The end of an era draws near, one of the all time greats of our club will hang up his Thunder boots when the curtain closes on NEAFL season 2017.

Cameron Ilett’s achievements will be etched into the NT Thunder history books; his feats on and off the field have helped shape the club into what it is today.

Cam is the ultimate professional. A five-time club champion, three Thunder premierships, four seasons as club captain, NEAFL team of the year on five occasions (four of those named as captain), QAFL team of the year twice, a League medal in the 2011 premiership season and this weekend marks his 168th game in Thunder colours. A truly captivating career over nine seasons that speaks for itself.

Off field, he is a great person, humble and selfless. A dedicated family man that displays on a daily basis the values we hold important at our footy club. He has been a pioneer in helping create our culture; his legacy will live on at the club for years to come.

No doubt Cam’s retirement will leave a void for us to fill.  Excitingly, we already have the likes of the Rioli brothers and Beugelaar leading the club but I’m excited to see whom the next player to step up will be. Many young Territorians began their Thunder journey this season, we’ve had 13 debutants so far in 2017. Will it be Michael Coombes, Braedon McLean, Sam Smith or Nick Yarran who take the opportunity? All have displayed similar attributes to Cam, and I look forward to seeing their careers unfold.

Our immediate focus is firmly on a trip to Sydney and facing an in-form Swans outfit this weekend. They have been the benchmark of the competition this season and our young group, who will be well supported by the likes of Cam, Darren ‘Boof’ Ewing and Matt Rosier, are looking forward to the challenge.