RISING Star nominee Sydney-Jack Baker was the standout among an emerging group of youngsters to make a mark for Southern Districts in Round 14. In his NTFL Men’s Premier League (MPL) debut, the 16-year-old booted a goal from his eight disposals as the Crocs beat Darwin by 37 points on Saturday.

>> MPL Round 14: Match of the Round | Stats Report

Towering 200cm prospect Isaac Herold also made his maiden MPL appearance, notching five disposals at 100 per cent efficiency. The breakthrough top flight berth came after nine straight reserves appearances. Herold and Baker were teammates in the Northern Territory’s Under 16 squad last year.

Meanwhile, industrious utility Taj Stanley continued to prove himself as an established player at the level with 15 disposals and plenty of hard running. 2008-born talent Ben Barnard managed seven touches in the win, a tally matched by Harold Sage, who also produced two score assists.

The Buffs also had a considerable amount of young local talent in the side. Tashaun Wright was the absolute standout, collecting 22 disposals, five clearances and two goals to be his side’s best in defeat. Nathan Spry also impressed once again with 15 touches and a goal.

Elsewhere, 2007-born prospect Kalen Russell showed his class in patches with 11 disposals. There were also contributions from Paddy McAuliffe-Smith (nine disposals, three clearances) and Riley Seden-Kurnoth (four disposals, four tackles), who helped bring the heat in Jarrod Stokes‘ milestone game.

Around the grounds, Palmerston again backed its youth in a tight loss to Waratah. Cohen Frith notched up 19 possessions (12 contested) and six clearances in a robust effort, while over-ager Alijah Davey (son of Alwyn) also stood out with his 15 touches and five tackles.

Fellow 2007-born player Jordan Clyne (eight disposals, four tackles) was another youngster to get stuck in along with Nathaniel Lampton (six disposals, six one-percenters). Swingman Deacon Summerville also took the field for Palmerston to round out an impressive class of young talent.

Waratah’s Zac Withers – born in 2008 like Lampton and Summerville – was among his side’s most productive youngsters with 13 disposals in the win. Meanwhile, tall talent Brody Embuscado finished with seven touches and three tackles.

One of the Territory’s fastest emerging prospects, Kairyce Lowah, again showed his wares for St Mary’s. Of his seven possessions, five were intercepts as the Saints thumped Wanderers by 128 points. Sonny Smiler had a go for the Muk Muks, laying three tackles while all five of his possessions were contested.