2026 NT Sports Awards finalists announced
The Northern Territory’s sporting community is getting ready for a night of celebration, with the finalists now announced for the 2026 NT Sports Awards.
The awards shine a light on the people who make Territory sport so special. They celebrate not only amazing athletes, but also the officials, coaches and volunteers who give their time and energy to help others succeed.
This year, 2 new award categories have been added: Regional Performance of the Year and Para-athlete of the Year. These new awards help recognise great performances from across the Territory and celebrate athletes of all abilities.
The NT Sports Awards recognise hard work, teamwork and community spirit. From young athletes just starting out to those performing on the national and world stage, this year’s finalists show the strength, talent and heart of Territory sport.
2026 NT Sports Awards finalists
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)
- Tracy Village Razorbacks Women Div 1 (AFL)
Regional Performance of the Year
- Arnhem Crows Football Club Women’s (AFL)
- Lachlan Dunemann (AFL, cricket, darts)
- Sonny Smiler (AFL)
Volunteer of the Year Award
- Chris Ponter (cricket)
- Greg Smith (football and basketball)
- Mel Nixon (cricket)
Official of the Year Award
- Michael Reidy (athletics)
- Paul Carter (swimming)
- Robert Stewart (cricket)
Eric Johnston Coach of the Year Award
- Michelle Caden (hockey)
- Reginald Hatch (cycling)
- Trent Keep (cricket)
Team of the Year Award
- Darwin Salties (wheelchair basketball)
- NT Open AFL Inclusion Div 2 (AFL)
- World Aquatics Masters Swimming NT team (swimming)
Para-Athlete of the Year
- Briseis Brittain (athletics)
- Sahrah Hancock (swimming)
- Tom O'Neill-Thorne (wheelchair basketball)
Masters Sportsperson of the Year Award
- Anne Walker (swimming)
- Brooke Morley (equestrian)
- Jon Schatz (athletics)
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award
- Aiden McGee (IPSC and ICORE shooting)
- Alannah Joyce (judo)
- Skyla Chatterton (muay thai)
Sportsperson of the Year Award
- Alannah Joyce (judo)
- Brooke Morley (equestrian)
- Jake Weatherald (cricket)
The evening will also include honorary awards, with inductions into the Hall of Champions and the Roll of Honor, along with presentation of the Steve Abala Role Model Award.
Awards ceremony
Winners will be announced at the 2026 NT Sports Awards ceremony.
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, Darwin
Tickets: Go to the Sticky Tickets website.
