Brisbane had the early jump in the first quarter when Matt Hammelmann booted two goals to hand the Lions an eight-point lead at quarter-time, but the NT Thunder turned it around to claim a 48-point win at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

NT THUNDER 2.1 8.4 14.6 18.9 (117)

BRISBANE 3.3 5.7 5.8 10.9 (69)

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GOALS – NT Thunder: C Dunne 5 D Ewing 3 C Ilett 3 T Motlop 2 T Eldridge 2 G Turner R Tambling J Lockwood. Brisbane: J Starcevich 4 M Hammelmann 3 M Golby B Evans L Harding.

BEST – NT Thunder: G Turner C Ilett C Dunne T Eldridge J Lockwood J Beugelaar. Brisbane: Z O’Brien J Starcevich M Hammelmann D Merrett D Adkins L Harding.

Please find below Coach Shane Woewodin’s appraisal on each of the listed Lions who played against the Thunder.

Zac O’Brien

Again changed up a different role this week. Played him more as an inside mid with the lack of midfield depth for us. Again Zac was pretty good around the ball, probably our best player on the day. Collected 35 possessions, a really good balance between contested and uncontested and 10 clearances. He had a really good balance in transition with inside 50s and rebound 50s. He didn’t hit the scoreboard as much which I’d like Zac to continue to work on. Again a good effort for the day as our best player.

Mitch GolbyWas sound for the day, generally used as a wingman, occasionally once or twice went back for us at critical times. He didn’t use the ball as well this week as previous weeks, Mitch. Again, though, a solid contributor on the day.
Liam DawsonGaining a lot of confidence, played again down back. He had 22 disposals and 13 marks, probably six or seven of them were intercepts from opposition. Used the ball well, probably the best I’ve seen him kick the footy this year to date with his compliancy and efficiency by foot. Still now working on the next part of his game, around stoppage and how he gets the drop positioning and working on opponents in that area.
Josh McGuinnessSteadily improving, Josh. Another solid game from him playing on a wing down back. Used the ball OK, didn’t hit the scoreboard which is probably the next part of his game now is to continue trying to work inside 50 and kick a few goals for us. His RFI is to continue to work on his ground balls and making sure he is strong over the ball.
Billy EvansA little bit quieter this week, still solid in and around the contest through clearance and first possession with opposition mids. Again, still working hard in transition with his RFI whether that’s offensively or defensively. We had Billy playing on Cam IIett who is probably one of the best NEAFL players in the competition, a really good learning curve playing on a really good state level player and hopefully learn a bit from it.
Daniel MerrettTook another step in his progression back from injury. Played him on Ewing, Ewing kicked three but I thought Rodge was very solid, hit top speeds again throughout the day. Played long game time, and certainly pushed for senior selection, which I think the senior boys we need another big body coming in against Sydney. Did his chances no harm there at all.
Josh ClaytonA quieter day in terms of possession wise and didn’t hit the scoreboard as a forward this week. Probably played him more as a high forward, up and around stoppage this week. He’s still coming to terms with his role and what’s required. Certainly a big improvement in his game was his contest work which he’s been working on, so didn’t see any glaring errors there. It’s just more about playing his role and knowing his role through the week to help him implement it on game day.
Matty HammelmannPlayed again forward this week, kicked three. Probably didn’t see a lot of the ball,  certainly wants the ball inside 50 with his uncontested marks and hitting up as a forward which is really good. Still working on his aerial contests as a key forward and his marking to give himself more opportunities. Still needs to work a bit harder on his defensive side of his game, second efforts in and around the contest, but more his ability to tackle and pressure up as a key forward, particularly with a lot of speed and agility which he has as a tall inside forward 50. I know he’s continuing to work that into his game.
Archie SmithWas OK in the ruck, his first half was good. He’ll look to work hard inside 50 as a ruckman and put some pressure on his opposition, but also get on the last line of defence. Certainly taking his game to another level in areas in the last couple of weeks – listening and adhering to instruction pretty well. Probably as the game wears on, he starts to fatigue and drifts out of the game and loses concentration but still seeing some improvement in Archie as the game goes on.