A number of Indigenous stars headline the list of ex-AFL players running around in the Northern Territory Football League this season.
Former Geelong and Port Adelaide player Steven Motlop was a standout in the Territory competition this season.
The classy forward kicked 33 goals from 13 games for Wanderers at an average of just under 20 disposals per game.
Motlop's season was highlighted by a massive 26-disposal 12-goal performance against the Tiwi Bombers late in the minor rounds.
Ex-Fremantle and Melbourne player Harley Bennell had a strong season with the Tiwi Bombers as he looks to potentially revive his AFL career after signing with VFL club Port Melbourne.
Looking supremely fit with his calf issues seemingly behind him, Bennell averaged 22 disposals per game for a Tiwi team that finished on the bottom of the ladder.
The Palmerston Magpies had a plethora of high-profile recruits throughout the season, including Eddie Betts, Travis Varcoe and Neville Jetta.
Betts started the season in scintillating form and led allcomers on the NTFL Leading Goal-Kicker list after four rounds, while fellow small forward Varcoe had a standout five-goal game against the Darwin Buffaloes in Round 6.
Jetta was excellent off the half back flank averaging 23 disposals, and dual Geelong premiership player Mathew Stokes also pulled on a jumper for his junior club in the same game that featured AFL legend Gary Ablett Jr.
Former St Kilda player Raphael Clarke said that the value of these ex-AFL players cannot just be measured by their output on the field.
"Clubs bring in these older players to try and bring in some experience and knowledge for their local younger players," Clarke said.
"Look at Eddie Betts and what he has done for the Palmerston Magpies over the last couple of seasons.
"What he has brought into that club has been phenomenal, not just for Palmerston, but also for Territory footy itself."
A total of 39 players who have spent time on an AFL list have pulled on an NTFL jumper throughout the 2022/23 season.
PALMERSTON: Eddie Betts, Travis Varcoe, Neville Jetta, Cam Pederson, Ashton Hams, Anthony Treacy, Gary Ablett, Mathew Stokes, Ben Nason, Haiden Schloithe (10)
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS: Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Dallas Willsmore, Boyd Woodcock, Jye Bolton, Kai Pudney, Leigh Williams (6)
TIWI BOMBERS: Majak Daw, Harley Bennell, Nathan Djerrkura, Sam Darley, Josh Hill, Austin Wonaeamirri (6)
NIGHTCLIFF: John Butcher, Ryan Nyhuis, Hamish Hartlett, Andrew Hooper, Tom North (5)
WANDERERS: Steven Motlop, Marlon Motlop, Shane Thorne, Liam Patrick (4)
DARWIN BUFFALOES: Mitch Robinson, Tom Jok, Matt Campbell (3)
WARATAH: Tom Fields, Garrett McDonagh, Joel Crocker (3)
PINT: Jacob Dawson (1)
ST MARYS: Jaden McGrath (1)
Note – This list includes players who spent time on an AFL-list – including the rookie list – but may not have played a game.
