Minister for People, Sport and Culture
Media Release Representing every corner of the Territory at the NT Sports Awards
8 February 2026
Finalists announced for the 2026 NT Sports Awards, recognising athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers who strengthen the Territory's sporting culture
Two new categories introduced in 2026 - Regional Performance of the Year and Para-Athlete of the Year - expanding recognition across communities and abilities
Sportsperson of the Year finalists include Brooke Morley, Jake Weatherald and Alannah Joyce, highlighting national and international achievement
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is celebrating the people who help grow participation, build confidence and strengthen the Northern Territory's unique sporting culture, with finalists announced for the 2026 NT Sports Awards.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the awards recognise the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers who drive excellence and opportunity across Territory sport.
"Sport plays a critical role in building strong, connected communities and supporting a healthy Territory lifestyle," Mr Charls said.
"These finalists reflect the growth of Territory sport, the certainty provided by strong pathways, and the pride Territorians feel when our people succeed locally, regionally and on the national stage."
Two new awards have been introduced in 2026 - Regional Performance of the Year and Para-Athlete of the Year - strengthening the awards' focus on inclusion and representation.
"The introduction of these new categories ensures we are recognising excellence wherever it happens and making sure Territory sport is inclusive for everyone," Mr Charls said.
Out of the 11 nominated and three honorary awards, the most prestigious award of the evening, Sportsperson of the Year, recognises outstanding national or international achievement while maintaining strong links to the Northern Territory.
The three finalists are Brooke Morley (equestrian), Jake Weatherald (cricket) and Alannah Joyce (judo).
Mr Charls said Alannah's repeated nominations over recent years demonstrated sustained excellence and commitment.
"Alannah is a past NT Sportsperson of the Year and continues to perform at the highest level, proving that Territory athletes can compete - and succeed - anywhere in the world," he said.
Finalists for the 2026 NT Sports Awards include:
Karen Schneider Sports Medicine Australia Safer Sport Award: Robert Butcher (rugby union); Trent De With (athletics - parkrun)
Local Performance of the Year Award: East Darwin Storm Premier League Men (hockey); Noah Joseph (badminton); and Tracy Village Razorbacks Women Div1 (AFL)
Regional Performance of the Year: Arnhem Crows Football Club Women's (AFL); Lachlan Dunemann (AFL, cricket, darts); and Sonny Smiler (AFL)
Volunteer of the Year Award: Chris Ponter (cricket); Greg Smith (football and basketball); and Mel Nixon (cricket)
Official of the Year Award: Michael Reidy (athletics); Paul Carter (swimming); and Robert Stewart (cricket)
Coach of the Year Award: Michelle Caden (hockey); Reginald Hatch (cycling); and Trent Keep (cricket)
Team of the Year Award: Darwin Salties (wheelchair basketball); NT Open AFL Inclusion Div 2 (AFL); and World Aquatics Masters Swimming NT Team (swimming)
Para-Athlete of the Year: Briseis Brittain (athletics); Sahrah Hancock (swimming); and Tom O'Neill-Thorne (wheelchair basketball)
Masters Sportsperson of the Year Award: Anne Walker (swimming); Brooke Morley (equestrian); and Jon Schatz (athletics)
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award: Aiden McGee (IPSC and ICORE Shooting); Alannah Joyce (judo); and Skyla Chatterton (muay Thai)
Sportsperson of the Year Award: Alannah Joyce (judo); Brooke Morley (equestrian); and Jake Weatherald (cricket)
Honorary awards include induction into the Hall of Champions, Roll of Honor and the Steve Abala Role Model Award.
The 2026 NT Sports Awards will be held on Saturday 28 March at the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, Darwin.
Tickets go on sale at midday on Monday 16 February and can be purchase from the Department of People, Sport and Culture here website.
