It was the footy off-season when a 10-year-old Daly Shannon arrived in Darwin with his family.
For his parents and the Aussie-rules loving kid it made sense that he should hop across the road to the Thunder Juniors program that was up and running.
Today the NT Thunder rising star pays credit to his years spent in the Thunder Juniors program for laying down the foundations that see him as a senior listed player today.
“The fundamentals that you start with, whether you’re a 300-game AFL player or you play reserves footy in the NTFL, are the ones that will carry through with you.
“When you start kicking the ball the way you do then that’s your style for the rest of your life. I think it’s pretty important to learn how to do it right,” Shannon said.
Back in 2007 the pathway to elite football wasn’t so clear and unbeknownst to a young Shannon he and Thunder Juniors’ mates like Michael Hagan and opponents like Michael Coombes were forging a new route for Territory football.
Having played Auskick down south, Shannon said it was an easy decision to join his local Thunder Junior program.
“The transition (Auskick to Thunder Juniors) is made pretty easy by the kids around you and the coaches. It’s a good environment to learn. No one puts pressure on you like they do as you get older.
“The coaches and guys that run it are accredited so it’s pretty good,” Shannon said.
Thunder Juniors is a program specifically designed for boys aged seven to 11 and girls aged seven to 14.
“Being able to run around with your mates is the best thing,” Shannon said.
“A few of my friends from back then are still some of my best friends. People like Michael Hagan who I played against when I was 11-12 is my best mate these days.”
Eight-year-old Thunder Junior player, Leon Zammit who plays in the Saints team is about to begin his third year.
“If people don’t know how to play they can just come for the sport,” Zammit said.
Shannon agreed with Zammit, “In Thunder Juniors you can develop at your own pace but there’s some strong guidance there if you’re keen to better yourself.
“It is good for players who haven’t played before but also those who are experienced.”
Kennards Thunder Juniors starts next week and will run throughout Term 2 of the school calendar.
Traditional AFL rules are modified to maximise development and participation and while all the boys and girls train together the girls play their own games.
Games take place on a Friday evening at TIO Stadium in Darwin, Palmerston Oval and TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs.
New and existing players are welcome. Registrations can be made online: http://www.thunderjuniors.aflnt.com.au/.