With the mid-season bye out of the way, we face one of our toughest challenges this week against the Canberra Demons. Our away record in season 2017 is a good one, winning our two games on the road so far. However this week’s trip to Canberra presents us with a prime opportunity.

The players have come back into training after a five-day break, refreshed physically and mentally. They didn’t have complete rest though, as strength and conditioning coach Dave Crane dished out some homework. These ‘maintenance programs’ consisted of running and injury prevention exercises, to ensure the players are ready to hit the ground in the second half of the season.

Our last outing against Canberra in Round 6 at home was a disappointing one, going down by five points in the closing minutes of the game. The chance to turn that result around this week is important. This game is critical in the context of what we want to achieve in 2017, our effort and attitude will need to be at its best to come home with the win.

We welcome back some experience into the side, skipper Shannon Rioli, Cameron Ilett and Matt Rosier. This will be Matt’s first game back after fracturing his hand in Round 4 against Redland. All are handy additions to our young side. We are also thrilled to have our 13th debutant, with exciting forward, Wadeye’s very own Francis Kinthari signing on to play Thunder this week.

Don’t miss this week’s action when we take on the Demons, get on ThunderVision from 11.30am to support your team.