Indigenous ex-AFL talent making their mark in the NTFL

Jackson Clark Published January 9, 2025 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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Steven Motlop is among a host of Indigenous ex-AFL players performing well in the NTFL. (Image: Patch Clapp/AFLNT)

A host of Indigenous former AFL players are making their mark on the Northern Territory Football League this season.

Ex-Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Gold Coast midfielder Jed Anderson has been one of the competition's standout performers, averaging 27 disposals and just under two goals per game across his 11 matches with Southern Districts.

Anderson has clearly established himself as one of the Territory's top tier midfielders since finishing his career at the elite level after 99 games.

The tough midfielder's best performances include a 33-disposal four-goal game against Wanderers and a 30-disposal three-goal effort against PINT last weekend.

With Anderson's dominance through the midfield, the Crocs are considered as one of the premiership favourites with six games remaining until the finals.

Former Geelong and Port Adelaide forward Steven Motlop is another top-liner for Southern Districts.

Motlop was one of the competition's high-profile transfers during the off-season after previously plying his trade for rival clubs PINT and Wanderers.

The 33-year-old has performed a number of roles for the Crocs this season, including across half-back and in his customary attacking role, where he recorded a nine-goal haul against the Darwin Buffaloes shortly before the Christmas break.

Nightcliff welcomed the return of a favourite son in Geelong premiership player Brandan Parfitt in early December.

Former Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Gold Coast midfielder Jed Anderson has been one of the NTFL's star players. (Image: Patch Clapp/AFLNT)

The 26-year-old was one of the prime movers in the Tigers' midfield gathering 31 disposals and an equal game-high seven clearances in his team's big win over the Tiwi Bombers.

The ex-Cats midfielder recently signed with WAFL outfit Perth Demons but is expected to be available for Nightcliff during the NTFL finals series.

Ex-Port Adelaide player and VFL star Joel Garner has returned to St Marys after an influential campaign last season.

The line-breaking midfielder won the competition's Chaney Medal after a best afield performance in the Saints' grand final win over Nightcliff.

The NTFL's big improvers in the Tiwi Bombers have been buoyed by the addition of dual Richmond premiership utility Marlion Pickett this season.

Pickett has been a strong contributor averaging just under 20 disposals per game across his eight appearances in the Top End competition.

But the ex-Tigers' true value lies within his versatility, having played a number of roles for the Bombers this season, including pinch-hitting in the ruck.

Also at Tiwi, ex-Essendon listed player Anthony Munkara has returned to his former club and has been a solid contributor with 17 goals from 11 games.

Another former Bombers-listed player in the recently delisted Jayden Davey made his local footy return for junior club Palmerston last weekend.

The injury-prone small forward recorded a team-high 19 disposals and kicked a goal in his team's draw with Wanderers.

Meanwhile, the struggling Darwin Buffaloes and have had experienced pair Matt Campbell and Cam Stokes pull on a jumper this season.

Campbell played 82 games for North Melbourne across a six-year period while Stokes featured in 20 games for Hawthorn during a successful period for the club between 2008 and 2010.