Players from the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Tasmania will come together and participate as fully fledged members of our NAB AFL Championships at Under 19s level when it kicks off next month in Queensland.
Representing the Territory are Cazalys NT Thunder Academy players Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Brodie Lake, Jack Peris and Ned Stevens.
TIO NTFL Premier League Nightcliff Tiger Andy Moniz-Wakefield is listed on Melbourne FC’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) and is known for his hard at the ball contests and clean disposals, demonstrated in the first two Cazalys NT Thunder Academy NAB League games this year.
Fellow Nightcliff Tiger Jack Peris, son of Champion Australian Athlete Nova Peris, is part of St Kilda FC’s NGA and has spent time in Sandringhan and Prahran playing in the NAB League.
Andy and Jack join speedy midfielder and TIO NTFL Premier League Southern Districts Croc, Brodie Lake, who was a standout in last year’s AFL SA Combine. More recently, he has been playing Senior footy for WAFL’s Peel Thunder.
TIO NTFL Premier League Waratah player Ned Stevens is also featured in the line-up after being named in the NAB AFL Academy earlier this year. He also forms part of the Gold Coast SUNS Academy and is playing for Gold Coast’s Labrador in the local competition.
AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave said he is thrilled these NT boys have been recognised for their football talent.
“This experience will give them every opportunity to put their best foot forward on the National Stage in front of AFL recruiters and playing against the best players of their age group from across the country,”
“The Territory has had great success with current AFL stars emerged from the Allies, including Brisbane Lions’ Zac Bailey and Geelong’s Brandon Parfit. I’m looking forward to seeing who from the NT will be next.”
The Allies will compete against AFL prospects from South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria Metro and Victoria Country, playing a full round of four matches each for the Division One title.
Allies players are set to enter a training camp next weekend (25th - 27th June) in Sydney with their appointed coach, Gold Coast Suns Academy head coach Andrew Raines ahead of their first game against the Victorian Metro team next month in Queensland.
AFL Talent Ambassador and Allies Selector, Kevin Sheehan said this squad represents the best young talent after promising performances in their state-based talent programs in 2021.
“The quality of talent in AFL growth markets gets better and better every year and we’re excited to see these boys challenge the best from across Australia in the upcoming NAB AFL U19 Championships,” Sheehan said.
“2021 NAB AFL Rising Stars nominees include Sydney Swans’ pair Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell, GWS GIANTS’ Tom Green and Hawthorn’s Jacob Koschitzke, all graduates of the Allies in the last few years.”
“These men are the future of the game and highlight the growth of Australian football across Australia.”
The NAB AFL Under 19 championships will see a total of 10 matches played across Australia in July, August and September showcasing Australia’s finest prospects and giving fans and scouts alike an insight into this year’s draft.
2021 NAB AFL U19 Championships – Allies matches:
Thursday 8 July: Allies v Vic Metro - Metricon Stadium - 2:00pm AEST
Saturday 24 July: SA v Allies - Adelaide Oval/Richmond Oval - 12:00pm ACST
Saturday 31 July: Allies v WA – BISP - 12:00pm AEST
Saturday 14 August: Vic Country v Allies - GMHBA Stadium - 12:00pm AEST
Click here for the full fixture on the AFL DRAFT HUB.
The NAB AFL Draft is scheduled for November 2021.