Round 6 team announcement

King Richard returns

05.05.17 09:28

NT Thunder is pleased to welcome back experienced on-baller Richard Tambling to the side to take on the Canberra Demons on Saturday night in Darwin.

Tambling, who is based and trains with a small cohort of players in Katherine, will play his first football game since the NEAFL Elimination Final last August.

He is one of four changes to the side, with steadfast defender Tom Davies returning from suspension, Jarred Erlandson recovering from a hamstring niggle and big man Ryan Smith all coming into the Round 6 team.

Vice-captain Justin Beugelaar will miss the next two games as he serves a suspension, while both Hugo Drogemuller and Daniel Russell are unavailable for the Saturday night clash.

Jack Shannahan, who has played every game so far this season, is also a withdrawal after failing to pass a concussion test following a collision in last week’s game.

Head Coach Andrew Hodges said the addition of Tambling would bring great experience to his young squad.

“We are excited that Richard is ready to go. A former NT Thunder club champion, he is part of our leadership group because of the guidance he offers both on and off the field.

“Along with Smith’s inclusion, that’s years of AFL and NEAFL experience, which we are richer for having.”

Hodges also said he hoped by the end of Saturday his team would be one game clear of the Demons.

“At the moment we both have two wins with only percentage separating us, and while they are also a young side which plays a similar style of footy, we believe if we execute our game plan and skills well that we have every opportunity to win.”

NEAFL Round 6
NT Thunder vs Canberra Demons
6.30pm Saturday 6 May
TIO Stadium, Darwin

Round 6 NT Thunder team

B: Jonathan Peris, Tom Davies, Ben Rioli
HB: Cameron Ilett, Sam Smith, Daniel Weetra
C: Nick Yarran, Abraham Ankers, Braedon McLean
HF: Davin Ferreira, Neil Vea Vea, Kyle Emery*
F: Adam Sambono, Darren Ewing, Damian Williams
FOLL: Ryan Smith, Shannon Rioli, Richard Tambling
INT: Sam Talbot, Jarred Erlandson, Kayle Kossack, Michael Hagan, Lachlan Collihole

EMERGENCIES: Scott McLeod, Ankin Abbott

IN: Tom Davies, Jarred Erlandson, Ryan Smith, Richard Tambling
OUT:  Justin Beugelaar (suspended), Hugo Drogemuller (unavailable), Daniel Russell (unavailable), Jack Shannahan (injury – concussion)

* Indicates 23rd player

You can live stream this game thanks to Tatts on ThunderVision.