The Northern Territory are back in business following an impressive five-goal win at Mt Gravatt today.
Saturday 19 June 2010
The Northern Territory are back in business following an impressive five-goal win at Mt Gravatt today.
The Thunder overturned a four-goal quarter-time deficit to win running away, 18.6 (114) to 13.9 (87).
They squared the ledger at 1-1 with the Vultures after losing to them by four points in Alice Springs last month and now are a serious contender for fourth place and a home final.
“That’s a long way off,” said Thunder coach Murray Davis. “We take a lot out of today’s win, but we just have to focus on continuing to do the things we did well today.”
Victory was built around stand-out performances by the senior players in the side.
Making his third journey to south-east Queensland in the space of two weeks, Cameron Ilett showed no signs of fatigue to win numerous clearances and cap a brilliant game with four goals.
Brother Jarred was just as destructive, while Brett Goodes played his part in a dominant midfield brigade.
Veteran Cameron Roberts was given the assignment on Vultures matchwinner Shane Morrison and held him to just two goals.
Kenrick Tyrrell controlled the ruck in a physical contest with Vulture Ryan Head, and the visitors had a lively forward alternative to Darren Ewing in the form of Gareth Remfrey.
Remfrey’s five goals were worth gold as Ewing was well held by Adam Tarrant, although he still managed to boot three majors, including the back-breaker in the last term.
Cameron Ilett’s feats were sensational, a week after finishing second in the voting for the Zane Taylor Medal awarded to Queensland’s best player in the interstate win over Tasmania.
He finished full of running as the Thunder booted six goals to four in a dynamic final term, which lifted the team into fourth place on the premiership table on percentage from four other teams.
Young Mt Gravatt midfielder Daniel Savage tried hard to lift his side while Rhys Estall was lively up forward with four goals.
Nathan Gilliland contributed another four goals in a midfield-forward role and could easily have doubled that tally.
“There was a lot at stake today,” admitted Davis, whose side won in Queensland for the first time since Round 18 of last season.
“To Mt Gravatt’s credit, they won a lot of contested footy early and we spoke at quarter-time about the need to work our way back and start getting our hands on the football.
“It was pleasing that we showed a bit of fight and spirit.”
Scoreboard:
NT Thunder, 1.3, 8.4, 12.6, 18.6 (114)
Mt Gravatt, 5.3, 7.3, 9.8, 13.9 (87)
Goals, Thunder: G Remfrey 5, C Ilett 4, D Ewing 3, S Tapp 2, Z Skinner, K Tyrrell , A Motlop , T Perry. Vultures: R Estall 4, N Gilliland 4, S Morrison 2, M Hamill 2, D Steven.
Best, Thunder: C Roberts, B Goodes, J Ilett, C Ilett, K Tyrrell, G Remfrey. Vultures: D Savage, R Estall, R Head, J Furfaro, A Tarrant, M Schultz.
