15 Territorians Named in 2025 AFL Indigenous & Multicultural Academies

Fifteen of the Northern Territory’s most promising young footballers have been selected in the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies, showcasing the strength of talent emerging from the Top End and Central Australia. 

Among the Indigenous Academy selections are Jorja Davey, Bella Foster, Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn, Lakhyah Hill, Peggy (PJ) Martin, Aaliyah Mukhlis, Shakana Rankine, Rianna Ryan, Edward Darcy, Calvin Peris Chong, Kalen Russell, Jarryn Sambo, and Sonny Smiler. 

In the Multicultural Academy, Peggy Rock and Hau-Tze Rock have been selected, continuing the strong representation of culturally diverse athletes from the Territory. 

The Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies support 16 to 18-year-old footballers from across Australia, providing a year-long development experience. Participants complete monthly online learning modules and receive tailored cultural, educational, and leadership support throughout the program. 

Many of the NT athletes selected are already competing at high levels, including the NTFL U18s, Coates Talent League, WAFL Colts and SANFL U18s, and their selection further cements their place in the AFL’s national talent pipeline. 

Masterclasses will be delivered by AFL and AFLW stars, including Norm Smith Medallists Bobby Hill and Jason Johannisen, dual AFLW leading goal kicker Darcy Vescio, and NT’s own Danielle Ponter, a two-time AFLW premiership player. 

The girls’ camp will take place in Melbourne from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9, culminating in a showcase match between the Indigenous and Multicultural Academies at La Trobe University, Bundoora, from 11:00am on the final day. 

The boys’ camp will follow in October, providing another exciting development opportunity for the NT’s next generation of football stars. 

AFL Diversity Talent Programs Manager, Narelle Long, said: “The Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies provide a unique football experience for our emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers. 
 
“The program is designed to prepare our participants for a transition to the elite level of game by providing further on-field and off-field coaching and education to assist their development. 
 
“In addition to retaining and transition our talented young footballers, the Academies also aim to bring back talent to the sport by providing new opportunities for our young athletes to fulfill their potential. 
 
“The Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies are an extension of our Woomeras and Medleys programs for girls and Flying Boomerangs and World Team programs for boys, which many of our Academy participants featured in as part of their 15^th year.” 
 
Below are the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academy squads. 
 
TOYOTA AFL INDIGENOUS ACADEMY – GIRLS 

TOYOTA AFL MULTICULTURAL ACADEMY – GIRLS 

TOYOTA AFL INDIGENOUS ACADEMY – BOYS 

TOYOTA AFL MULTICULTURAL ACADEMY – BOYS 

TOYOTA AFL INDIGENOUS ACADEMY VS TOYOTA AFL MULTICULTURAL ACADEMY – GIRLS MATCH 
 
DATE: Monday, June 9, 2025 
TIME: 11:00am AEST 
VENUE: La Trobe University, Bundoora 
WATCH: A live stream will be available on the AFL Play YouTube channel here