The Northern Territory continues to punch above its weight on the national stage, with Jorja Davey, Lakhyah Hill and Sonny Smiler today named in the prestigious 2025 Marsh AFL National Futures program.
The announcement is a huge win for NT footy, with all three talents coming through the NT Academy and their local clubs, Davey from Palmerston, Hill from St Mary’s and Smiler from Kalkarindji/Wanderers.
The Marsh AFL Futures program is one of the most important steps on the pathway to the elite level, bringing together the country’s best under-17 players for high-performance camps and showcase matches in September. All players selected are born in 2008, making them eligible for the 2026 AFL and AFLW Drafts.
For the Territory, the selections are further proof that local talent can match it with the best in Australia.
Davey and Hill will feature in the Futures Girls match at IKON Park on Sunday, September 14, ahead of the AFLW clash between Richmond and Geelong.
Smiler will step onto the game’s biggest stage, the MCG, when the Futures Boys match is played as the curtain-raiser to the Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday, September 27.
Territory players have a strong record of making their mark through the Futures system, with many going on to AFL and AFLW careers. The trio’s selection is seen as recognition of both their individual talent and their commitment to wanting to play at the highest level.
The 2025 Marsh AFL National Futures matches will be broadcast live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App.