{"id":208517,"date":"2026-02-04T12:15:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=208517"},"modified":"2026-02-04T12:15:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:15:33","slug":"nt-talent-time-buffs-youngsters-hit-the-top-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/02\/04\/nt-talent-time-buffs-youngsters-hit-the-top-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"NT Talent Time: Buffs youngsters hit the top flight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong> was handed his maiden top flight cap, picking up five touches in the heavy loss to St Mary’s on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> MPL Round 16:<\/strong> Match of the Round<\/a> | Stats Report<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shane Warford <\/strong>(seven disposals) and Nathias Bourke-Miler<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other NT Academy prospects to have taken the field for Darwin were Kalen Russell<\/a> and Paddy McAuliffe-Smith<\/strong>. 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<\/a> joined the party with 19 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s as his side saluted to the tune of 129 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

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