NT Thunder ready for clash against Southport Sharks

NT Thunder will face sixth-placed Southport Sharks in their Round 21 NEAFL match at Fankhauser Reserve this Saturday 20 August.

Coming off a strong win against ladder leaders the Sydney Swans, Thunder will aim to continue their good form shown in last week’s match at TIO Stadium.

Midfielder Sam Talbot will return to the side following an infection while Michael Bowden has also been named to return against the Sharks in Thunder’s last match of the home and away season. Liam Patrick and Michael Hagan are unavailable.

It is the second time Thunder plays the Sharks this year with the Southport side defeating Thunder by 17 points in Round 7 at TIO Stadium. Forward Darren Ewing starred kicking five goals while Shannon Rioli impressed in the midfield.

Head Coach Xavier Clarke said it is a match Thunder want to get right ahead of the finals. “This weekend is a chance for our boys to really perfect our style of play. We were pleased with the way we did that last week against the Swans reserves and look to continue that form this weekend. “Southport are a strong side and we are confident they will come prepared,” Clarke said.

Round 21 NEAFL Team to play Southport Sharks
12:00pm (AEST) Saturday 20 August 2016
TIO Stadium

B: Ben Rioli, Justin Beugelaar, Jack Long
HB: Raphael Clarke, Neil Vea Vea, Jonathan Peris
C: Shannon Rioli, Cameron Ilett, Sam Talbot
HF: Richard Tambling , Daniel Lewis, Phillip Wills
F: Justin Cooper, Darren Ewing, Luke Bath
Foll: Sebastian Guilhaus, Matthew Rosier, Jared Brennan
Inter: Michael Mummery, Isaiah Farrell-Nelson*, Aaron Lonergan, Patrick Taban, Michael Bowden
Emer: Daly Shannon. Jack Shannahan, Daniel Russell
In: Sam Talbot, Michael Bowden
Out: Liam Patrick (unavailable), Michael Hagan (unavailable)
* Indicates 23rd player