The Cazalys NT Talent Academy Under 18 Girls have closed out their 2025 Coates Talent League campaign in stirring fashion.
Their journey began in late May, against one of the nation’s elites in the Sandringham Dragons, who flexed their muscle in frosty Melbourne conditions to claim an 83-point win. But the scoreboard told only part of the story. Despite the heavy loss, several NT standouts emerged with promising performances. Danika McDonald led the way with 18 disposals, while Layla May was a force around the contest, notching 17 touches and a game-high nine tackles. Palmerston pair Marika Carlton and Tatyana Perry also found plenty of the ball, finishing with 14 disposals apiece.
Bouncing back with a more competitive showing against the Murray Bushrangers, the Territorians went toe-to-toe for much of the contest. Trailing by two goals at halftime, NT stayed within reach until a third quarter burst from the Bushrangers - four unanswered goals - sealed the result.
Despite the 27-point loss, Territory talent again shone. McDonald reaffirmed her draft credentials with 21 disposals, while Taelah Smith (18 disposals, 5 tackles), Peggy Rock (14 disposals), and Layla May (16 disposals) all impressed. Bonnie Brown provided the finishing touch up forward as NT’s only multiple goal scorer.
Then came the long-awaited moment - home turf, home crowd, and history on the line. Playing their first official Coates Talent League match in the Top End, the NT girls took to TIO Oval 2 determined to make a statement against the Calder Cannons.
And make a statement they did.
Full of intensity and Territory spirit, the NT brought early pressure, but it was the Cannons who struck first. Eva Harris responded just before quarter time, before Calder threatened to break the game open with three straight goals in the second term. But the Territorians dug deep. Late goals from Bella Foster and Jade Moir cut the margin to three points heading into the main break.
The second half belonged entirely to the hosts.
Through Keanne Hart-Aluni, a Marika Carlton double, and Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn - they flipped the script kicking four goals straight and sending the crowd into raptures. The NT defence held firm, keeping Calder scoreless after halftime in a stunning turnaround.
In a landmark result, the NT Under 18 Girls claimed their first-ever win in their first official home game. Peggy Rock was superb with 31 disposals, while captain Taelah Smith led from the front with 25. Off half-back, Lexie Cagney starred with 21 disposals and five tackles. Carlton and Perry, Palmerston’s dynamic duo, combined for 33 disposals, while Aaliyah Mukhlis provided relentless drive through the corridor.
Head Coach Dale Eames praised his side’s growth and determination across the campaign. “Our girls were simply outstanding on Saturday. They delivered a performance that made their families, friends, and the entire Northern Territory incredibly proud,” Eames said.
“This group is highly capable. Some of our early results in Melbourne didn’t reflect what they’re truly capable of - but they’ve stuck together week on week and kept improving.
“On Saturday, we won both the contested possession and tackle count convincingly and when you win that statistical combination you win most games of footy.
“Our backline stood strong throughout the game, led by the experienced Tatyana Perry and a best-on-ground performance from Lexie Cagney.
“The midfield worked tirelessly, focusing on winning first possession. Captain Taelah Smith was instrumental, supported by line-breaker Aaliyah Mukhlis and young gun Peggy Rock, who topped the disposal count with 31.
“Up forward, the pressure was relentless, with Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn and Demi-Lee Braun leading the charge, while Marika Carlton added two important goals with her trademark dash.”
“It was a significant milestone to play our first-ever Coates League game in Darwin. To mark that with a win made it even more special. We hope to host more games in the Territory in the future.”