46 — Northern Territory News, Friday, June 25, 2010 www.ntnews.com.au

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One gets the impression that Northern Territory Thunder’s inaugural captain, Jarred Ilett, would love to turn the clock back half a dozen years or so.

That way, with time running out on his own football career, 28-year-old Ilett would perhaps wind up his playing days as part of something big that threatens to erupt in the Top End over the next few years. That ‘something big’ could be a premiership in the QAFL State League competition. Or even playing at a higher level in an eastern Australia league that is being discussed behind closed doors, because that’s what the NT Thunder is all about – paving a way for Territory talent to make it to the big stage of the national code.

And Ilett, as the only captain the club has had, is involved in it up to his neck.

Ilett is Darwin born and bred, although footy has taken him, at various times, to Port Adelaide in the SANFL, to Belconnen in the ACT and to Shepparton Swans in country Victoria. He is the son and grandson of two legendary NT policemen Roger and Jack Ilett who, between them, served the Top End law enforcement body for more than 60 years.

Up until last season, Ilett had spent his time playing footy in southern competitions during the winter months, then returning to Darwin and St Marys for the summer competition. So he is well versed on what is needed to make the ambitious exercise that is the Northern Territory Thunder work. And the tyranny of distance is obviously something the Territorians have to overcome – just like West Coast and Brisbane did when they conquered the travel bug and went on to become champions of the AFL.

JARRED ILETT A THUNDER PIONEER“It’s definitely a tough gig when you’re travelling back-to-back,” said Ilett of the Thunder’s immediate program.

Of the travel factor, Ilett agrees it is going to be a challenge. “I think it’s going to take a couple of years for the players to get used to it and it’s going to take a couple of years with the same group coming through,” he said.

That comment obviously relates to the ever-changing face of the Thunder line-up as part of the development theme put in place two years ago when the club was formed and accepted into the QAFL.“This year we have a much different group to what we had last year. And it’s very different playing footy at TIO Stadium to playing at Traeger Park in Alice Springs, travelling those extra couple of hours to Brisbane, it’s an experience a lot of the young guys haven’t had yet. So we need, I guess, to fine-tune our preparation and find what works for us, because it’s a unique program we have, in terms of we’re from all over the Territory. We don’t always train with each other, so building team camaraderie, the trust and knowledge of each other’s play – that’s one of the biggest hurdles for us.”

To this end, Ilett noted the number of times new players have been introduced to team-mates just before they boarded a plane. And that is when the likes of senior team members like Ilett have to take the reins. “That’s another hurdle in itself,” he said. “The leadership group have to make these guys comfortable and feel part of the team. Hopefully that can transform into confidence out on the field.”

There is no questioning Ilett’s own confidence in what lies ahead and what the NT Thunder is all about. “The program is a fantastic thing for everyone to get involved,” says Ilett. “But they have to understand that it is a lot of hard work and they have to put in that hard work to get the rewards.”

The talk of the second-tier eastern competition excites people such as Ilett.

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Early talk is that the competition could involve reserves sides from four AFL clubs (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Western Sydney), one from Cairns, one from the Gold Coast’s current QAFL operations (obviously Southport), perhaps an existing Brisbane-based QAFL club, and some from the ACT.

And, most importantly, one from the Northern Territory “I understand that may be one of the reasons we didn’t originally go into the SANFL,” said Ilett. “Down the track, if it happens, it will just increase the opportunities Territory players will get. We’ve really got to fine-tune our structure so we’re very competitive in that competition. Then, with two more AFL clubs, more doors should open up for Territory players to make it to that level. One of the reasons for me accepting the captaincy role was to help develop the program up here and get it established, and hopefully highlight the fact that it’s a great opportunity for all Territory players.”

As part of his captaincy role with the Thunder, Ilett has decided to concentrate solely on that. No more will he be playing year-long with southern clubs during winter, then with St Marys in the NT summer.

He is among a growing band of NT players now concentrating solely on the Thunder program.

If there has been any disappointments for Ilett, it is that he has missed Queensland representation.

As a standout in the centre for the Thunder, Ilett has been beaten to that honour by younger brother Cameron, who was a shining light for Queensland in their big win over Tasmania last weekend.

Never mind, maybe success for the Thunder is just around the corner.

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