NEAFL Rising Star nominee Adam Sambono won the Anzac Day Medal as NT Thunder put Redland to the sword on their way to a 39-point victory at Tidbold Park on Saturday.
Sambono, 19, booted four goals as the visitors kicked 10 goals to six in the second half to run away 15.17 (107) to 10.8 (68) winners.
The margin was only 13 points at quarter-time and 10 points at half-time in a heavily contested match that was marred by constant skill errors by both sides.
But it was NT Thunder who made the most of their opportunities when it mattered in the second half, opening up a 26-point lead at three-quarter time before being as much as 57 points ahead in the last quarter.
Sambono, who earned the Round 1 NEAFL Rising Star nominee in Round one after six goals and nine NEAFL MVP votes against Aspley, this time chipped in with 4.3 among 15 disposals and eight marks.
While Redland butchered the ball numerous times throughout the match, it was an impressive performance from a young NT Thunder side facing their first road trip in the 2017 season.
NT Thunder coach, Andrew Hodges, said he was pleased with the team effort over four quarters.
“There were no doubts for us coming in to the match,” he said. “We had some good experienced players like Cammy (Ilett) and Boof (Ewing) who shared their (travel) experiences to the younger guys.
“We had a bit of a challenge against Brisbane a fortnight ago, but to come in today and put that performance in was pretty promising, and pleasing.
“We want to have a good, team performance right across the board and we’re getting that each week.
“I don’t think we had any passengers today, which was really pleasing.”
Ilett (22 disposals, eight rebound 50s), was brilliant playing dual roles, first beginning at half-back before moving into his customary midfield role and helping turn the match in NT Thunder’s favour in the third term.
Ryan Smith battled hard in the ruck against Redland’s man mountain Craig Malone (52 hit-outs), and Daniel Weetra was solid in defence, at times playing against Jackson Paine who was held to just 0.4 for the match.
Clay Cameron battled hard for the Bombers to finish with 24 disposals, nine marks, seven clearances and two goals, but he lacked support across the park.
Damian Steven (21 disposals and a goal) was serviceable through the midfield and Peter Yagmoor did a respectable job against NT Thunder full-forward Darren Ewing.
NT Thunder will now take on Sydney Swans in a Friday night blockbuster at TIO Stadium, while Redland – staring at a 0-4 start to the season – have the bye next week.
Redland Bombers v NT Thunder at Tidbold Park
NT THUNDER 4.4 5.8 9.15 15.17 (107)
REDLAND 2.3 4.4 6.7 10.8 (68)
GOALS – NT Thunder: D Ewing 4 A Sambono 4 D Williams 3 B McLean S Talbot M Coombes B Rioli. Redland: A Christensen 3 C Cameron 2 K Walsh B Bailey D Steven I Edwards M Thomson.
BEST – NT Thunder: C Ilett A Sambono R Smith D Weetra D Ewing N Vea Vea. Redland: C Cameron D Steven P Yagmoor K Walsh.
