DARREN MONCRIEFF
Monday, September 5, 2011
TIWI man Bradley Palipuaminni will remember
his 50th match for NT Thunder for a long time;
his hope now is that his 51st is even more memorable.
The Thunder held off a committed Mt Gravatt to win the second semi-final 17.5 (107) to 11.8 (74) at Marrara Oval on Saturday night.
The victory advances the Thunder to the North East Australian Football League grand final.
The Top End team finished the home-and-away season minor premiers and earned the right to host the major semi-final.
The game was the 50th for Palipuaminni (pictured) and the elusive winger made the perfect start for the home team when he kicked the Thunder’s opening goal.
Palipuaminni, 21, from Nguiu, has become a crowd favourite at home and in Queensland where the Thunder plays its away games.
He played for the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL and because he's based on his home islands, he has made extra trips to the mainland each week to play with the Thunder.
In 2009, Palipuaminni was the winner of the NEAFL's best young talent award and last year he won the coaches award.
He represented Queensland in the State Under-21 side in 2009 and 2010.
A host of Indigenous players led the way for the Thunder in the second semi-final.
Former Brisbane Lion Jason Roe was a pillar of strength in the backline who, along with fellow defender Shannon Rusca, commanded the defence to keep the free-wheeling Vultures to a modest total.
Dual AFL premiership player and Norm Smith medallist Andrew McLeod starred for the Thunder, and Aaron Motlop and Shannon Rioli were influential from the middle.
The Thunder has this weekend off and will take a keen interest in the preliminary final between Mt Gravatt and Morningside.
The NEAFL grand final will be played at Redlands on the Gold Coast on Sunday, September 18.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 05/09/2011 22:23