The Sydney Swans are set to travel to the top end for their Round 16 NEAFL clash against the NT Thunder on Saturday night.
In what is expected to be the match of the round the Swans will be tested in the humid conditions at TIO Stadium.
NEAFL Coach Marty Mattner said he was confident his side could adapt to the conditions in Darwin.
“The boys aren’t used to the heat, the travel with a five hour plane trip and a night game so those things are going to be new for the players.”
“It is a good learning experience and it is going to be a tough challenge as they have lost only one game in two and a half years up in Darwin.”
After running over Aspley in a spirited victory last week, Thunder will take on the Swans in a rematch of last year’s 62-point Preliminary Final loss at Blacktown.
The Lajamanu “Lightning Bolt” Liam Patrick is a big boost for the home side, coming in for just his fifth match this season.
Patrick will be joined by midfielder Justin Emery, while Sam Talbot (unavailable) and Gibson Turner will miss as the Territorians aim for their sixth win in a row.
The fourth-placed Swans have named an extended squad due to their AFL side playing on Sunday.
Xavier Richards is in line to replace older brother Ted in the senior side, alongside Isaac Heeney who has produced some impressive NEAFL form in his comeback from injury.
