Djarrak Football Club have selected on experience and with an eye to the future with the naming of the first round squad charged with responsibility to earn a result in the home derby against fellow Yirrkala team Nguykal Football Club. The squad will be lead by 2016 Djarrak FC Captain, Djayminy Marika. Marika boasts numerous years of Gove AFL experience and returns from a serious leg injury that hampered his 2015 campaign.
A key acquisition for the Brown and Gold Army will be former Nightcliff Tigers player Max Tippett. It is expected Tippett will add value around the stoppages and his communication skills will be valuable with such a young squad taking the field. Nhulunbuy High School's Joseph Martin-Jard will debut in the defensive zone and exciting prospects Justin Burarrwanga and Lee Mununggurr will operate forward and on the ball.
Jeremy Watson returns to Djarrak colours after displaying maturity during an injury disrupted NTFL Season for Darwin Buffaloes where he appeared in 11 Premier League games. Watson is among six premiership players to take the field this weekend.
A key loss for Djarrak FC will be Jayson Wilson who has been ruled out with a calf strain.
Djarrak FC Round 1 Team
Forward Line: Justin Burarrwanga, Lapcy Mununggurr, Ricky Rose
Half-Forward Line: Lee Mununggurr, Shaun Mununggurr, Oscar White
Midfield: Djayminy Marika, Michael Maymuru, Ricky Burton
Half-Back Line: Bernard Guyula, Joel Naamarrangara, Ishmael Marika
Back Line: Lenny Maymuru, Christopher Dhamarrandji, Joseph Martin-Jard
Ruck: Shaun Marika, Max Tippett, Jeremy Watson
Rotations: Harold Anderson, Tyrone Dhamarrandji, Alfred Rotumah, Aaron Dhamarrandji, Joshua Marika, TBC
Head Coach | Hayden Rickard
Line Coaches | Ishmael Marika, Rhian Oliver, Harold Koops
Manager | Danny Beadman