The Northern Jets have gone north in a bid to be among the movers and shakers of the Farrer League this season, signing a pair of promising young Darwin footballers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Midfielder-forwards Shannon Charlie and Daniel Benger, both 18, will arrive next week, joining the Jets from AFL NT club Palmerston Magpies, in a move sure to ignite excitement.
“I’ve watched a few videos of them, they’re both lightning quick and look like they've got good skills,” Jets coach Mitch Robinson said.
“They’ll suit our game style. Last year we tried to play a ‘no risk-no reward’ style game but might’ve lacked a bit of speed and these two will suit us.”
Charlie made his senior debut as a 16-year-old at Palmerston and made 11 NTFL premier league appearances this season.
Benger played eight premier league and 10 division one games.
Robinson said the Jets weren’t keen on fly-in, fly-out recruits. The pair were recommended by a Palmerston coach but in a fascinating coincidence, they have also been working with Ganmain’s 1975 premiership coach Alan Smith.
“He said they’re good little footballers,” Robinson said.
“They’re keen and really looking forward to the opportunity, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them. They’ll add a lot of excitement to us, and the league in general.”
It’s a bonus for the club after they lost co-captain Sam Fisher. Charlie and Benger are set to play in the Jets’ first practice match, against Mulwala on March 18.
