The next star Territorian?

In recent years, the Northern Territory has produced some exciting indigenous AFL players that have come through the junior ranks - think Aaron Davey, Xavier and Raphael Clarke and Richard Tambling. And again in 2006, one particular Territorian - Nathan Djerrkura - is capturing the attention after a super performance at this year's NAB AFL under 18 championships and in the recent NAB AFL rising star cup match between Victoria and The Allies. The electrifying midfielder/forward was named All-Australian during the under-18 carnival, while he also received best-on-ground honours for his efforts with The Allies. For the impressive youngster, Djerrkura, said it was an experience he couldn't believe he was fulfilling. "It's surreal isn't it? I wasn't really expecting to get selected in the All-Australian team, but it's a dream come true," Djerrkura said at the NAB AFL Draft Camp in Canberra. "I've been training hard and I was hoping to get All-Australian, but I managed to get it and getting best-on-ground for The Allies - I just worked really hard throughout the holidays (before that match) and trained every day and it's certainly paid off." His football journey has taken him far and wide, with Djerrkura (pronounced Joo-Koora) now residing in Melbourne and attending Scotch College. It is an experience he is soaking up. "I'm from a small community called Gove in Arnhem Land and I moved to Darwin for school in grade eight and played footy up there for a club called Wanderers and then I got a scholarship in grade 11 and moved to Melbourne for grade 11 and I've been there since," Djerrkura said. "It's been a good experience. I've learned a lot of new things and it's been a fun ride. "There were a lot of hard spots - getting home sick - but the school has been really good and also my family and they've just supported me and that's helped a lot … so I've managed pretty well. "There is a huge difference (in football). I think NT footy is a faster game and it's not as skilful as down here - there is more game-planning and it is more organised - and I think it's harder down here, with the toughness and the size of the players." Djerrkura, an Essendon supporter whose favourite players are Melbourne duo Byron Pickett and Aaron Davey, will be one to watch out for in the drafting process over the next two months, as he attempts to join his heroes on a senior AFL list.