Sonny Smiler
Northern Territory Academy
2026 AFL Draft
Power Rankings- Power Ranking
- No. 45
- Position
- General Forward
- Height
- 176 cm
- Age at draft
- 18y 0m
- Plays for
- Bendigo Pioneers
- Invited to
- National combine
- Draft night
- 19 November
| 2026 averages | GM | KI | HB | DI | CP | MA | TA | CL | I50 | R50 | IT | SI | GL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent League | 5 | 9.2 | 5.2 | 14.4 | - | 3.8 | 4.2 | - | 4.0 | 1.2 | - | - | 1.4 |
| Championships | 4 | 6.8 | 2.5 | 9.3 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 0.8 |
Bio
Hailing from the Northern Territory, Sonny Smiler has emerged as one of the region's most exciting draft prospects in years. The dynamic forward built his craft playing senior football for Wanderers in the NTFL and the Kalkarindji Eagles before starring for the NT Academy. Earning a call-up to the AFL National Academy, Smiler played all four games for the Allies at the Under-18 National Championships, highlighted by a match-winning assist and a viral backflip celebration. Seeking greater exposure, the speedster also featured in a one-off Talent League appearance for the Bendigo Pioneers late in the year.
A raw prospect, Smiler plays with flair, confidence and x-factor. Scouts praise his silky movement, high-speed running and damaging left foot, while his defensive pressure makes him a constant threat inside 50. Although evaluators note he remains a developing player due to a lack of traditional pathway football in his home territory, his athletic tools offer real scope for growth. Widely viewed as the Territory's premier prospect, Smiler earned a National Draft Combine invitation and is considered a high-upside selection for clubs looking for a lively small forward.
Talent League career
8 games7 goals
- Debut
- R4 2025 v CAL1 May 2025
- Most recent
- R21 2026 v DAN8 Aug 2026
Stats
Bio
Hailing from the Northern Territory, Sonny Smiler has emerged as one of the region's most exciting draft prospects in years. The dynamic forward built his craft playing senior football for Wanderers in the NTFL and the Kalkarindji Eagles before starring for the NT Academy. Earning a call-up to the AFL National Academy, Smiler played all four games for the Allies at the Under-18 National Championships, highlighted by a match-winning assist and a viral backflip celebration. Seeking greater exposure, the speedster also featured in a one-off Talent League appearance for the Bendigo Pioneers late in the year.
A raw prospect, Smiler plays with flair, confidence and x-factor. Scouts praise his silky movement, high-speed running and damaging left foot, while his defensive pressure makes him a constant threat inside 50. Although evaluators note he remains a developing player due to a lack of traditional pathway football in his home territory, his athletic tools offer real scope for growth. Widely viewed as the Territory's premier prospect, Smiler earned a National Draft Combine invitation and is considered a high-upside selection for clubs looking for a lively small forward.
Profile
- Born
- 20 Oct 2008 (age 17y 352d)
- Height
- 176 cm
Teams
Bio
1 revisionHailing from the Northern Territory, Sonny Smiler has emerged as one of the region's most exciting draft prospects in years. The dynamic forward built his craft playing senior football for Wanderers in the NTFL and the Kalkarindji Eagles before starring for the NT Academy. Earning a call-up to the AFL National Academy, Smiler played all four games for the Allies at the Under-18 National Championships, highlighted by a match-winning assist and a viral backflip celebration. Seeking greater exposure, the speedster also featured in a one-off Talent League appearance for the Bendigo Pioneers late in the year.
A raw prospect, Smiler plays with flair, confidence and x-factor. Scouts praise his silky movement, high-speed running and damaging left foot, while his defensive pressure makes him a constant threat inside 50. Although evaluators note he remains a developing player due to a lack of traditional pathway football in his home territory, his athletic tools offer real scope for growth. Widely viewed as the Territory's premier prospect, Smiler earned a National Draft Combine invitation and is considered a high-upside selection for clubs looking for a lively small forward.