NTFL grand finalists, Sharona Bishop and Tahlia Holtze are the two latest additions to the VFLW list, with the experienced ThunderW duo signing on again for 2019.
Holtze has played footy in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine and was a big part of the Southern Districts revival over the past two NTFL seasons. She was also a member of the 2018 Eastside women’s team who was the inaugural Big Rivers Football League premiers, picking up the best on ground medal for her effort.
Bishop, who also has plenty of playing experience across the NT, was also awarded best on ground honours in a 2018 grand final when she played as part of the Alkamilya Panthers, who won back-to-back premierships in the Central Australian Football League (CAFL). She first represented the NT as a 22-year-old and has won two premierships with Waratah in the NTFL, picking up the club’s courageous and resilience award in the most recent season.
Combined, the two played 12 games for NT Thunder in the 2018 VFLW season with ThunderW Head Coach, Heidi Thompson saying the two versatile players would feature in the team’s plans this year.
“Sharona was very effective for Waratah playing as a small defender in their recent premiership but can also play as an inside midfielder as she uses her strong body well in a contest and delivers plenty of ball into the forward line.
“This VFLW season we might also use her as a small forward closer to goal. Her vast playing experience at the top level will be invaluable to our NT Thunder program.”
On Holtze, Thompson said her ability to fill numerous on-field positions would come in handy.
“Tilly is a talented player who positions herself in dangerous spots and hits up targets in the forward line regularly.
“She will be a utility player for NT Thunder this season as she has shown great adaptability to play all over the ground in the 2018/2019 NTFL season,” she said.
Like the sound of our team so far?! Then sign up for your 2019 NT Thunder membership: www.ntthunder.com.au/membership so that 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.