Northern Territory Thunder: NT’s elite AFL pathway team set to be scrapped

THE NT’s elite AFL pathway team, the NT Thunder, looks set to be scrapped in news that will shock the Territory sporting community

Cameron Ilett and Richard Tambling with the Thunder’s 2015 premiership cup. Picture: Elise Derwin

THE NT’s elite AFL pathway team, the NT Thunder, looks set to be scrapped in news that will shock the Territory sporting community.

The Darwin-based side has won two NEAFL premierships since being formed in 2009 but will be wound up in the coming weeks.

The move comes as the AFL Commission prepares to sign off on a rescue package aimed at reviving the beleaguered Gold Coast Suns.

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The Suns are likely to be handed a new Darwin recruiting zone and could also play a game for premiership points at TIO Stadium.

But the decision to disband the NT Thunder will anger the Darwin football community.

“NT Thunder is a way of life, particularly for young indigenous men and women who are about to have their pathway stolen from them,” an industry figure said.

“It’s about Territorians having the ability to stay at home, surrounded by family, community and culture, and still play at the highest level possible. It still very much achieves this, something lost on the suits who never get out to community and see how real Thunder is to the little kids running around.

“Not everyone is going to be a big AFL star and nor do they want to be, but there’s great pride and responsibility in pulling on that NT jumper and that dream is being dashed.”

NT Thunder players drafted to AFL clubs include Steven May, Nakia Cockatoo, Jed Anderson and Ryan Nyhuis.

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Richmond assistant coach Xavier Clarke coached the Thunder to a flag in 2015 and Brisbane Lions assistant Murray Davis did the same in 2011.