MATCH PREVIEW: NT Thunder v Gold Coast

NEAFL ROUND 5

Saturday, May 4, 2019
NT Thunder (8th) v Gold Coast SUNS (10th)
TIO Stadium, 6.30pm

SUMMARY

NT Thunder will be aiming for consecutive victories when they host winless Gold Coast at home on Saturday night.

After two big defeats to start the year, Thunder was back in business last week against Redland in a high-scoring, entertaining victory to earn the four points in confidence-boosting fashion.

The SUNS, meanwhile, have slumped to 10th after a 97-point thumping by Brisbane last week. They’ll bring back some experienced heads to the side this week, but the task remains a tough one for Gold Coast if they want to cause an upset victory.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 7, 2018: NT Thunder 17.13 (115) d Gold Coast 11.12 (78) at TIO Stadium.
Elimination Final, 2017: Gold Coast 19.9 (123) d NT Thunder 12.12 (84) at Metricon Stadium.
Round 7, 2017: NT Thunder 13.12 (90) d Gold Coast 9.6 (60) at TIO Stadium.

TALKING POINTS

1. NT Thunder played an exciting and fast brand of footy last week which brought up their first win of the season in style, after out-lasting Redland by 25 points at Scottsdale Park. Abe Ankers was a star as Thunder tore Redland apart on the rebound, scoring 94 of their 123 points from turnovers. Gold Coast cannot afford to play in to NT Thunder’s hands this week, as they have enough ammunition to make them pay.

2. Gold Coast’s form in recent weeks has been inconsistent, and they are yet to string together four quarters of quality football. Gold Coast is ranked No.1 in the competition for clearances and centre bounce clearances, but they have so far conceded the most points in the competition from turnovers (292 in four games) and stoppage clearances (153) when they aren’t winning the footy in the first instance. Given NT Thunder’s ability to run and carry with great speed and skill, the SUNS need to fix this area of their game quickly.

3. Gold Coast needs its experienced heads to stand up this week. Michael Rischitelli, Will Brodie and Sean Lemmens are three key inclusions, and they’ll have to set the tone early for their side. Brodie in particular has dominated in his NEAFL matches so far in 2019, averaging 40 disposals (17 contested), and 10.5 clearances in two appearances. Tall timber Sam Day, Tom Nicholls and 2018 NEAFL Team of the Year member Jacob Dawson will also need to use their experience and leadership around the ground to bring the SUNS back in to form.

ROOKIE WATCH

NT Thunder’s Ben Taylor made his NEAFL debut last week, and has kept his place in the side to face the SUNS. Originally from Stawell in country Victoria, Taylor is clever inside midfielder who is building a reputation at NT Thunder for his team-first attitude and impressive work ethic. He showed some good signs last week with 10 disposals (six contested), and seven tackles.

STATS THAT MATTER

Gold Coast has never won at TIO Stadium. The SUNS have played one match in Darwin every year since the competition began, but are yet to record a victory with their win loss record at the venue standing at 0-8.

PREDICTION

NT Thunder by 20 points.

Don’t forget to download our free NEAFL App, featuring live Champion Data stats, player bios and more! Available now from the Google Play and Apple stores.

Have your say! Follow the NEAFL on Twitter (@neaflofficial), Instagram (@neaflofficial) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/neaflofficial).