Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now this weekend, the Northern Territory Thunder they're going to
be holding their ten year premiership reunion. Now, the Thunder
they really were our pride and joy. I reckon they
were playing in the Northeast Australia Football League between twenty
eleven and twenty nineteen, but I think they played in
Queensland prior to that. But anyway, the man who knows
and joins me in the studio right now is cam Islet.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Good morning mate, good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Good to have you back in the studio. I'm back
in the Territory.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, it's been great. We've been back. I've got my
son here with me. Oh, we've been back for about
a week now and it's been wonderful to come and
thaw out from those southern cold mats.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
I was going to say, mate, how are you enjoying
the warm weather. You're based in Adelaide, now, aren't you. Yes, yes,
we so it's definitely a little bit a little bit Hotey.
He came just in time for the build up.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Yes, when we got out of the plane and then
you know, those doors opening up, we both got that
lovely warm air coming flying through. But it's been great
to obviously back home in the territory and the top
end and spending time with family and friends.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Absolutely, and then of course this weekend, so it's the
ten year reunion since you guys won the premiership. I mean,
the Thunder was such a huge part of the Northern
Territory's football history, but also like just the Northern Territory
more generally, and to have our own team playing at
that level was so phenomenal at the time.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Yeah, it was absolutely and I was very fortunate to
be there from the start. So we started in two
thousand and nine. And then Darren Ewing, our full forward,
the illustrious full forward Darren Ewing. He'll be joining us
over the weekend too at the reunion, which everyone's very
excited to see some Darren action. But yeah, so from
(01:49):
two thousand and nine, you know, when it formed, it
was so exciting and obviously genuinely was a representative team
from across the whole territory, so players from and Alice
Springs to La Jamanu, to Tiwe Islands, to Jaberu, Gumbolagna,
Galiwenia got all these amazing places. So it was really
unique and that's the beautiful thing about territory footy, particularly
(02:11):
when you get to that representative stage, is that everyone
comes from everywhere. But as soon as you put on
you know, the black, oak and white, there's this galvination
that that happens and it's yeah, it's pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
What was it like then as a team, you know,
when you had players coming from all other parts of
the Northern Territory presumably you know, at different times or
they may have been based here or other times they
may have had to travel from wherever they were, you know,
so training sort of separately and then coming together for
a couple of days. I don't know exactly how it worked,
but what was it like kind of bringing together a
(02:43):
bunch of fellas that are all fantastic at footy but
maybe not necessarily based in the same place to be
able to train like you ordinarily would with a football team.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah, look, it was just one of those challenges. But
that's how it's always been across the territory. So, as
I said, as soon as you put those colors on
and your geranzy on, it just brings everyone together. And
what was really good was it Obviously football was obviously
that the catalyst for this incredible you know, competition, but
it was more than just footy, so all the players
(03:15):
actually had to be actively working or looking for work
or doing some former studies. It was actually about creating
really good people and then you know, when you got
good people on board, they happened to play some good
footy as well. And you know, as soon as we
started traveling away together because we're just all together, that
time was so crucial to make sure that we did
(03:35):
you know, heaps of team building activities, We had dinner
and breckys together, just spend as much time together. So
then that naturally transitioned onto the footy field.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
And you know, it all culminated really then with you
guys claiming your first ever ne for Premiership in twenty fifteen.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
What was that like, Well, it was incredible because we've
got to spend a share that moment, that that that afternoon,
that evening with everyone in the top end. So we
had over six thousand people join us at Too Stadium
and it certainly came right down to the wire and
obviously we're on the on the better end of that result.
(04:12):
So yeah, to obviously playing a Grand final at any
stage in your career is incredible, but to play it
at home in front of friends and family, and it's
going to be amazing to sort of bring everyone back
together on Saturday night and just sort of reliave some
of those moments, but just sort of learn, you know,
from people in the crowd or the coaches, you know,
(04:33):
what was their feelings, what were their emotions going through,
particularly that last quarter when things got super tight.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Yes, so tell me about it. I mean, did you, like,
presumably you had a great game. What position were you
playing in? How did it all unfold? Who had a
wonderful game? What can you remember game?
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Yeah, well I can remember a fair bit. You know,
a lot of deep breathing going on at different stages
through the game. Myself, I was playing sort of through
the midfield, a little bit up forward. Everyone obviously played
a key role, you know, it comes down to moments,
particularly when you only win by a point. A guy
had a shot, Gavin Gross and as he's kicked it
(05:11):
from the boundary at the mic a long end. He's
a left footer, beautiful left foot kick. But as a
ball was going through the air, the siren actually went
so we needed to make sure that it didn't actually
go through for behind to then become a draw. So
you know, everyone played their role, but Chris Dunn got
best on ground. I think he kicked five goals and
was just incredible. But again it does come down to
(05:34):
moments when games are that type.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
And obviously winning a premiership, like you said, being in
the Grand final like that, that's a huge highlight. But
what were some of the highlights for you playing for
Thunder and you know, being part of this truly sort
of iconic team for the Northern Territory. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Absolutely, and I think you know a lot of it
is around connection and the relationships that you build, and
you work so hard for so long, and you spend
so much time with you know, these players, but also
the people in the background who are doing a lot
of heavy lifting as well, the coaching staff, the support stuff,
all of those people, so you develop these really strong
relationships so to be actually share moments like that on
(06:15):
the field, but then off the field, they're probably the
things that you know, certainly for me, that you know,
I remember the most and I suppose cherish the most.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
So this weekend you've got the big reunion. How many players,
how many support staff, how many people are here for it?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Do you know, yeah, look, we sort of put together
a little crew just to i suppose start organizing things.
