NT Thunder has picked up two of the best performers in this season’s NTFL competition, with Darwin Buffaloes player-coach Matt Campbell and Buffs co-captain and Chaney Medallist, Jarrod Stokes pulling on the famed ochre jumper for NEAFL 2018.

At 31-years-old, it will be Campbell’s first time in a Territory jumper since representing the NT at national under 18 level.

He went on to be drafted at pick 34 in the 2006 AFL Rookie Draft and played 82 games and kicked 79 goals for North Melbourne between 2007 and 2012.

Campbell’s extensive footy career also includes more than 100 senior games in the SANFL and VFL combined, and there’s no doubting he’s a Territory favourite, having played games in his hometown of Alice Springs, Gove and the 59 Premier League outings he has notched up for the Buffaloes in Darwin.

Stokes, who has played 120 Premier League games for Darwin, including a superb best-on-ground performance in Wednesday night’s NTFL Grand Final, played three senior games for Thunder as a 17-year-old in 2012.

Hailing from a famous Territory footy family, the majority of his footy experience has revolved around the Buffaloes but includes a sprinkling of appearances in the SANFL and country Victoria leagues.

NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges said he had been waiting a week to announce his newest recruits and hoped fans would be excited by the news.

“We wanted to ensure both Jarrod and Matty kept their focus on the Buffs this week and after the grand final performances they put in I’m sure people will understand exactly why they are players we want at our Club.

“Jarrod has matured over the years, and he leads by example, especially on the field. He approaches his footy with professionalism and lets his skills do the talking.

“I have really enjoyed watching him this past NTFL season and know with him we get a player who is not only clean with the ball but a midfielder who will fight to get us first use.

“Matty is also an imposing leader and is no doubt a big reason for the Buffaloes’ improved form and culture.

“He’s one of the original wonders, who can pluck tricks from thin air and delight the fans. With him we also get the added dimension of his ability to mentor younger players and having him run around with the boys will be like having another coach out there with them,” Hodges said.