APY Thunder performs gallantly in Remote Talent Football Game

20 October 2025

By PETER ARGENT

The APY Thunder representative team headed north to Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory to take on the CAFL Desert Warriors in the Remote Talent Football Game, succumbing to the Desert Warriors by 58 points.

Playing against a 29-man Central Australian Football League squad, the APY Thunder side was competitive in the first half, but the superior size and skill of the CAFL Desert Warriors proved too much in the end.

Representing APY Thunder, the 30 players were chosen from nine SANFL APY League teams – including Amata, Ernabella, Fregon, Imanpa, Indulkana, Mimili, Mutitjulu, Pukatja and Wintjalangu.

The match also provided players from both teams the opportunity to play representative football, with many players not having the chance to do so regularly.

It was also a crowning moment to cap off the season for the APY League, with selection in the APY Thunder team being highly regarded, and for many players, the first opportunity to be involved in a football match of this nature.

Mimili’s Richalen Edwards was honoured with the APY Thumder’s captaincy, with fellow leader Troy Peters in support, while SANFL staffer and First Nations talent from Kangaroo Island, Bailey Gaskin, the APY Thunder coach. The APY side was within striking distance during the second quarter after kicking the second of its three goals.

The size, pace and strength of the Desert Warriors were too powerful after the long interval, winning this battle at the MCG of the Desert at Santa Teresa Mission Oval by 58 points.

The final score was CAFL Desert Warriors 11.14 (80) defeating APY Thunder 3.4 (22).

Small defender Amata talent Shae Tunkin, who has a family connection with Fremantle rookie Isaish Dudley, won the Gordon Naley Medal* as best on ground for the APY Thunder.

Quick and skilful on the wing, Nathaniel Hampton was awarded best player for the Desert Warriors.

Along with teenager Tunkin, who played with poise and had strong skill execution, other Thunder players to take the eye included Trevor Hayes from the Mimili Blues, Adrian Nelson and Scott James.

Christopher O’Toole repelled several attacks, especially during the first half in defence.

Jeremiah Wayne had his moments in ruck while Anton Frank was industrious.

Jake Singer from Indulkana was noteworthy, until he injured his ankle early in the second half.

“It was a strong learning experience for the APY Lands’ lads,” APY Thunder coach Bailey Gaskin said.

“The lads would have travelled up to eight hours just to participate in the game.

“The pace to the contest was extraordinary from both sides and ball movement at times impressive.

“In the end, the Desert Warriors team focus was too strong for the APY Lands and we ran out of legs.”

The representative team came up from APY Lands and stayed in Alice Springs on Wednesday night, had a training run at Traeger Park on Thursday afternoon, along with a coaching sessions and inspirational chat from former AFL footballer and NT development coach Matt Campbell.

Campbell and triple Brisbane premiership defender from Alice Springs, Darryl White, travelled out to watch and inspire the talent on the ground from both sides.

Chantelle Mitchell – former SANFLW footballer with Woodville-West Torrens – also officiated an impromptu football game at half-time for the cohort of stars of tomorrow who came to watch the main combatants.

*The Gordon Naley Medal was named after an APY Lands man who fought for his country in World War One.