Majo's team loses players but replacements sign up
LONG-term injury, disinterest and career prospects elsewhere have conspired to rob Michael McLean (pictured) of key personnel.
Gone from the inaugural squad are Tiwi Islander Ephrem Tipungwuti, Nightcliff's Warren Berto and Thomas Motlop. Berto, who played in the Thunder's first two games before being dropped for Round 3, was keen to resume playing local rugby league. Motlop returns to Adelaide for personal and family reasons, while Tipungwuti cited a general lack of interest in the program.
But it's not all one-way traffic. Alice Springs' Dillon Measures comes into the squad and made a serviceable debut at home in the Thunders' 11-point win over Aspley at Traeger Park on Saturday. That game saw local lad Kenny Morton ignite the Thunder with a four-goal effort and a sensational mark. The win also maintains the Territory team's fifth spot on the QAFL ladder.
Of the players it has lost, Thunder's high performance manager Murray Davis said:
"List management is always high on the priority list of the NTFC. While changes are inevitable the opportunities now provided to players outside the squad are exciting. Regional players throughout the Territory will continue to be on the radar along with the under-18s who began their championships in Melbourne this weekend."
The Thunder's next games is at home against 2007 Geelong AFL premiership player Nathan Ablett's Broadbeach Cats at home on Saturday, June 13.
Injury forces Thunder boys outMORE bad luck for the NT Thunder this week with injury forcing several players out from the Queensland side to play Tasmania in Hobart on Sunday.
Mark McLean and Marty Smith were to join the Maroons but shoulder and ankle injuries respectively have forced them out. But good news with Bradley Palipuaminni, Damien Roe and James Puautjimi still in the mix to play for Queensland's under-21 side on the weekend.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Last Modified on 03/06/2009 00:18