READY TO RUMBLE
NT Thunder head to QLD this weekend to tackle the Brisbane Lions who are looking for revenge after being defeated by the territorians by a punishing 95 points in Round 1.
The pointy end of the season has arrived and it is hard not to feel the excitement surrounding Thunder’s final four games of the season. The squad head to QLD for the next two rounds then will finish the year with rounds 17 & 18 being played out at Gardens Oval, Darwin. While it is hard not to think about finals, narrowly missing out in 2009 is still very fresh in everyone’s minds and the territorians are well aware of just how important the next four rounds are to a potential finals campaign.
The first of four important matches will take place this Saturday as Thunder tackle the Brisbane Lions. In Thunder’s short history we have defeated the Lions twice on home turf and gone down once at the GABBA, but this time around the game will be played on neutral ground at QAFL headquarters, Giffin Park in Coorparoo.
CLICK HERE FOR RD 15 TEAM
Includes all ins, outs, injuries & 23rd man details
Rd 15 PREVIEW by Head Coach Murray Davis
After a well earned break the majority of our playing squad have returned refreshed and ready to play out the final 4 games of the home and away season. Everyone is aware of the importance of these last 4 games with every result having an influence over where we finish at the end of the 18 rounds. We must win at least 3 of these 4 games if we’re to be in the mix to play finals and anything less than this we’ll be relying on other results to fall our way.
We’ll be aiming to kick these last 4 games off with a win against a strong Brisbane Lions side, despite sitting in 8th spot on the ladder we all know what they’re capable of and with some experienced players in Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman and Troy Selwood likely to be available it will be a very entertaining clash and a great opportunity for the players to match themselves against quality opposition.
Coming into the squad for Round 15 will be Brett Goodes, Aaron Motlop and Liam Carusi who all missed the Round 14 game against Western Magpies in Alice Springs and have had the luxury of having 2 weeks off. Earning a recall to the squad are Dion Munkara, Jacob Schaper, Caleb Hart and Shaun Wilson. Coming into the squad for his first game in 2010 will be Jack McEwin. Jack debuted with Thunder last season as a 16 year old and on the back of his performances at the U18 National Championships he has shown he has a bright future ahead of him.
Out of the squad from Round 15 is Lochlan Dhamarrandji as part of the 23rd man rotation. Jake Dignan who injured his hamstring in Alice Springs along with James McNamee who sustained a knock to his a/c joint. Shannon Rusca & Ryan Smith are both unavailable and Gareth Remfrey has been omitted.
The final 23 will be selected after our final training session prior to the team flying out on Friday.
THUNDER GOES TOTALLY WILD
Network Ten’s highly successful children’s show Totally Wild visited NT Thunder on Tuesday speaking with Head Coach Murray Davis, full forward Darren Ewing and rising star nominee Zephi Skinner. TW presenter Adam spoke to Thunder about training & playing in Darwin weather, team & individual achievements, then took the challenge of being taught how to handball and kick the all important goals. Thunder on Totally Wild will go to air in 2-3 months, stay tuned as we bring the episode to you once aired.
OFFICIAL PHOTOS
Click here to visit the home of EPIC Moments, NT Thunder’s official photographer and purchase a photo of your favourite Thunder moment.
GAME DAY DETAILS
QAFL Round 15
Saturday 31st July
Giffin Park, Coorparoo
2pm NT Thunder vs Brisbane Lions
For further information please email ntfc@aflnt.com.au or call (08) 8980 4820.
