title: Nathan Djerrkura
text: # Nathan Djerrkura
  
  Nathan Djerrkura (born 19 September 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club and the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL).
  
  ## Early life
  
  Nathan Djerrkura was born to Gatjil and Jenny Djerrkura in the indigenous community of Yirrkala, Northern Territory on 19 September 1988. His father, Gatjil, was a former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) chairman before his death from a heart attack in May 2004. Djerrkura is of Indigenous Australian heritage and his ancestry can be traced to the Yolngu. Djerrkura attended Scotch College, Melbourne on an Indigenous scholarship.
  
  ## AFL career
  
  Taken at pick 25 in the 2006 National AFL Draft, Djerrkura was a highly rated young midfielder with a great work ethic and a strong body for his size. He has lightning pace and provides strong tackling pressure in the forward line. He was one of the best prospects from the Northern Territory in 2006, and was featured on SBS in a draft special. Djerrkura played 2 NAB Cup matches in 2007, and was close to making his debut in round 1 and 2 after strong reserves form, until he received a setback when he was injured early in the season playing football in the VFL. Djerrkura participated in the 2008 AFL Grand Final sprint, coming first in his heat and going on to come 3rd overall. On 8 October 2010, he was traded to the Western Bulldogs in return for Geelong receiving the 57th draft pick. Djerrkura retired from AFL football on 15 September 2012 after playing 21 games for the Western Bulldogs. In 2014 he joined the Northern Territory Thunder in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL).
  
  ## Honours
  
  Team:
  
  * VFL Premiership (Geelong): 2007
  
  Individual:
  
  * Under 18 All-Australian (2006)
  * Represented Northern Territory Under 18 (2006)
  * Represented Indigenous All-Stars (2009)
  