This week’s Round 10 clash with the in-form Sydney University marks the midway point of the 2017 NEAFL season. The Students are the side to beat, dropping only the one game against the Sydney Swans. It’s another big test for us, a critical one for our young playing group who have been growing in confidence each week.

The Sydney Uni side is littered with talent across the ground, boasting numerous players with AFL experience. Will Sierakowski, Xavier Richards and Tom Young are all in good form.  They play a quick possession style of footy and always perform well here in Darwin.

Our boys are jumping out of their skin for the challenge this week with some of our key experienced players unavailable.

This presents an opportunity for our younger group to step up and fill the void.  Abraham Ankers, Michael Coombes, Sam Smith and Adam Sambono have all shown glimpses of brilliance through the first half of the season. Their youth and enthusiasm will need to take them to a new level this Saturday. We must execute our brand of footy; quick ball movement with a ruthless team defence mentality will be imperative.

Our list at the moment is very healthy, with only a small handful of players on the long-term injury list. Jack Long, Junior Grant and Liam Holt-Fitz are longer term, but we look forward to regaining Matt Rosier and Simon Bates after the bye next week.

Our strength and conditioning coach Dave Crane along with the staff at Territory Sports Medicine have so far done a fantastic job at keeping our players fit and free of soft tissue injuries. Their strength and rehab programs have our players in good shape to tackle the second half of the season.

Get down early to support the dry season Women’s Lighting Series, they kick off at 4pm. Then hang around for the main game at 6:30pm.

‘Territory Footy, We’re All In This Together’