After a disappointing loss last Friday night against the Sydney Swans there were still some positives to take away from the game.

Kyle Emery made his debut against the Swans, looking right at home in his Thunder jumper. He finished with15 disposals, 7 forward half tackles and a goal, so it’s fair to say Kyle made an impressive start to his NEAFL career.

Thunder has seen nine players debut for the Club so far this year and I’m sure we will have plenty more before the season ends. Seeing Kyle run out alongside club legends, Ewing, Ilett and Rioli, all in Territory colours for the first time made me reflect that Thunder is more than just a NEAFL football club. It provides an opportunity for young Territorians to play the game they love at a higher level, live at home and work or study locally.

Round 6 brings with it a new challenge against the Canberra Demons, as only percentage separates us on the ladder, we are both sitting two wins and two losses after Round 5.

It is important that we regroup before facing the Demons as they are playing an exciting brand of football this season, using every opportunity to attack the ball. They are a young side, which work hard and I’m sure come to Darwin hungry for a win.

The message to our players this week is to be bold, play our brand of footy, move the ball quickly and put pressure on the opposition. Not allowing the Demons to have any time and space with the football will be our main focus.

Get down to TIO Stadium early on Saturday to watch this week’s curtain raiser, the dry season Women’s Lighting Series, which kicks off at 4pm. Then hang around for the main game at 6:30pm, where we hope to move a game clear of Canberra.