The NT Thunder will put work into some players and ease off others as they negotiate the bye round in the QAFL competition.
Tuesday 20 July 2010
The NT Thunder will tailor-make individual programs for their players over the next week as they work towards a strong finish over the last month of the QAFL qualifying rounds and protect fourth spot from the rampaging Mt Gravatt.
The Thunder currently hold fourth spot by 15% from the Vultures, who are being mooted as a premiership threat following the return of a significant number of class players.
The NT face Brisbane (away), Aspley (away), Labrador (home) and Broadbeach (home) after this weekend’s bye, while the Vultures have a tougher run against Morningside (home), Brisbane (home), Southport (away) and Western Magpies (away).
Finishing fourth is critical as it commands home ground advantage in the first week of the finals.
A mass turnover of players each week has been Thunder coach Murray Davis’ biggest problem this season, hence his horses-for-courses approach to this week.
“We have got some areas we need to work on, but we’ve got a couple of guys who have played 35 games (including the NTFL) season who need a break, and others who need some work,” Davis said.
“Some really need to freshen up mentally, so we will tailor-make the program for individuals.”
One of the most promising signs of recent weeks for the Thunder has been the form or Shannon Rusca, who has been outstanding across half-back after returning from a knee reconstruction in May.
“His positioning and footy smarts have really come to the fore,” Davis said. “I love what he’s doing with his leadership, on the field and off it.”