So everyone who's sort of chipped in and helped out,
it's been amazing. So you know, we've got a number
of players that are flying up from down South, and
it's great because you know everyone's off, you know, doing
whatever they're doing and just you know, having a great
time doing that. But there's support staff that are flying
(06:54):
out from down South, people obviously traveling you know, by
vehicle to come to Darn for the night. So Saturday
night we'll be down at the Michael Long Center enjoying
the air con in there. We'll watch Nightcliff Tigers play
Southern Districts. But you know, we might sort of sneak
out onto the balcony. We'll replay obviously the twenty fifteen
(07:16):
Grand Final. You know, I've got Jared, the oldest brother.
He's going to run a bit of a Q and
A with some of the players, the coach, but some
of them also our sponsors and supporters. Just as I
said before, that perspective from there experience will be really
cool to hear. And then there's a whole host of
other little events happening tomorrow night and Saturday or a
(07:38):
bit of golf and just really enjoy everyrun's company over
the next two or three days.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Oh good stuff. Now, can anybody head along if they're
at the footy on the weekend or not? Really? Is
it all kind of sold out now? Well, it's probably
pretty full.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Look, we're just trying to get as many people there
obviously for us, you know, the players, but also there
the coaching staff, the support staff, the sponsors, the supporters.
I suppose anyone that's keen to come along certainly do.
And we just really want to make sure that everyone
gets to enjoy because everyone played a role, Like the
(08:15):
results on the field don't happen without the incredible work
keepers behind the scenes, and also your partners and your
family play a role too. So look, I'm just you know,
and I know everyone is just looking forward to catching up.
We've all got kids and you know, doing different things,
so it just be great to sort of see where
everyone's at. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Ah, wonderful stuff. Well, Cam Eiler, great to see you
this morning, mate, Thanks so much for coming in and
we'll taking us on a bit of a warp down
memory lane. I reckon, good on you. Thanks cam, thank you,
Now this weekend, the Northern Territory Thunder they're going to
be holding their ten year premiership reunion. Now, the Thunder
they really were our pride and joy. I reckon they
were playing in the Northeast Australia Football League between twenty
eleven and twenty nineteen, but I think they played in
Queensland prior to that. But anyway, the man who knows
and joins me in the studio right now is cam Islet.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Good morning mate, good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Good to have you back in the studio. I'm back
in the Territory.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, it's been great. We've been back. I've got my
son here with me. Oh, we've been back for about
a week now and it's been wonderful to come and
thaw out from those southern cold mats.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
I was going to say, mate, how are you enjoying
the warm weather. You're based in Adelaide, now, aren't you. Yes, yes,
we so it's definitely a little bit a little bit Hotey.
He came just in time for the build up.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Yes, when we got out of the plane and then
you know, those doors opening up, we both got that
lovely warm air coming flying through. But it's been great
to obviously back home in the territory and the top
end and spending time with family and friends.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Absolutely, and then of course this weekend, so it's the
ten year reunion since you guys won the premiership. I mean,
the Thunder was such a huge part of the Northern
Territory's football history, but also like just the Northern Territory
more generally, and to have our own team playing at
that level was so phenomenal at the time.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Yeah, it was absolutely and I was very fortunate to
be there from the start. So we started in two
thousand and nine. And then Darren Ewing, our full forward,
the illustrious full forward Darren Ewing. He'll be joining us
over the weekend too at the reunion, which everyone's very
excited to see some Darren action. But yeah, so from
(01:49):
two thousand and nine, you know, when it formed, it
was so exciting and obviously genuinely was a representative team
from across the whole territory, so players from and Alice
Springs to La Jamanu, to Tiwe Islands, to Jaberu, Gumbolagna,
Galiwenia got all these amazing places. So it was really
unique and that's the beautiful thing about territory footy, particularly
(02:11):
when you get to that representative stage, is that everyone
comes from everywhere. But as soon as you put on
you know, the black, oak and white, there's this galvination
that that happens and it's yeah, it's pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
What was it like then as a team, you know,
when you had players coming from all other parts of
the Northern Territory presumably you know, at different times or
they may have been based here or other times they
may have had to travel from wherever they were, you know,
so training sort of separately and then coming together for
a couple of days. I don't know exactly how it worked,
but what was it like kind of bringing together a
(02:43):
bunch of fellas that are all fantastic at footy but
maybe not necessarily based in the same place to be
able to train like you ordinarily would with a football team.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah, look, it was just one of those challenges. But
that's how it's always been across the territory. So, as
I said, as soon as you put those colors on
and your geranzy on, it just brings everyone together. And
what was really good was it Obviously football was obviously
that the catalyst for this incredible you know, competition, but
it was more than just footy, so all the players
(03:15):
actually had to be actively working or looking for work
or doing some former studies. It was actually about creating
really good people and then you know, when you got
good people on board, they happened to play some good
footy as well. And you know, as soon as we
started traveling away together because we're just all together, that
time was so crucial to make sure that we did
(03:35):
you know, heaps of team building activities, We had dinner
and breckys together, just spend as much time together. So
then that naturally transitioned onto the footy field.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
And you know, it all culminated really then with you
guys claiming your first ever ne for Premiership in twenty fifteen.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
What was that like, Well, it was incredible because we've
got to spend a share that moment, that that that afternoon,
that evening with everyone in the top end. So we
had over six thousand people join us at Too Stadium
and it certainly came right down to the wire and
obviously we're on the on the better end of that result.
