ANKERS ‘WOULD GIVE ANYTHING’ TO PLAY AFL
GUN midfielder Abe Ankers was almost lost for words after winning the Thunder Club Champion award on Friday night – but he’d happily trade in the medal for a premiership.
Ankers finished Thunder’s largely forgettable second-last placed 2018 NEAFL season with 141 votes to win his first Ilett Medal.
Cameron Ilett – the Thunder legend who has won the gong a staggering six times – finished runner-up on 125 votes in the award named after him and his brother, Jarred.
Ankers, 23, was in his team’s best on nine occasions from 16 games this year.
The Alice Springs product travelled more than 67,000km over the course of the season.
“Surreal. It’s very humbling and it’s incredible,” Ankers said.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be able to come from Alice Springs and represent where I’m from.
“Representing the Territory every week is an honour.
“I had a few flights and a few nights away from home. But it’s all worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Ankers did not hesitate in saying he would’ve preferred another award also with much prestige, though – the NEAFL premiership cup.
“I’d like to consider myself as a team-oriented player,” the courageous inside onballer said.
“So these awards, as great as they are, they definitely don’t make the (disappointing) season go away.
“As a team we definitely should’ve been better. It’s great to get this award, but I’d trade finals and premierships over anything like this.”
Thunder coach Andrew Hodges and AFLNT high performance manager Wally Gallio have been busy talking to AFL clubs in an attempt to get Ankers, who also stars for Waratah in the NTFL, playing at the next level.
They both believe he now belongs on Australian football’s biggest stage.
“Just to be in that conversation is unreal,” Ankers said.
“I’ve worked by butt off trying to get to where I am now.
“So to be given the opportunity to play at the next level would be a dream come true.
“I’d give anything for it.”