The NT Thunder women’s (ThunderW) team is off to Melbourne this weekend with seven changes to the team that enjoyed a comfortable win over Essendon in Round 3 of the Swisse VFL Women’s competition.
With five players set to make their debut against Melbourne University at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday, that is now 32 women to have pulled on the Thunder jumper in the club’s first three games.
Headlining the first-gamers is Thunder vice-captain, former Tracy Village captain in the NTFL, now Adelaide-dwelling AFLW player Sally Riley.
Joining Riley is impressive Darwin-based quartet; Kylie Duggan, Jemma Iacono, Sophia Mauboy and Sue Nalder, who have earned their call-up after impressing in training.
Coming back into the lineup for her second game of the season is another of Darwin’s favourite exports, Sophie Armitstead and her Adelaide AFLW teammate Marijana Rajcic.
Young gun Janet Baird will stay in Darwin to represent the NT in under 18 commitments, while Lucy Adam, Michelle Ellis, Tahlia Holtze, Rhiannon Metcalfe and Deni Varnhagen will all be rested and Eloise Jones is out with an illness.
Holtze, a handy medium-sized defender, will travel with the team as the emergency.
ThunderW Head Coach Tim Weatherald said he believes the coaches have selected the best team based on the opposition the team will face.
“On paper, it probably doesn’t look right to be making seven changes to a winning team, but we have a whole season of heavy travel demands that we need to manage.
“Despite the distance between our training bases, we’re always in touch, and we’re confident the cohesion in the group will carry over and be well-backed by the players who get their first opportunity this Saturday.
“Sally is one of the recent success stories of Territory women’s footy, and her energy is always a welcome addition to the team, while Kylie is a skilful and hard-working midfielder and Jemma brings with her VFL experience and clean hands.
“Sophia approaches every session with tenacity, and we’re sure she’ll bring that to her contests and Sue, well she’s a class act in front of goal, has that magic touch, and the way she has overcome injury and setback is proof that she won’t give in.”
Speaking of Melbourne Uni, Weatherald said they were a talented outfit that he expected to put in a good showing.
“They’ve certainly got some classy players, with Emma Kearney and Ash Riddell just a couple of those bigger names who have recently signed with North Melbourne for next year’s AFLW.
“They also have a proud history that we can’t ignore, but we’ll be playing for the creation of our own,” he said.
VFL W Round 4
Melbourne University vs NT Thunder
11:50am AEST (Note: VFL changed the time from 11:10am)
Saturday 26 May
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee
B: Jemma Iacono, Sarah Allan, Sophie Armitstead
HB: Lisa Roberts, Jasmyn Hewett, Sophia Mauboy
C: Samantha Barnett, Chelsea Randall, Georgia Bevan
HF: Machaelia Roberts, Marijana Rajcic, Emma Swanson
F: Sally Riley, Jordann Hickey, Jessica Sedunary
FOLL: Jessica Allan, Angela Foley, Renee Forth
INT: Jasmine Anderson, Sue Nalder, Kylie Duggan, Morgan Johnston, Tayla Thorn*
EMERGENCY: Tahlia Holtze, Lauren O’Shea
IN: Sophie Armitstead, Kylie Duggan, Jemma Iacono, Sophia Mauboy, Sue Nalder, Marijana Rajcic, Sally Riley
OUT: Lucy Adam, Michelle Ellis, Tahlia Holtze, Eloise Jones (illness), Rhiannon Metcalfe, Deni Varnhagen (all rested), Janet Baird (knee)
NEW: Kylie Duggan, Jemma Iacono, Sophia Mauboy, Sue Nalder, Sally Riley
* Indicates 23rd player