After an imposing 2017 season for NT Thunder, 22-year-old Abraham Ankers has ended speculation of being poached by rival clubs by signing to play again for Thunder in 2018.

A joint runner-up with Sam Smith in the 2017 Club Champion, Ankers was also awarded the Best Under 23 Talent award at the inaugural Ilett Medal night.

A hard-running midfielder, he had a breakout season with the Club, playing 17 games and averaging 25 disposals.

Ankers was justly rewarded for his good form by being selected for the 2017 NEAFL Representative Team that beat Tasmania in June.

Hailing from Federal Football Club in Alice Springs, he was the 2016 Minahan Medallist after receiving the most votes in the Central Australian Football League best and fairest count.

To-date, Ankers has had an impressive NTFL season with the Waratah Football Club and NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges pointed to his impressive form when he said he was a key ingredient to the Thunder midfield.

“Abe is very popular with the playing group and Thunder fans. His ability to win the ball around the stoppages and get clearances is crucial to our game plan.

“He commits to training in Alice Springs and travels each weekend to play for Waratah and then Thunder, and has established himself as a real game changer. I’m thrilled to have him back in Thunder colours,” Hodges said.