What is NT Thunder Academy Under 18s?
NT Thunder Academy Under 18s is the Territory’s representative team for male participants aged 17 and 18
What competitions do they play in?
NAB AFL U18 Academy Series
NAB AFL U18 National Championships (Allies)
When did the NT Thunder Academy Under 18s squad first commence?
1997
What have been some highlights?
Seeing players who have gone on to be drafted in AFL. In 2017 Zac Bailey (Brisbane), Dom Barry (Port Adelaide) and Tony Olango (West Coast). Other past players such as Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Daniel Rioli (Richmond), Steven Motlop (Geelong) and Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong) have also been drafted after coming up through the Thunder Academy ranks.
Who is the coach?
The Jason Roe
2019 Academy Series fixtures and results:
ROUND 1
2.30pm Saturday 30 March
NT Thunder vs Gold Coast Suns
Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP), Blacktown, NSW
ROUND 2
2pm Sunday 7 April
NT Thunder vs Tasmania
Arden St Oval, North Melbourne, VIC
ROUND 3
2.30pm Sunday 14 April
Western Jets vs NT Thunder
Burbank Oval, Williamstown, VIC
ROUND 4
2pm Sunday 28 April
Greater Western Victoria Rebels vs NT Thunder
Windy Hill, Essendon, VIC
ROUND 5
2pm Sunday 5 May
NT Thunder vs Northern Knights
Ikon Park, Carlton North, VIC
For more information on the AFL Under 18s visit the AFL website.
How do you qualify for this squad?
Athletes are identified through local leagues and can be nominated by someone from their club. They may also be invited to participate in the Under 18s program following participating in the Under 16s squad. Once the Under 18s have completed the Academy Series against Tasmania, Gold Coast Suns, Brisbane Lions, Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, a representative team known as the Allies is selected to participate in the AFL National Championships against Victoria Country, Victoria Metro, Western Australia and South Australia.
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