On Saturday evening the UWS GIANTS travelled to TIO Stadium, Darwin to meet the reigning NEAFL Premiers, NT Thunder.
The game gave the opportunity for the club to give six young Northern Territory players the chance to play alongside the GIANTS, and test themselves at the NEAFL level.
Basil Bara (Groyte Eylandt), Roy Assan (Katherine), Tyrese Dhurrkay (Elcho Island), Louie Narndu (Wadeye), Francis Kintari and Quinton Gurruniwa all travelled significant distances to take their place in the side.
Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy manager, Lachlan Buszard said that the game was a great opportunity to provide some local Northern Territory players a glimpse at the NEAFL level, with the Northern Territory being zoned to the GIANTS.
“It was sensational with our zone access to give six boys from the Northern Territory an opportunity to play in the NEAFL, and the most impressive things is some of these boys have come from over 600km away from play, and to socialize, train and play with AFL listed players is pretty special for these guys,” said Buszard.
“It was great to see after the game all of them wanting photos with the players, and getting their signatures and things like that.
“It was a great opportunity for these players to be exposed to the next level and play alongside some AFL stars.
“I thought they all handled themselves pretty well; they certainly hunted the footy and did everything asked of them.
“Basil Bara, Groote Eylandt, plays in a three team competition and travelled for over 600km to take his place in the side, and for him to come and play on TIO Stadium and have all his family come down and watch him play, it is pretty special.”
Buszard said he hoped the trend would continue for the GIANTS future visits to the Northern Territory.
“I’d like to think this will continue, the NT has been our zone for the last three years, and we think investing in that is paramount for the future, not only for pathway for players to make it to the top but also AFL becomes a way to provide a holistic approach to health, harmony and education and teach them a lot to ensure they stay fit, healthy and active,” said Buszard.
ADAM SANTAROSSA
