Sonny Smiler to Play for Bendigo Pioneers in Talent League

Sonny Smiler, a member of the AFL Academy, is scheduled to play a one-off match for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Talent League against the Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval on Saturday at 12:45 pm.

Smiler trained with the Pioneers on Wednesday, and this opportunity comes as a response to the limited football options available in his home territory. He will be the 24th player for Bendigo, while Dandenong will also have 24 players available for the match.

His invitation to the AFL National Combine highlights the growing interest in him as a player. Smiler has previously participated in all four games for the Allies at the Under-18s National Championships and was recognized as the best player in the Northern Territory Futures game. He has shown promising performance metrics, averaging 14 disposals and five tackles in his games.