The final team lists have been announced ahead of this Saturday’s Cazalys NTFL Representative Games against SANFL’s Woodville West Torrens.
Head Coach Chris Baksh’s men’s side features an impressive spread of accomplished players from across the league while Jarred Ilett’s women’s side has a good mix of both experienced and young and upcoming stars.
Baksh said the group the Men’s Selection Committee have put together have jelled together really well.
“It’s awesome to see the way they leave their NTFL club colours at the door and have really united,” he said.
“With former representative players like Jarrod Stokes and Braedon McLean with Liam Holz-Fitz who has recently come into great form in the NTFL forward line and Jackson Calder who will do great things, we have a great team moving into Saturday’s clash.”
“This is our chance to showcase the Territory’s best talent to the rest of Australia and show just how good our NTFL competition is.”
The Men’s Selection Committee comprised of Chairperson Shannon Rusca, Head Coach Chris Baskh, Committee Member Stu Davis, Team Manager Leith Waterbury and AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave.
The women representing the Territory will include a fantastic mix of experienced players including Lisa Roberts, Eliza Morrison and Mickayla Ward alongside 10 current Cazalys NT Thunder Academy players who form some of the league’s best up and coming talent.
Women’s Head Coach Jarred Ilett said this year’s squad is really exciting with balance being one of the team’s strengths.
“We have speed, power and experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of our junior players who are leading the NTFL competition shine on the big stage against Woodville,” Ilett said.
“We have J'Noemi Anderson, Ciaralii Parnell, Grace Whittaker and Annabel Kievit and who are up with the best players at club level and are leading the competition. That’s what rep footy is all about, providing those juniors an opportunity to shine.”
Chairperson Colleen Gwynne, Head Coach Jarred Ilett, Committee Members Heidi Thompson and Leith Waterbury, along with AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave were tasked with selecting the Women’s squad.
At last night’s final squad training, the final team selection and captaincies were announced.
Former NTFL Representative Team vice-captain Braedon McLean has become this year’s captain with Jarrod Stokes and Shaun Wilson taking on the vice-captain duties.
McLean said he is proud to be named as captain.
“It was a bit of a surprise but a massive honour, especially after growing up in the Territory, watching my uncles play in the ochre, white and black and also having an uncle captain this side a few times,” McLean said.
“I can’t wait to lead the boys out on the weekend against some of the best in Australia.”
The women’s co-captains were also announced with Bella Clarke and Lisa Roberts taking on the role.
Clarke and Roberts who both played in the 2021 NT representative side said the experience from last year’s match was amazing.
“To be able to play along the girls you’d normally have to size up against is a great experience. Training alongside them lifts the intensity grows skills. It just makes you want to be better,” said Roberts.
“The best part about representative footy is probably the supporters who come along and celebrate the NT as a whole, not just a single club. That’s my favourite part,” said Roberts.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketebo here.
Northern Territory Representative Team – Men’s
FB: Braedon McLean (c), Ryan Nyhuis, Daniel Bowles
HB: Michael Bowden, Brodie Newman, Mitchel Taylor
C: Lachlan Taylor, Nate Paredes, Jarrod Stokes (vc)
HF: Abraham Ankers, Trent Melville, Shaun Wilson (vc)
FF: Liam Holt-Fitz, Jackson Calder, Jayden Magro
FOL: Ben Archard, Brodie Filo, Dylan Landt
Interchange: Nick Yarran, Jake McQueen, Paddy Gallow, Eric Guthrie, Lloyd Johnston, Jake Bowd
Emergencies: Beau Schwarze, Frazer Driscoll, Jack Kluske, Jackson Bowen
Northern Territory Representative Team – Women’s
FB: Isabella Rapson-Staropoli, Ciaralii Parnell, Sophie Hatzismalis
HB: Bella Clarke (c), Jemma Iacono, Eliza Shannon
C: Dijmila Totham, Lisa Roberts (c), Eliza Morrison
HF: Aggie Singh, Hillary Grubb, Isabelle Porter
FF: Lisa Miceli, Mickayla Ward, Grace Whittaker
FOL: Jessie Brock, Reni Hicks, J'Noemi Anderson
Interchange: Amy Chittick, Molly Althouse, Tikesa Docherty-Cole, Freda Wosomo, Annabel Kievit, Madison Harris
Emergencies: Emily Casey, Tabitha May, Tayla Hart-Aluni, Jacinta Reid
