109-point rout ends worst ever season

NT Thunder finished its season to forget in shambolic style yesterday, suffering a 109point thrashing at the hands of a rampant Sydney University.

Thunder kicked just three majors for the match — played at Blacktown International Sportspark — and were blown away by the Students from the outset of the contest.

University piled on five goals to nothing in the opening quarter and added another nine in the second stanza to take a whopping 88-point lead into halftime.

The Students ran riot in the midfield racking up 118 more handballs (215 to 97) than their opponents, as well as 68 more kicks (251-183), 31 more marks (114-83) and 10 more tackles (54-44).

Former Swan and Bomber Craig Bird led the way for University, finishing with 41 disposals and two goals in a polished display. BEST GOALS

Fellow onballers James Bartholomaeus (36 possessions), Callum McFadden (31 disposals and two goals) and Lewis Stephenson (29 touches and a goal) also enjoyed productive outings, while forward Tom Young kicked four goals to go with 23 possessions.

After a lacklustre first half Thunder came out fighting in the third term, keeping the Students goalless while adding one of their own.

But the Territory side fell back into the bad habits of the opening half in the final term, letting University pile on another five goals to set up the triple-figure margin.

Fleet-footed star Ben Long’s speed was an asset for Thunder, with the rebounding defender providing valuable rebound off the half back flank, while Abe Ankers (30 possessions and five tackles) continued his outstanding 2018 and must surely now be a smokey to be picked in the AFL draft.

Veteran utility Cameron Ilett was at his dependable best in what may be his last game for the club while defenders Tom Davies and Sam Smith toiled valiantly in the backline.

The result sees Thunder finish second-to-bottom on the NEAFL ladder with just five wins for 2018, the worst season in the club’s 10-year history.