Davin Ferreira will play his first game for NT Thunder when the side takes on a professional Brisbane Lions Reserves outfit at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old, 2014/15 NTFL premiership player for Wanderers is the only new player to be named this week after seven debut players impressed in Thunder’s 57-point win over Aspley in Round 1.
In exciting news for fans, small forward and livewire, Justin Cooper has made the trip from Croker Island to line-up for his sixteenth NT Thunder outing.
Cooper replaces Lochlan Dhurrkay, who had a strong showing last weekend but will rest at home in Elcho Island.
And there’s sure to be some happy Dan Russell fans, with the big defender named for his first game of the year.
A hard-working utility, he played seven games for the Club last year and with height in mind, Head Coach Andrew Hodges has swapped Russell for Kayle Kossack.
Kossack and Kyle Emery will be Saturday’s emergencies, while Jarred Erlandson will miss for personal reasons.
Hodges said he was impressed with the team-first attitude his side displayed in Round 1 and has asked for the same effort this weekend.
“The Lions are a polished team who like to keep possession of the ball, so it’s crucial we go in with the same intensity and willingness to work for each other like we did against Aspley.
“Brisbane is a talented outfit, filled with AFL-ready players and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“I encourage all our fans and the wider NT community to come down and support us. Hopefully, we can turn TIO Stadium into a bit of a fortress for our team,” Hodges said.
NEAFL Round 2
NT Thunder vs Brisbane Lions
6:30pm Saturday 8 April
TIO Stadium
B: Sam Smith, Justin Beugelaar, Michael Hagan
HB: Cameron Ilett, Tom Davies, Daniel Weetra
C: Braedon McLean, Abraham Ankers, Jonathan Peris
HF: Nick Yarran, Hugo Drogemuller, Lachlan Collihole
F: Adam Sambono*, Darren Ewing, Damian Williams
FOLL: Ryan Smith, Michael Coombes, Shannon Rioli
INT: Neil Vea Vea, Daniel Russell, Justin Cooper, Jack Shannahan, Davin Ferreira
EMERGENCIES: Kyle Emery, Kayle Kossack
IN: Justin Cooper, Davin Ferreira, Daniel Russell
OUT: Lochlan Dhurrkay, Jarred Erlandson, Kayle Kossack
NEW: Davin Ferreira
* Indicates 23rd player
You can live stream this game thanks to Tatts on ThunderVision.