Under new coach Darren Trevena, a decorated player from South Australia and Tasmania, the territory ventured to the Gabba, Stadium Australia, Melbourne and Alice Springs in its build-up.
Trevena said the squad, which includes boys from Darwin, Alice Springs and a couple playing in the SANFL, had used every game as a stepping stone to the national titles.
“We have been focusing on learning and improving from every game we have played,” Trevena said. “The build-up to the championships with the games every couple of weeks has been very beneficial.”
As has been its trademark, the Northern Territory will display all its usual flair, athleticism and ball skills, but Trevena said it had also worked hard on the defensive side of its game and its discipline.
“They are growing in their confidence and ability each week and with each game. That is what we aim to continue in Melbourne.”
WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “We want to be very competitive. NSW/ACT, in our eyes, is the benchmark and we have them first up. That first game is what it is all about; we have to get off to a good start.” – Darren Trevena.
Player to watch: JARED BRENNAN
“He is a very tall, athletic type who is quickoff the mark. He reminds me of Nigel Smart – he works very hard. He can play either forward, back or on a wing. He has very good aerial skills and can take a good mark.” - Darren Trevena.
Coach: DARREN TREVENA
Team Manager: TONY WEST
No NAME CLUB DOB HT WT
1 Tristan Kinnane Waratahs 29 Dec 84 171 68
2 Mathew Stokes Palmerston 27 Nov 84 174 75
3 Anthony Corrie Sthn Districts 26 Jun 84 186 72
4 Ben Ahmat Darwin 9 Mar 83 178 70
5 Antal Reti Palmerston 17 Oct 84 177 76
6 Cameron Ilett St Marys 12 Mar 85 178 79
7 Jared Brennan Sthn Districts 28 Jul 84 191 78
8 Raphael Clarke St Marys 24 Sep 85 187 73
9 Adam Taylor West Alice 19 Mar 84 175 73
10 Richard Tambling Sthn Districts 9 Dec 86 179 62
11 Sean Cantwell West Alice 25 Apr 84 186 75
12 Joel Campbell Pioneers 21 Dec 85 179 69
13 Sheldon Liddle West Alice 28 Apr 84 190 81
14 Simon Munkara Darwin 25 Aug 83 173 60
15 Jason Roe Nightcliff 13 Mar 84 192 82
16 Edward Darcy Palmerston 22 Feb 83 176 70
17 Shannon Masters Palmerston 3 Feb 84 193 84
18 Steven Squires West Alice 8 Sep 83 182 82
19 Mark McLean Palmerston 6 Jan 85 178 70
20 Ronald Smith Nightcliff 28 Aug 85 185 80
21 Tom Logan Waratahs 2 Jul 85 182 73
24 Shaun Nuggett St Marys 19 Jun 84 187 81
25 Ryan Mallard Pioneers 20 Aug 83 183 76
26 Iain MacPherson Waratahs 29 May 84 182 79
30 Aaron Gepp Palmerston 13 May 85 194 86
