In exciting news for Territory footy fans, Joe Anderson will pull on the NT jumper for the first time in more than 11 years when he makes his debut for the Club on Saturday night.
Heralding from one of Territory football’s most famous families, Anderson brings with him AFL and state-league experience, which will be equally matched by the return of Matt Campbell and Richard Tambling to Saturday night’s line-up.
Neither Anderson nor Tambling have played since the NTFL Grand Final four weeks ago, with Anderson overcoming a quad niggle and Tambling a hamstring complaint.
Campbell, who was a Round 1 debutant missed last week’s win against Aspley due to work commitments, while Tiwi ‘human highlights reel’, Ross Tungatalum is another welcome inclusion, having overcome the soreness that sidelined him in Round 2.
Missing this week’s clash against Sydney University will be Kaine Riley, one of Thunder’s most consistent performers in the opening rounds. Riley sustained a hamstring injury during the third quarter last week.
Remote player Jack Munkara (Tiwi Islands) has been ruled out with a small hand complaint, while Jamie Hampton (Alice Springs) and Patrick Heenan (Tiwi Islands) will be rested.
With Sydney University also coming off an undefeated start to the season, NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges said it was timely to have such a high calibre of players to call up.
“I’m stoked to have Joe available to play this week. We all know what he’s capable of, but it’s also his professional approach to training and the team that has been impressive. Like Richie and Matty, he’s the type of guy his teammates can rely on when the ball is in hand.
“The same goes for Ross. With any of the four guys coming in this week, there’s a bit of that ‘x-factor’, and their commitment and experience will be invaluable.
“Syndey Uni have been a team to watch the past few years, and they have a very talented, deep list, so it’s certainly going to be a challenge, but it’s one we welcome and believe we have the answers for,” Hodges said.
NEAFL Round 3
NT Thunder vs Sydney University
6:30pm ACST
Saturday 21 April
TIO Stadium, Darwin
B: Ben Rioli, Sam Dyke, Joe Anderson
HB: Cameron Ilett, Tom Davies, Sam Smith
C: Braedon McLean, Abraham Ankers, Dion Munkara
HF: Ross Tungatalum, Hugo Drogemuller, Shannon Rioli
F: Adam Sambono, Darren Ewing, Patrick White
FOLL: Jack Monigatti*, Jarrod Stokes, Jarred Erlandson
INT: Shaun Wilson, Chris Williams, Sam Talbot, Richard Tambling, Matt Campbell
EMERGENCIES: Simon Bates, Patrick Heenan
IN: Joe Anderson, Matt Campbell, Richard Tambling, Ross Tungatalum
OUT: Jamie Hampton (rested), Patrick Heenan (rested), Jack Munkara (hand) Kaine Riley (hamstring)
NEW (Debut): Joe Anderson
* Indicates 23rd player
You can live stream this game on ThunderVision thanks to Tatts