THE NT Thunder was one of the most dominant sides of the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s season. The Thunder suffered a shock exit in the finals but nonetheless should be proud of a remarkable debut season in the VFLW.

Position: 3rd
Win-loss: 11-3
Percentage: 193%

Results:

Round 1: Defeated Darebin by 54 points
Round 2: Bye
Round 3: Defeated Essendon by 72 points
Round 4: Defeated Melbourne University by 69 points
Round 5: Defeated Western Bulldogs by 36 points
Round 6: Defeated Carlton by 36 points
Round 7: Lost against Southern Saints by 20 points
Round 8: Lost against Collingwood by 16 points
Round 9: Defeated Geelong Cats by 65 points
Round 10: Defeated Darebin by 40 points
Round 11: Defeated Richmond by 23 points
Round 12: Defeated Casey Demons by 12 points
Round 13: Defeated Williamstown by 45 points
Round 14: Defeated Collingwood by 10 points
Round 15: Lost against Hawthorn by 25 points
Round 16: Bye

Key players:

#3 Angela Foley

The NT Thunder captain was a dominant force in the midfield and was rewarded for her efforts. She came third in the VFLW Best and Fairest and earned a spot in the Team of the Year. Foley consistently racked up high number of disposals, highlighting her ability to find plenty of the footy during the season. She had an impressive game in Round 1 when she gathered 30 disposals, kicked a goal, took five marks and laid three tackles.

#17 Emma Swanson

The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) forward was a key player for the Thunder this season. She was able to out-muscle opponents in the forward line and could also float into the midfield to gather some key possessions. This versatility earned her a spot on the interchange bench in the VFLW Team of the Year. She too had a standout game in Round 1 with 31 disposals, two goals, five marks and three tackles.   

#28 Renee Forth

Forth’s excellent season in Thunder colours saw her move over to the Adelaide Crows for the 2019 season. She impressed with her high football IQ and ability to get in the right spots to get the ball. Like Swanson, she was a versatile player who played consistent football throughout her 12 games. One of her best games was in Round 11 when she racked up 18 disposals, five marks and three tackles.

#29 Marijana Rajcic

Rajcic was a player that dominated all over the ground for the Thunder this season. Her marking was quite impressive, as was her long kick. Her run and carry was also a key attribute of her game. Rajcic kicked 11 goals from her seven games for NT. One of her standout games was in Round 1, when she kicked 3.4, gathered 25 disposals and took eight marks.

#31 Jessica Sedunary

Sedunary came fifth in the VFLW goal kicking tally with 15 goals from 11 games. She also earned a spot in the VFLW Team of the Year thanks to her liveliness in the forward line and her excellent goal sense. Sedunary’s strength and fitness stood out as she inflicted her powerful run and carry on opposition sides. She was the star of the day against Geelong, kicking four goals, gathering 17 disposals and laying three tackles.

Season summary:

The Thunder recorded the biggest percentage of the VFLW season after some big winning margins throughout the season. The side was one of the most dominant outfits of the season with plenty of AFLW contingent suiting up in the VFLW season. Homegrown talent like Tayla Thorn, Lateesha Jeffrey, Tahlia Holtze, Kylie Duggan and Kristy Irvine also showed good signs during the year, signalling a bright future for the side.