NT Thunder is pleased to announce Alice Springs born and raised Ankin Abbott has signed-on for NEAFL season 2017.

Abbott, who has been part of the AFLNT State Academy for the past year, played all the Under 18 National Championship matches in 2016 and also represented the NT in the TAC Cup game against the Oakleigh Chargers.

The 18-year-old spent the last two years in boarding school in Adelaide before returning to the Territory to play for the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL.

He has played three NTFL Men’s Premier League games in season 2016/17 and will keep developing through the AFLNT State Academy program.

NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges said it was important for the rookie-listed players on the senior list to uphold their commitments to the State Academy and national carnivals.

“Ankin, like some of the younger players on the NT Thunder list, will be focused on playing State Academy the first five or so rounds of the NEAFL season.

“We are all one team – we train at the same time, and we work together to give us all the best opportunities to succeed,” Hodges said.

On Abbott himself, Hodges described him as having a fearless attack on the football.

“Ankin is a solidly built, inside midfielder that loves contested situations and can win the ball one on one. He will be a great asset to the team,” Hodges said.