AFTER a year ruined by injury, Nakia Cockatoo dominated Saturday's Grand Final curtain raiser to boost his draft hopes.

The Northern Territory prospect, who has missed most of the season with an ongoing foot complaint, returned to action for the Allies in the NAB AFL All Stars game and made a huge impact in the midfield.

Cockatoo gathered 20 disposals through the midfield and was too strong, quick and explosive for his NAB AFL Academy counterparts, who are considered the best players eligible for the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

And he capped his day with a stunning goal in the final term, where Cockatoo ripped the ball out of a centre clearance, ran to half-forward, took two bounces and slotted his shot to be named best afield.

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The Allies – comprising the best players out of this year's division two teams – were too strong for the Academy side, claiming a 39-point win.

Some inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Academy side in the 11.7 (73) to 4.10 (34) result, with the Allies' more mature bodies too good.

Lachie Weller showed why he is in consideration for a top-10 draft selection with 20 disposals and two running goals. Defender Nick Jackson and utility Liam Dawson were strong throughout, while Jack Steele had 23 disposals and kicked a goal.

Dougal Howard kicked three goals from 11 disposals for the Allies, while Tasmanian midfielder Caleb Hislop collected 29 disposals to power his side to the Kevin Sheehan Trophy.

Victorian midfielder Nick O'Kearney (29 disposals) was best for the Academy, engineering plenty of run and co-captain Callum Mills had 23 touches in another strong performance.

Exciting forward Harley Balic kicked two of the Academy's four goals from 15 disposals, showing his evasive skills and athleticism.