The AFLNT Thunder U18 State Academy fought off a fast-finishing Oakleigh Chargers team 10.7.67 to 8.14.62 in the last of its TAC Cup matches on Saturday.
They now head into next week’s National Championships match against Tasmania with a win against their name.
Coach Andrew Hodges said it was a positive outing for the team.
“We were really after an improved performance in our effort and our defensive pressure.
“We did a fair bit of homework on Oakleigh so we knew what they were going to try and do in certain areas of the game, so we did really well to shut that down and create our own scoring opportunities,” Hodges said.
In a fast-paced, high-pressure opening quarter it was Isiah Farrell-Nelson, in for his first run this campaign, who was first to get on the scoreboard with a set shot close to the 50. He followed up with a second goal from a similar position before Ankin Abbott added to the tally and Tony Olango, returning from an injury layoff, snapped one for himself.
Oakleigh, who had been wayward throughout the opener, slotted a set shot after the siren but Thunder went into the first break ahead 4.2.26 to 2.3.15.
Ezekiel Frank opened the scoring in the second quarter, dribbling the ball through to give Thunder a 17-point lead.
It took a further 12 minutes before the next goal, Oakleigh kicking truly from a mark in the square. Just as the home side looked set to kick a second, Thunder intercepted and Michael Mummery ran the ball down the wing and delivered it safely into the hands of Farrell-Nelson who kicked his third.
At the major break Thunder lead 6.4.39 to Oakleigh 3.7.25.
The third quarter went all NT’s way to start with. Rohan Armstrong was first to snap a goal over his body, the first of his two goals for the term, before Farrell-Nelson took another strong grab and goaled.
There were three unanswered goals to Thunder before Oakleigh managed one for itself. Going into the final term Thunder lead 9.4.58 to 4.9.33.
The Chargers drew first blood in the fourth quarter and with some brilliant centre clearances they kicked four goals in quick succession, grabbing a one point lead midway through.
The call of ‘lift the work rate’ and a focus on not turning the ball over could be heard from the NT bench.
Enter Farrell-Nelson, who created great space rebounding from defence as he carried the ball down the wing and delivered a perfect pass into the hands of Frank, who turned around on the run and slotted the ball through.
With that, Thunder moved ahead 10.5.65 to Oakleigh 8.12.60 and some nervous minutes ensued until the final siren was rung.
“The boys were a bit out on their feet in that last quarter. We were a rotation down for the whole game with Brandan Parfitt pulling out just before the game…but the boys really dug deep and fought hard,” Hodges said.
“Obviously to have a handy lead like that and let them come back into the game was disappointing but on the other hand they hit the front but we still fought back and won the game which was really positive.”
Hodges said he was extremely pleased with the whole team’s efforts but congratulated newly appointed leadership group member and captain for the day, Patrick Taban on his work.
“Patty was outstanding in the ruck with his efforts, Josh O’Brien was very good down back and Isiah Farrell-Nelson was exciting up forward.
“There’s lots of positives for next week and lots of players to come back in,” Hodges said.
With the game against Tasmania in Darwin on Friday night attention has quickly turned to the preparations required.
“We have a long plane ride home tomorrow and will make sure the boys do all the right things and tick all the right boxes so they can perform at their best next week,” Hodges said.
The squad of 30 to represent the NT in this year’s National Championships will be announced late on Wednesday evening.
NT Goals: I. Farrell-Nelson 4, R. Armstrong 2, E. Frank 2, A. Abbott, T. Olango
NT Best: R. Armstrong, I. Farrell-Nelson, J. Hampton, L. McKenzie, J. O’Brien, P. Taban