Ilett crowns wonderful season with award
ANOTHER magnificent Cameron Ilett season officially ended with him winning a fifth Territory Thunder club champion award at SKYCITY Darwin last night.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who also spent a fair chunk of time down back, was Thunder’s standout player as their NEAFL premiership defence ended in the first week of the finals to archrivals Aspley. Ilett averaged 24.5 disposals in the home-and-away season and had 18 possessions and kicked two goals in the Territorians’ 21-point elimination final defeat to the Hornets.
He reached two milestones during the year, playing his 150th game for Thunder and 350th overall in a career that includes stops at St Mary’s, Port Adelaide and Belconnen.
Ilett was named captain in the NEAFL team of the year for the third straight season.
He made the Northern conference side in 2011 and 2013 before the NEAFL competition restructure, and was a QAFL team of the year member in 2009 and 2010.
Ilett polled 61 votes in Thunder’s new best-andfairest voting format, to finish ahead of runners-up Raphael Clarke and Matt Rosier (51).
Ben Rioli (50) and Darren Ewing and captain Shannon Rioli (49) rounded out the top five. Thunder coach Xavier Clarke hailed Ilett’s outstanding contribution to the club.
“His ability to lead on and off the field makes him a very deserving winner of this award,” Clarke said.
“Cameron was our most consistent performer this season, and that is built off the back of his professionalism and his hunger to continually im- prove with each game.” Skilful midfielder-defender Morgan Johnston won AFLNT’s Women’s Most Valuable Player, dethroning Ange Foley. Johnston is a top contender to be drafted for the Crows’ AFL Women’s team.
Future AFL star Michael Mummery received Thunder’s rookie of the year award.
* See tomorrow’s NT News to read what Ilett and Johnston thought of their awards