The AFLNT Thunder U18 State Academy went down to a polished VIC Metro side 14.17.101 to 8.3.51 at IKON Park on Saturday.
The AFLNT Thunder U18 State Academy went down to a polished VIC Metro side 14.17.101 to 8.3.51 at IKON Park on Saturday.
With only six minutes left in the third quarter the NT boys were within 20 points but were left to rue their lack of concentration as the hosts kicked four unanswered goals before the final break.
Coach, Andrew Hodges said the effort shown by his side was really good in periods but was not sustained.
“It was more of a concentration thing because our fitness is really good at the moment.
“It’s disappointing but we’ll go away and work on that (concentration) and work to get it right,” Hodges said.
Earlier in the game, Ryan Mu got Thunder off to the perfect start; a quick snap within the opening minute put NT on the scoresheet first.
VIC Metro responded well, taking a couple of strong marks inside 50 to set up numerous opportunities in front of goal.
At the end of the first quarter the scoreboard read VIC 5.5.35 to NT 1.0.6, the actual play a lot closer than it appeared on paper.
NT started the second much like the first, a quick burst out of the centre but it wasn’t until VIC Metro goaled first before Nigel Lockyer Jnr was able to get Thunder on the board with a quick snap.
Josh O’Brien, a “surprise packet” for his coach, didn’t fall victim to the perceived pressure as he pushed up the ground and his work on the ball left the VIC Metro defenders scrambling.
O’Brien was rewarded for his efforts with the final two goals of the term.
Thunder went into the major break having made up ground – VIC Metro 7.9.51 to NT 4.2.26
Like the first quarter, Ryan Mu was first to goal in the third term after being the receiver of some good teamwork and patience through the middle.
Just as Thunder were starting to work their way on top, with only six minutes of the quarter left to play, a high tackle in Metro’s forward 50 gifted them their first goal for the term before they went on to boot three more.
Going into the final quarter VIC Metro lead 11.14.80 to NT 5.2.32.
The opening half of the final term went all Metro’s way as turnovers across the ground proved costly for the visitors.
With not much of the game left to play, Jordan Jeffrey, Cody Nyhuis and Zac Derkson popped up to goal and deliver NT a score more befitting of their day’s work.
“We’re going to review video tonight and go away and make sure we tidy up those areas that didn’t work,” Hodges said.
“I think we’ll see a different, more committed side in two weeks time when we take on Sandringham Dragons.”
In good news for NT Thunder there were no major injuries to come out of the match and the coach recognised the work of some of the younger team members.
“Dominic Grant, Marcus Valastro, Josh O’Brien who was really good today – a bit of a surprise packet, and Kevin Maroney down back were all contributors.
“Ben Long led the side really well all day, a lot of positives there, we’ve just got to tidy up a few things and I think we’ll be right,” Hodges said.