Nathan Djerrkura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nathan Djerrkura |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Djerrkura with Geelong in 2008
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Nathan Djerrkura | ||
| Nickname(s) | Djidi | ||
| Date of birth | 19 September 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Yirrkala, Northern Territory | ||
| Original team | Wanderers (NT) | ||
| Draft | 25th overall, 2006 Geelong |
||
| Career highlights | |||
|
|||
Nathan Djerrkura (born September 19, 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played for the Geelong Football Club and the Western Bulldogs in the top league, the Australian Football League (AFL).
Early Life and Background
Nathan Djerrkura was born on September 19, 1988. He grew up in Yirrkala, Northern Territory, which is an Indigenous community. His father, Gatjil Djerrkura, was an important leader for Indigenous Australians. Nathan has Indigenous Australian heritage, and his family comes from the Yolngu people. He attended Scotch College, Melbourne on a special scholarship for Indigenous students.
AFL Career Highlights
Nathan was chosen by the Geelong Football Club in the 2006 AFL Draft. He was picked 25th overall, which means he was considered one of the best young players available. He was known for his speed and strong tackling. He was also a hard worker on the field.
In 2007, Nathan played in some pre-season matches. He was close to playing his first main AFL game. However, an injury while playing in the VFL (a league for developing players) meant he had to wait. In 2008, Nathan took part in the 2008 AFL Grand Final sprint race. He won his heat and finished third overall in the final.
On October 8, 2010, Nathan moved to the Western Bulldogs team. This happened as part of a trade between the clubs. He played 21 games for the Western Bulldogs. Nathan retired from AFL football on September 15, 2012. After leaving the AFL, he joined the Northern Territory Thunder in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) in 2014.
Achievements and Honours
Nathan Djerrkura achieved several honours during his football career:
- Team Honours:
* He was part of the Geelong Football Club team that won the VFL Premiership in 2007. The VFL is a league where young players develop their skills.
- Individual Honours:
* He was named an Under 18 All-Australian player in 2006. This means he was one of the best players in Australia for his age group. * He represented the Northern Territory Under 18 team in 2006. * He also represented the Indigenous All-Stars team in 2009.
