AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) is excited to announce the captains for the NTFL All Star Saturday squads ahead of the representative showcase at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
The leaders bring together Territory-developed talent and experienced interstate recruits, reflecting the All Star ethos of uniting the best of NTFL football.
Heat Captains
Willie Rioli has been named Men’s Heat Captain. The Tiwi Bombers and St Mary’s product has played 51 AFL games for West Coast and 39 for Port Adelaide, winning a premiership with the Eagles in 2018, as well as 17 games for NT Thunder.
“I’m incredibly proud to captain the Heat,” Rioli said. “We’ve got a special group, plenty of fire, and we’re ready to represent the Territory the right way this weekend.”
Janet Baird will captain the Heat Women’s side. A NT Talent program graduate, Baird has played AFLW for the SUNS and Hawks, 39 games for Palmerston, and 6 games for Box Hill in the VFLW.
“To get another opportunity to wear a guernsey that represents home is pretty special,” Baird said.
“To be named captain makes it even more meaningful for my family and me, and it’s a role I’m really proud to take on.”
Spears Captains
Cody Szust (Waratah) will captain the Men’s Spears. Originally from South Australia, Szust has played SANFL football with Norwood and Port Adelaide, and VFL football with Port Melbourne. Now in his second NTFL season, he previously played at Nightcliff before joining Waratah.
“The All Stars game is a great opportunity to showcase the depth of talent we have in the Territory, as well as the quality of players who’ve relocated to Darwin from around Australia,” Szust said.
“There’s a strong mix of players who have come here and really embraced the football community, which is what makes this weekend so special. Bringing everyone together has been great and the group is really excited to represent the Spears.”
The Spears Women’s team will be co-captained by Gabby Deller (Nightcliff) and Maddi Shaw (Southern Districts).
Deller, Nightcliff captain and 2024/25 Club Best and Fairest winner, has VFLW experience with Richmond and Geelong, and QAFLW experience with Bond University.
“What’s stood out is how quickly the group has unified,” Deller said.
“Having the opportunity to connect on and off the field with opposition players is exciting, and All-Star is a fantastic showcase of what Territory footy is all about. We’re excited to team up, put on a show and enjoy a great weekend.”
Shaw, originally from Victoria, has represented Collegians (VAFA) and Central’s Trinity Beach Bulldogs (Cairns) before joining Southern Districts in the NTFL.
“We have a really competitive group filled with a lot of depth,” Shaw said.
“It’s exciting getting to test ourselves against the best. It’s going to be a great contest and one we’re really looking forward to.”
The event is proudly supported by Cazalys Palmerston Club, the Premier Partner of all NTFL All Star teams, continuing their consistent support of Representative Football in the Northern Territory since 2021.
Tickets are on sale now via INTIX: https://www.intix.com.au/event/2026-ntfl-allstar-saturday-representative-/information