NT Thunder has continued to invest in its young Territory stocks by adding 19-year-old Kieren Parnell and 21-year-old Bradley Stokes to its 2018 NEAFL list.

Parnell’s last game was in May 2017 when he lined up in the SANFL for North Adelaide’s Under 18s team and suffered a partial tear of the ACL in his right knee. This injury blow came only 14 months after he first injured the knee in the opening minutes of the 2015/16 TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League Grand Final.

A St Mary’s junior that has 11 Premier League games to his name (all in season 2015/16), Parnell is described as being a classy medium-sized midfielder who can also play either end of the ground.

He has spent more time in the gym than most but is close to a comeback and has subsequently been listed in the 2018 NT Thunder Academy squad, who started their season on the weekend.

Stokes, on the other hand, was a standout for the Darwin Buffaloes in the most recent NTFL season and played all but one game in the Premier League division.

The younger brother of Jarrod, he also impresses with his pace and is known as a small defender who can shut down key forwards while creating opportunities for his team.

Head Coach Andrew Hodges said the Club looked forward to being part of the players’ development.

“These two young guys are quality footballers; there’s no doubt about it. Unfortunately, Kieren had a terrible run with injury, but if his dedication and perseverance is anything to go by then, there’s no telling how far he will go.

“Brad is the type of player who excites coaches. He holds his own in a contest then runs and finds opportunities that can quickly turn defence into offence.

“I’m really pleased to have them on board and look forward to working with them,” he said.