Nakia Cockatoo from NT Thunder snapped up by Geelong Cats in AFL draft
Northern Territory footballer Nakia Cockatoo has been drafted to play for the Geelong Cats Football Club.
The 18-year-old was the tenth pick in the national AFL draft.
Cockatoo has played junior grades with the Southern Districts Football Club, based in Fred's Pass, 30 kilometres east of Darwin, since the age of 10.
He has also played for the NT Thunder in recent years.
"I'm totally surprised and happy with the pick and can't wait to get down to Geelong and start training with the boys," he told Fox Sports shortly after being picked.
The teenager spent a week with North Melbourne, but said he had no communication with Geelong prior to being drafted.
The Cats were clearly impressed with his raw ability.
"I've been working on speed and strength through the midfield and just trying to be as explosive as I can," he said.
"It's a big surprise to me so I can't wait."
Cockatoo made a name for himself during the curtain raiser game at the MCG on Grand Final Day this year.
In one inspired play, he grabbed the ball from a clearout in the centre, took two bounces as he sprinted up the field and kicked a goal from 40 metres out.
His former coach at the Southern Districts Crocs, Aaron Dunster, said he was not surprised Cockatoo was picked early.
"He's always been one who's been at the highest level of his age group, and he played the game at a pretty high levels," he said.
"His skills have been a standout."
Dunster said he thought the young player would be a good fit for the Cats.
"He's the type of player they need with some of the movements they've had in the off season."
Cockatoo is the fourth player from the Southern Districts Crocs to be drafted since 2002.
