Five open-age Northern Territory prospects have been given an opportunity to experience the elite facilities on offer to the SUNS AFLW team.

Bella Clarke, Djimila Totham, Kaitey Whittaker, Dominique Carbone and Jaimie Bryant have all spent time on the Gold Coast immersed in the elite environment at the SUNS.

The players have had the opportunity to meet Gold Coast AFLW coaching staff, access the gym and recovery facilities and undertake programs designed by specialist AFLW coaches and strength and conditioning staff.

Two NT under-agers, J’Noemi Anderson and Annabel Kievit also travelled with the five players above and took part in Gold Coast’s Female Under 17 Academy victory over the Brisbane Lions.

SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said it was a valuable experience for the girls to immerse themselves in an elite environment.

“The NT girls have been on the Coast for a week now and have been able to access all components of our AFLW program which we think has been beneficial for them,” Sessarago told SUNS Media.

“We’ve been trying to get this opportunity underway for close to 12 months now, but it’s been delayed by Covid, so it’s great to finally have the girls on the Coast.

“It’s really important that we demonstrate the pathway that is there for players from our Academy regions, including the Northern Territory, and give them exposure to the demands of AFLW football.

“We’re really proud of our relationship with the Northern Territory and want to be able to offer as many opportunities as possible to have players from those pathways come and experience what it’s like at the SUNS in an elite environment.”