It’s time. NT Thunder’s 2017 NEAFL campaign kicks off this weekend, and it’s an exhilarating challenge for the Club. The new season brings a number of new players, coaches and support staff to our ranks.

NT Thunder is more than just a football club; it’s a representative of the Territory, our culture and our way of life. We are proud Territorians and because of that our focus this pre-season has been on retaining and recruiting young, exciting Territory talent.

There are 22 changes that have been made to the 2016 squad, 22 fresh faces, 15 of which are current and previous NT Thunder State Academy graduates. Of the 47 players on our list, 36 have come through the NT Thunder talent pathways. This is a fact I am proud of because NT Thunder was a club set up to create opportunities for young Territorians to compete at the highest levels and to allow them to be the best person they can be on and off the field.

The challenge this week is 2016 preliminary final side, the Aspley Hornets. A well coached and disciplined side that we have had many great battles with over the journey. I expect tonight’s game will be no different. We go into the game with a number of players making their NEAFL debut for the Club. I’d like to congratulate all our first gamers and along with the playing group, coaches, staff and supporters, welcome you to this great Club. With this opportunity comes great responsibility to do the Territory colours proud.

Get down to TIO Stadium early (3.20pm) and support NT Thunder’s Under 18 Boys State Academy, who face Sydney Swans Academy as part of the 2017 AFL National Academy series.

Then stick around for the 6:30pm show, where I am certain we will show you just what Territory footy is all about.

See the Round 1 team list here and if you’re really keen, watch me give last year’s head coach Xavier Clarke, a ride in the Thunder truck. Sorry for his singing!