NORTHERN Territory went down to the respective NSW Academies by 51 points (Giants) and 54 points (Swans) to finish bottom of Pool B at the 2025 AFLW Under 16 Development Championships. However, the Territory’s reigning MVP had a carnival to remember and a few others also caught the eye.

RESULTS:

Northern Territory 5.2 (32) def. by Giants Academy 12.11 (83) | Scouting Notes
Northern Territory 3.4 (22) def. by Swans Academy 12.4 (76) | Scouting Notes

TOP TALENT:

#12 Peggy Rock
Nightcliff | 169cm | 20/07/2009

Without a doubt the clear standout, Rock backed up her bottom-age 16s campaign with a strong performance in her top-age carnival. An incredibly fierce and aggressive midfielder, Rock only knows one way and it’s full throttle. She can use both sides of her body and is clean at ground level which bodes well for the future. Rock’s next step is gaining composure with ball in hand, particularly around stoppages in order over throwing the ball on the boot, but her penetrating kick and array of ball-winning abilities holds her in good stead. Rock averaged 21.5 disposals, 2.0 marks, 4.0 tackles, 8.5 clearances, 3.0 inside 50s and 2.0 rebound 50s.

NAMES TO REMEMBER:

#7 Layla May
Darwin Buffaloes | 159cm | 14/05/2009

Another consistent ball-winner for the Thunder, May recorded an average of 18.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 6.5 tackles, 2.0 clearances and 3.0 rebound 50s rotating between midfield and assisting in defence. Her explosive speed is her biggest weapon and she set the tone early with defensive pressure from the back 50. Also boasting clean hands, May is one will complement her state in future competitions.

#17 Grace Anstess
St Mary’s | 175cm | 10/05/2010

A taller midfield around the stoppages, Anstess is a promising bottom-ager for the Thunder who particularly excelled against the Swans in game too. Clean at ground level and quick by hand or foot, she was able to accumulate 23 disposals, seven clearances, three inside 50s, three rebound 50s and laid six tackles in that match. Can win inside or outside ball and given her age can return again in 2026.

#23 Kayla Ilett
St Mary’s | 174cm | 18/12/2009

Had some great highlights at times with a slick sidestep that assisted in transitioning the ball from midfield to attack. Strong in the hips which made her capable of shrugging would-be tacklers, Ilett at times got right up the ground then back inside 50 where she was able to convert a set shot from the pocket against the Swans. Also kicked a goal against the Giants to be one of only two Territorians to kick goals in both games.

Love to see it ?

Akia-Marie Lake stole the show with this moment while representing NT in the U16 Girls National Champs. pic.twitter.com/9JMMkEsozY

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) April 22, 2025

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED:

The consistency from game one to two from players was not as straight forward as the other states with a mix of better players against the Giants compared to the Swans. Akia-Marie Lake had a highlight goal against the Swans taking it from half-forward then finishing with class in the pocket. Lakhyah Hill found her share of the ball in defence, while Arianna Parmenter battled hard through the ruck across both matches.