Banks have landed a major signing ahead of their first season in the NTFL Men's Premier League, with former AFL midfielder Quinton Narkle joining the club.

Narkle will cross to the Bulldogs from Southern Districts, where last season he produced an outstanding debut year in the Territory's top competition.

The former Geelong, Port Adelaide and Fremantle player made an immediate impact for the Crocs through the midfield and across half forward, placing in the competition's Nichols Medal count.

Narkle brings significant experience to the Bulldogs, having played 59 AFL games and more than 50 games at State League level.

Banks coach Robert Hale told National Indigenous Times securing a player of Narkle's quality was a major focus for the club as it prepared to step up into the Premier League.

"It was my first priority and a strategy to get a top liner who resides in Darwin," Hale said.

"In all honesty, there wasn't a lot around and Quinton was on top of that list.

"If he fell through I feel I would have had to have changed my list strategy a bit."

Narkle's signing is a clear statement from Banks, who are looking to be competitive from the start rather than make up the numbers.

The Bulldogs have built strongly at Premier League reserves level in recent seasons and will now get the chance to test themselves against the best clubs in the Territory.

Hale — a Larrakia man and the club's first-ever Indigenous premiership-winning coach — has played a key role in Banks' rise.

The 35-year-old took charge of the club at the start of the 2023/24 season and has already helped lead the Bulldogs to two flags.

Before joining Banks, Hale coached St Marys under-18s to back-to-back premierships and also spent time as an assistant coach at Waratah.

He said Narkle's experience at the top level would be important for the club's playing group.

"The State League and AFL experience is unmatched - he has played good footy at the top level," Hale said.

"(Banks footballer) Matt Bricknell and myself met with him and Brickers is a strict judge of character and he was very happy with him.

"After meeting Quinton it became clear that his family plan is to stay in Darwin, so that made me more confident that he was our man."

Banks confirmed Narkle's arrival through a club announcement, saying he would bring experience, leadership and strong standards to the group.

The club added it was excited to see the impact he would have in Bulldogs colours.

Hale said Narkle would add class and leadership to the club's midfield.

"Quinton is also a top-line midfielder, and whilst there are other players who play other roles, I felt that was a priority position for us (to recruit for)," he said.

"He will bring some leadership, and he will also bring professional standards on and off the field.

"He is going to add class to our midfield and be a player who can be the Rolls Royce who plays every week that we need."