Scotch College

Nick, Junior, Steward and Nathan feature in AFL U18 Championships

Nick Smith, Junior Rioli, Nathan Djerrkura, Stewart Rioli and Rob Smith

Scotch had four representatives in the AFL under 18 championships, held in Melbourne in the Term 2 holidays – Nick Smith (who represented Victoria Metropolitan), Junior and Stewart Rioli and Nathan Djerrkura (all of whom represented the Northern Territory).

All four boys played some very good football over the championships, in which teams from Victoria Metro, Victoria Country, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, NSW/ACT, Queensland and the Northern Territory participated.

Nathan Djerrkura was named as the NT’s best player for the series, and also made the All Australian team – made up of the 22 best performed players in the championships. Nathan was the only representative in the team from the NT.

Nathan has not always been an Australian rules player – he played rugby union until he was 13. The AFL’s Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan, has described Nathan as ‘an outstanding, super-quick small forward/midfielder who finished the championships in excellent style with a best-on-ground performance against NSW/ACT.’

In a recent article in Nathan’s home town newspaper, The Arafura Times, he acknowledged the great support given to him by Scotch College and explained how he is striving to be a role model for his community, understanding the social issues that impact on his peers. He feels that given similar opportunities and support, others in East Arnhem Land can also achieve positive outcomes for their futures.

Rob Smith
TIC Football