amazing talent comes out of the female footy space in the Territory,”
“We hope to get as many people down to the game to support the girls as possible.”
Team Baird will be coached by Heidi Thompson and captained by Bella Clarke with Team Ponter being coached by Leith Waterbury and captained by Grace Mulvahil.
Those unable to attend can watch the game on the AFLNTv YouTube page at this link: https://youtu.be/iKWlsNcZ4-I
Game Day Details:
Date: Saturday 28 May 2021
Time: 4pm
Venue: TIO Stadium, enter via Ahmat Gate
Price: FREE