The AFL has today announced the invite list for the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft Combine and 2025 Telstra AFLW State Draft Combines, with two Northern Territory talents among the select group of emerging prospects.
Marika Carlton and Danika McDonald, both members of the Cazalys Northern Territory Talent Academy, have earned invitations to participate in the upcoming state Draft Combines. Carlton, representing the Palmerston Magpies, and McDonald, from Pioneer, will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and athleticism ahead of the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft.
The three-day national Draft Combine will be held in Melbourne from Wednesday, October 1 to Friday, October 3. Forty-six players from across Australia have been invited to attend, with club interviews scheduled at the MCG on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, participants will complete a 2km time trial at the AIA Centre, while all remaining physical testing, including vertical jumps, 20-metre sprints, and agility tests, will take place at the State Netball & Hockey Centre on Friday.
In addition to the national combine, 45 players have been selected for one of the three Telstra AFLW State Draft Combines in October. These state combines provide a key pathway for emerging talent to impress recruiters through physical testing and skills assessments.
Carlton and McDonald will both compete in the Northern Territory contingent at the state combines. Melbourne will host a combine on October 3, Adelaide on October 11, and Perth on October 12.
Selection for the combines is based on nominations provided by AFLW clubs, highlighting Carlton and McDonald’s standout performances at state and community levels.
Their inclusion in the combines marks an exciting opportunity for Northern Territory football, as the pair aim to follow in the footsteps of other Territory players who have progressed to the elite AFLW level.