(04:12):
So yeah, to obviously playing a Grand final at any
stage in your career is incredible, but to play it
at home in front of friends and family, and it's
going to be amazing to sort of bring everyone back
together on Saturday night and just sort of reliave some
of those moments, but just sort of learn, you know,
from people in the crowd or the coaches, you know,
(04:33):
what was their feelings, what were their emotions going through,
particularly that last quarter when things got super tight.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Yes, so tell me about it. I mean, did you, like,
presumably you had a great game. What position were you
playing in? How did it all unfold? Who had a
wonderful game? What can you remember game?
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Yeah, well I can remember a fair bit. You know,
a lot of deep breathing going on at different stages
through the game. Myself, I was playing sort of through
the midfield, a little bit up forward. Everyone obviously played
a key role, you know, it comes down to moments,
particularly when you only win by a point. A guy
had a shot, Gavin Gross and as he's kicked it
(05:11):
from the boundary at the mic a long end. He's
a left footer, beautiful left foot kick. But as a
ball was going through the air, the siren actually went
so we needed to make sure that it didn't actually
go through for behind to then become a draw. So
you know, everyone played their role, but Chris Dunn got
best on ground. I think he kicked five goals and
was just incredible. But again it does come down to
(05:34):
moments when games are that type.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
And obviously winning a premiership, like you said, being in
the Grand final like that, that's a huge highlight. But
what were some of the highlights for you playing for
Thunder and you know, being part of this truly sort
of iconic team for the Northern Territory. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Absolutely, and I think you know a lot of it
is around connection and the relationships that you build, and
you work so hard for so long, and you spend
so much time with you know, these players, but also
the people in the background who are doing a lot
of heavy lifting as well, the coaching staff, the support stuff,
all of those people, so you develop these really strong
relationships so to be actually share moments like that on
(06:15):
the field, but then off the field, they're probably the
things that you know, certainly for me, that you know,
I remember the most and I suppose cherish the most.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
So this weekend you've got the big reunion. How many players,
how many support staff, how many people are here for it?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Do you know, yeah, look, we sort of put together
a little crew just to i suppose start organizing things.
So everyone who's sort of chipped in and helped out,
it's been amazing. So you know, we've got a number
of players that are flying up from down South, and
it's great because you know everyone's off, you know, doing
whatever they're doing and just you know, having a great
time doing that. But there's support staff that are flying
(06:54):
out from down South, people obviously traveling you know, by
vehicle to come to Darn for the night. So Saturday
night we'll be down at the Michael Long Center enjoying
the air con in there. We'll watch Nightcliff Tigers play
Southern Districts. But you know, we might sort of sneak
out onto the balcony. We'll replay obviously the twenty fifteen
(07:16):
Grand Final. You know, I've got Jared, the oldest brother.
He's going to run a bit of a Q and
A with some of the players, the coach, but some
of them also our sponsors and supporters. Just as I
said before, that perspective from there experience will be really
cool to hear. And then there's a whole host of
other little events happening tomorrow night and Saturday or a
(07:38):
bit of golf and just really enjoy everyrun's company over
the next two or three days.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Oh good stuff. Now, can anybody head along if they're
at the footy on the weekend or not? Really? Is
it all kind of sold out now? Well, it's probably
pretty full.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Look, we're just trying to get as many people there
obviously for us, you know, the players, but also there
the coaching staff, the support staff, the sponsors, the supporters.
I suppose anyone that's keen to come along certainly do.
And we just really want to make sure that everyone
gets to enjoy because everyone played a role, Like the
(08:15):
results on the field don't happen without the incredible work
keepers behind the scenes, and also your partners and your
family play a role too. So look, I'm just you know,
and I know everyone is just looking forward to catching up.
We've all got kids and you know, doing different things,
so it just be great to sort of see where
everyone's at. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Ah, wonderful stuff. Well, Cam Eiler, great to see you
this morning, mate, Thanks so much for coming in and
we'll taking us on a bit of a warp down
memory lane. I reckon, good on you. Thanks cam, thank you,
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