NORTHERN Territory became the fifth and final Northern Academy to wrap up its Coates Talent League Girls campaign with three matches in the past four rounds. The Thunder hosted a historic match in Darwin for the first time and ousted Calder Cannons by 33 points having got better with each match they played.

RESULTS:

Round 7: lost to Sandringham Dragons by 83 points
Round 8: lost to Murray Bushrangers by 27 points
Round 10: def. Calder Cannons by 33 points

STANDOUTS

Peggy Rock
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 20/07/2009

The Under 16s All-Australian was a standout player throughout the three games, looking readymade to compete against top-agers this year. While usually starting forward, Rock got plenty of midfield time and has a few very unique traits. Completely dual-sided and able to use penetration on her kicks, the double bottom-ager can exit stoppages or get out of trouble in multiple ways. But trouble is also what she hands to the opposition with an explosive, aggressive tackling technique.

Danika McDonald
Tall Defender | 175cm | 06/06/2007

The National Academy defender was crucial in her side’s first two games, doing her best in a couple of losses. She had to adapt to the conditions down south when making a few early errors against the Dragons, but finished near best-afield for her side and was phenomenal with her intercept marking and reading of the play. Had a lot less to do in game three, but showed across the carnival what she will offer to the Allies at the national championships.

Marika Carlton
Midfielder/Forward | 159cm | 03/08/2007

Northern Territory’s other National Academy member had to play on-ball for the most part which for her traits and body size is not where she can necessarily do her best work. She has the smarts and explosive speed, but when she got her opportunity to play half-forward, Carlton booted two goals and looked a menace. Expect her to be a mix of wing-forward at the upcoming national championships to really maximise her hurt factor.

Tatyana Perry
Defender/Midfielder | 171cm | 28/02/2006

Coming from the unbeaten Oakleigh Chargers into a far less experienced defensive setup, Perry was the glue and composure behind the ball. She was often a step or two ahead of her opposition, and it took a little while to adapt to the new side. Once she did, Perry played a key role and really has not had a bad over-age season at all. She has the skill, smarts and athleticism that standout and is learning to compete more one-on-one as well.

Taelah Smith
Midfielder | 169cm | 12/04/2007

The top-ager who bobbed up the most throughout the three games, Smith captained the Thunder in teh Coates Talent League Girls and found a stack of the ball and was crucial around clearances. A see-ball, get-ball type, Smith can clear the danger zone with quick disposals and gets into the right spots to find the ball. A great opportunity with the Allies awaits which will be a whole new level for the Southern Districts midfielder.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn
Small Forward | 157cm | 22/11/2007

One of the few with experience outside the NTFL Women’s coming into the competition, Gardiner-Dunn has been part of the successful South Adelaide program in the SANFLW. She has some terrific athletic traits and is smart around goal, often zipping around defenders and taking chances on goal. Earned a call-up to the injury-stricken National Academy side against the All Stars and also kicked a goal there.

Demi-Lee Braun
Small Forward | 158cm | 26/05/2007

Another player liked to the Panthers like Gardiner-Dunn, Braun has a great defensive intent and even though she did not hit the scoreboard, applied enormous amounts of tackles, with at least five per game across the three matches. She provides some spark and X-factor in the front half and though only small, is dangerous anywhere around goals with upside for the future.

INTO THE FUTURE

Layla May
Wing/Midfielder | 159cm | 14/05/2009

Another Under 16s talent who really shone alongside Rock in the competition. Similar to Carlton, she does her best work in space with some nice speed and good hands. However she did impress when on the inside with her knack of getting the ball out of tight spaces and added a point of difference on-ball. Will be a name to remember over the coming years.

Jorja Davey
Small Forward | 159cm | 28/11/2008

The latest player in the Davey family – following in the footsteps of older brother Waylon – Jorja is another clever forward who can push up the ground and present when required. Did not win much of the ball, but kicked a nice goal against the Bushrangers and narrowly missed an earlier chance. A raw prospect with plenty of upside who is a player to keep tabs on for the coming 18 months.

SUMMARY

Northern Territory improved with each game and to come from behind against Calder Cannons in front of home fans in Darwin was outstanding. The Thunder players will either prepare for the NTFLW starting in October, head back to their SANFLW clubs or set up for the Allies campaign which kicks off on Sunday.