Dear Members and fans,
Welcome to the 2017 season. Welcome to ‘Territory Footy. We’re all in this together’.
Our new slogan is a banner that unites us and one we firmly believe encompasses NT Thunder and our extended family.
Whether you first pulled on the NT colours in your Thunder Juniors days or your first time wearing the jumper will be as a senior player this year, you are part of our family. Spanning the Red Centre to the Top End, the seven year-olds to the stayers, we are cast from the same mould.
From the moment both of us stepped foot in the Club, starting our days in the AFLNT State Academy, there was a unique sense of comradery. That feeling that we are part of something special stays with us today.
Captaining and coaching NT Thunder is a privilege. The walls from the front door to the change rooms at the back of the building are steeped in memories and rich NT football history. We cannot walk the corridor without being reminded of the many sacrifices and the hard work that has gone into creating our great Club.
The faces in the photos also belong to those with boundless talent. Names like Long, McLeod, Dhurrkay, Motlop, Clarke, McLean, Ilett, McAdam and even a few bearing the Rioli surname. The list is endless and will keep growing.
The gym at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre has never been busier. It is abuzz with the excitement of the Under 16 and Under 18 AFLNT State Academy boys, training hard in preparation for their national carnivals. This year the Under 18s will play the curtain raisers to our Round 1 and Round 2 NEAFL games at TIO Stadium. Having them around is a good challenge for all of us, as we motivate and push each other to be the best players and people on and off the field.
We have also been privileged to share the space with the Adelaide Crows women and the train-on squad that are based in Darwin. These players are the upmost professionals and deserve the recognition they are receiving. Being around a winning culture is infectious and we wish them luck in their final few rounds.
Territory footy is fast, exciting and full of passion. We’re a culture and a way of life and while our story is still being written we would love for you to join us and be part of it.
Andrew Hodges Shannon Rioli
COACH CAPTAIN