Territory Trio selected for AFL National Academy showcase

Palmerston Magpies stars Tatyana Perry and Marika Carlton, along with Pioneer Eagle Danika McDonald, have been named to feature in this weekend’s clash between the Marsh AFL National Academy Girls (Australia Under 18s) and the national All-Stars side in Melbourne. 

The match will take place at RSEA Park on Sunday, April 20, and will spotlight some of the country’s most promising young footballers. The All-Stars team has been selected from AFLW club nominations, while the National Academy squad features players born in 2006 and 2007. 

Perry, one of the NT’s most decorated young talents, will be honoured as a two-time All-Star following back-to-back selections. Carlton and McDonald, meanwhile, will line up together for the Australia Under 18s—just weeks after going head-to-head in the NTFL v CAFL representative clash. 

Territory football continues to produce elite-level prospects, with Perry and Carlton earning the NT News Rising Star award in successive NTFL seasons. McDonald now shapes as the next breakout star after a standout showing for the Central Australian Football League. 

A second fixture between the two sides is scheduled for the King’s Birthday weekend in June. 

Players will arrive in Melbourne on Thursday to begin a high-performance camp, which will include education, wellbeing, and team-building sessions in preparation for Sunday’s game. 

Marsh AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said: “It’s an exciting moment for all players in the Marsh AFL National Academy to wear the Australia jumper for the very first time. 
 
“It is a well-deserved honour for everyone selected and we look forward to watching our Academy members wearing the jumper with distinction. 
 
“Sunday’s game also provides a great opportunity for players selected for the All Stars to showcase their talent on the big stage.” 

AUSTRALIA U18 vs ALL STARS 
Sunday, April 20, 2025 
1:30pm AEST 
RSEA Park 
Free entry 
 
HOW TO WATCH: Sunday’s match between Australia U18 and the All Stars will be available to watch live and free on the AFLW website. 
 
Continue below to view the squads for Sunday’s match at RSEA Park. 

AUSTRALIA U18   

  
ALL STARS