The ThunderW list added two more key players this week with Kristy Irvine (better known around the club as “Xy”) and Katie Streader re-signing for the 2019 VFLW season.

Irvine played five games and kicked two goals for the club in 2018 before falling to an unfortunate hamstring injury on the eve of the finals. While Streader amassed nine games and one goal in her first VFLW season – both players debuting in Round 6 against Carlton.

Captain of Tracy Village in the NTFL Women’s Premier League competition, Irvine won her team’s best and fairest award in the 2017/18 season and is a clever inside-mid who has good skills, fitness and ability to read the play.

A veteran of women’s football around Australia, she captained the St Mary’s Football Club to two premierships and five grand final appearances between 2008/09 – 2013/14 and represented the NT Kites in the National Championships in 2009 and was subsequently selected All Australian that year.

Streader, who is also well known for her netball skills, has played for the PINT Football Club in the NTFL since 2015. She was awarded the ThunderW Karen Scheider Most Courageous Award in 2018 for her hard attack at the ball and second efforts. In 2016/17 she won the NTFL Most Valuable Player award as voted on by the Women’s Premier League coaches.

ThunderW Head Coach, Heidi Thompson said  Streader is a well-rounded athlete whose work ethic is second to none.

“Katie will drive the elite standards in our program to ensure a high-performance environment is upheld.

“Her fitness and athletism is a massive weapon of her game and allows her to perform effectively as an inside midfielder. She will be a huge asset to our NT Thunder VFLW program,” she said.

On Irvine, Thompson said she would be a great asset to the ThunderW program with her experience in the game.

“Xy is an absolute workhorse playing as an inside midfielder and has been a standout at her club in the NTFL season.

“She has great composure and is a go-to player for the youngsters in the squad.”

Training for the ThunderW squad started last night, Monday 25 March 2019, and more player signings will be announced over the coming weeks.

Thunder memberships are now on sale and Kristy’s little twins are on board!  Visit: https://www.ntthunder.com.au/membership to become a Thunder member in 2019 so you can support our VFLW and NEAFL teams.
 
Round 1 of the Swisse Wellness VFLW season is Sunday 12 May against Hawthorn at Box Hill City Oval.