Six of the Northern Territory’s brightest young footballers have been selected to represent the Allies in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships — a key showcase for the country’s top Under 18 talent ahead of the Telstra AFLW Draft later this year.
Marika Carlton, Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn, Lakhyah Hill, Danika McDonald, Taelah Smith, and Peggy (PJ) Martin have all earned their spots following standout campaigns in the 2025 Cazalys NT Talent Academy program.
Palmerston duo Carlton and Smith have been in electric form this year, regularly turning heads with their attacking flair and forward pressure. Gardiner-Dunn and Hill carry strong momentum into the championships after playing key roles in St Mary’s 2024/25 TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League premiership triumph.
Alice Springs product Danika McDonald, representing Pioneer, has built consistent form in the Coates Talent League, averaging 15.3 disposals per game. Meanwhile, Martin has shown flashes of brilliance with the Sandringham Dragons, underlining her long-term potential at the next level.
The Allies begin their campaign this Sunday, June 22, facing Vic Country at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Melbourne from 9:00am. They then meet Vic Metro on Sunday, July 13 at Brighton Homes Arena (12:45pm), before a third clash against Western Australia at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday, July 19 (11:30am).
The squad’s final fixture is set for Sunday, July 27, when they return to Brighton Homes Arena to take on Queensland at 10:30am.
All matches will be streamed live via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
DATE | MATCH | LOCATION | TIME |
Sun, June 22 | Victoria Country v Allies | Trevor Barker Beach Oval | 9:30am |
Sun, June 22 | Western Australia v Queensland | RSEA Park | 11:50am |
Sun, June 22 | Victoria Metro v South Australia | RSEA Park | 1:50pm |
Sat, June 28 | Queensland v Victoria Country | Brighton Homes Arena | 10:30am |
Sat, June 29 | Western Australia v South Australia | Revo Fitness Stadium | 11:30am |
Sun, July 6 | Western Australia v Victoria Metro | TBC, Western Australia | 9:30am |
Sun, July 13 | Allies v Victoria Metro | Brighton Homes Arena | 1:15pm |
Sat, July 19 | Allies v Western Australia | Blacktown ISP | 12:00pm |
Sun, July 20 | Victoria Country v Victoria Metro | RSEA Park | 1:45pm |
Sun, July 27 | Queensland v Allies | Brighton Homes Arena | 11:00am |
Sun, Aug 3 | South Australia v Queensland | TBC, South Australia | 11:00am |
Sun, Aug 10 | South Australia v Victoria Country | TBC, South Australia | 10:45am |