Cameron Ilett, the 2016 NT Thunder Club Champion, has committed to NT Thunder for the Club next year after putting pen to paper.

The 31-year-old shows no signs of slowing down, having played 18 games last season, being named captain of the 2016 NEAFL Team of the Year and winning his fifth Club Champion award.

He was also the recipient of the NT Thunder Most Professional Award and the Players’ Player Award.

It will be the ninth consecutive season for the champion midfielder, who was part of the inaugural team in 2009 and played his 150th game for Thunder in July this year.

AFL Northern Territory Manager of Football Operations, Joel Bowden, said having a player of Ilett’s calibre sign-on for 2017 was a great sign of commitment to the NT Thunder Football Club, its values and objectives by a well-respected clubman.

“Cam’s professionalism and attitude embodies everything that NT Thunder is about. His ability to lead on and off the field is an integral part to our success.

“There’s no doubt that the other players walk a little taller with Cam around. His ability to win the contested ball and put his body on the line shows great character,” Bowden said.

In 2017 Ilett will be sponsored by GTNT.