THREE Darwin youngsters played their first Men’s Premier League (MPL) games for the season in Round 16, with one making their debut. Northern Territory Under 16 squad member Roger Baxter was handed his maiden top flight cap, picking up five touches in the heavy loss to St Mary’s on Saturday.

>> MPL Round 16: Match of the Round | Stats Report

Shane Warford (seven disposals) and Nathias Bourke-Miler (three) also came back into the side after debuting during the 2024/25 campaign. They both previously cut their teeth at Under 17 and Reserves level this season. With the Buffs out of the finals race, opportunities are ripe for the next generation.

Other NT Academy prospects to have taken the field for Darwin were Kalen Russell and Paddy McAuliffe-Smith. The former had a dip with nine disposals and five tackles, while the latter notched three intercepts among his five possessions. For St Mary’s, Aaron McWilliams joined the party with 19 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s as his side saluted to the tune of 129 points.

Ladder leaders Southern Districts were also among the big winners in Round 16, thumping Wanderers by 124 points. Former Allies representative Taj Stanley finished with 11 disposals and four marks, while 17-year-old Ben Barnard collected 15 possessions (13 uncontested) and five marks in the victory.

The Tiwi-Palmerston clash was also littered with young talent. Bombers forward Frances Tipungwuti played his first game for the new year, getting back into the swing of things with seven touches and a goal. Alijah Davey also hit the scoreboard for Palmerston, while Nathaniel Lampton (14 disposals, three inside 50s) and Jordan Clyne (13 disposals) had their moments in the defeat.

Opening the round on Friday night, Waratah went down to Nightcliff on the road. Rising Star candidate Zac Withers had it a handful of times against his old side, while Clay Shadforth (six disposals) and Brody Embuscado (five disposals, three tackles) rounded out the Warriors’ emerging contingent.