HAMILTON Kangaroos midfielder, Ethan Knight, is set to take his game to a new level in 2024.

Hot off the heels of a stint in the Northern Territory Football League over summer, the 20-year-old has spent the summer suiting up for St Mary’s.

The northern season was something Knight had considered in recent years, and with the Kangaroos now having a connection to the NTFL club, the midfielder jumped at the opportunity to develop his skills.

“Brad Thomas somehow knew the twos coach for St Mary’s, and he made a couple of calls and I was happy to go up and play for them,” he said.

“It was something I’ve seen over the past couple of years, being at school, but soon as the opportunity came up this time, I wasn’t doing too much, so thought I may as well give it a crack.

“I feel like having being runner-up in the (2023) best and fairest, it made me want to go and extend the season.

“As soon as I got there, I fitted in well and it was definitely a big step up, it was definitely a good experience and I think it has improved my footy big time.

“As well as just the general experience of getting out of Hamilton and experiencing something new.”

Knight played a similar role up north to what he does in the blue and white, but knew he’d need to adapt to the new game style and conditions.

The local made his reserves debut in round three, playing nine of the next 10 games, before earning a senior debut in round 14.

Another four senior games followed, before being dropped to the reserves again for finals.

A Rising Star nominee in round 14 also showed he was gaining attraction within the league.

“I went up there knowing I’d play a few twos games, my goal was to play as many ones games as possible, but happy the coach liked the way I played my role,” Knight said.

“I didn’t expect it (the nomination), it was definitely rewarding, and it made me push even harder.”

Another highlight was playing a game in the Tiwi Islands.

“That was something I had never done before, two and a half hours on the ferry,” Knight said.

“Kids there just don’t get much footy, a couple of the boys gave away their boots and it is something I will cherish.

“A lot of the kids up there probably only see footy once a year.”

St Mary’s eventually went on to defeat Nightcliff Tigers in the senior grand final last month, with Knight unable to break back into the side.

“It was very disappointing, but it is what it is,” he said.

“I felt like I played a lot of games, it will definitely drive me.

“I spoke to the senior coach and said next season will be different, I will try to play more games and be in the team at the end of the year.

“They’ve said they want me to go back.”

Within days of returning from Darwin, Knight was back in the blue and white, suiting up for a pre-season clash.

The 20-year-old is hopeful his stint up north translates to a standout Hampden Football Netball League campaign, as he looks to cement a spot in the midfield and continue to develop his game over the winter.