The Sydney Swans went down to NT Thunder by 38 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

The Swans looked on top early when they led by 17-points at quarter-time, but Thunder controlled the contest thereafter to win 14.8 (92) to 8.6 (54).

Sydney had never beaten NT Thunder in Darwin in three previous attempts and they started strongly with a 5.1 to 2.2 opening term.

But the home side turned the tables in the second, holding the Swans scoreless for the first time this season as they hit the front by 11 at the main break.

A further five goals to one in the third strengthened NT Thunder’s ascendency, where they were able to finish off with three goals to one in the last.

Midfielder Ben McGlynn was a strong performer for the Swans alongside Jeremy Laidley and academy member Darcy Baron-Hay, who was solid in defence against three-time NEAFL Leading Goalkicker Darren Ewing.

Nic Newman (28 dispsoals) and Harry Marsh (25 disposals) were important for the Swans across the back line especially after losing Colin O’Riordan (punctured lung) early in the match.

Cameron Ilett was the match-winner for the NT with four goals, all coming in the middle quarters when they set up the victory.

Utility Daniel Lewis was another key instigator in the win in his first game back since Round 14 – the last time they played the Swans in a 66-point loss at the SCG.

Sydney will face Sydney University in a top-of-the-table showdown to finish off the minor round season next week.

NT THUNDER 2.2 6.6 11.7 14.8 (92)
SYDNEY 5.1 5.1 7.2 8.6 (54)
GOALS – NT Thunder: C Ilett 4 L Bath 2 D Lewis 2 D Ewing 2 L Patrick S Rioli M Hagan J Brennan. Sydney: J Rose 2 S Murray J Dawson B McGlynn N Reinhard M Wilson N Newman.
BEST – NT Thunder: C Ilett D Lewis N Vea Vea L Bath M Hagan J Beugelaar. Sydney: B McGlynn J Laidler D Baron-Hay J Rose T Derickx H Marsh.