The Thunder remain unbeaten at the top of the table after 10 matches, but were challenged by the Lions during the first half of Saturday night’s clash at TIO Stadium.
It was the Lions Reserves’ first interstate trip for 2011 and Coach Nathan Clarke believes the experience will benefit his young team.
“I reckon the whole travel and preparation for an interstate game will prove a great experience for our guys,” Clark said.
“They got to experience the build-up and how to prepare for a Saturday night game.”
“That includes the boredom factor and finding things to do during the day to pass the time before a game. When you’re in a new city, it’s important that the trip is not treated like a holiday.”
“The guys handled it really well. A few of the got together in the middle of the day to see a bit of Darwin, but were careful not to spend too much of their energy.”
“I think it was great for them to spend some time together as a group. They all went for a walk and stretch in the park, trained on Friday and even sat down to enjoy their meals together,” he said.
The Lions Reserves responded well in the opening quarter and even took a narrow lead into the first break.
“We had probably our best training session for the year on Friday and you could tell at the start of the game that our energy levels were up,” Clarke said.
“For the first 45 minutes, I was really happy with how we controlled the game.”
“But the ground got a bit dewy after half-time and that kind of coincided with our downfall.”
“Our work around congested areas went from being a strength to a weakness. The ball became slippery and our handballing in congestion ended up killing us.”
Among the positives from the match was draftee Patrick Karnezis who kicked four goals and took further strides in his development.
“He’s been a regular contributor for us,” Clarke said.
“The penny seems to have dropped and he’s really increased his work rate. He has worked out that working hard is just as important as any other part of his game.”
“He’s becoming quite energetic defensively as well which is good to see.”
There will be no NEAFL matches played this weekend due to a State game scheduled between Queensland and Western Australia, however both Mitch Golby and Niall McKeever have been named in the initial State squad.
“Mitch Golby is no longer eligible to play for Queensland in the State game after he was elevated to the senior list last week, but I reckon Niall McKeever will play,” Clarke said.
“I think they will probably use Niall in the ruck or as a key defender.”
“I expect he’ll be named when Queensland selects its final side later in the week. It would be a massive feather in his cap and a further sign of how much he has improved.”
