The 2012 NEAFL Grand Final rematch didn’t disappoint spectators at TIO Stadium with the Northern Territory Thunder upsetting the Lions Reserves in a thriller - 12.18 (90) to 11.17 (83).

The sixth-placed Northern Territory Thunder gave the Reserves a run for their money from the beginning, showing stellar defence and utilising their ability to gain ground.

The Thunder gained momentum throughout the first quarter but the Lions gradually improved their defence and responded to the Thunder’s sudden turnaround.

After trailing towards the end of the first quarter, Callum Bartlett turned the game around by scoring a goal to give his side the lead, before Patrick Karnezis followed suit to further extend the Lions' lead.

The Lions could not afford to get comfortable after leading by just one point at quarter time.

The Lions’ ability to get the ball out of their defensive half was superior especially in the first two quarters and challenged the Thunder’s otherwise solid defence.

Both teams showed reluctance to score in the second quarter but maintained equally effective defence.

The scoring drought was broken by the Lions’ Aden Rutledge but their lead was short-lived after some free kicks resulted in a goal to the Thunder’s Darren Ewing.

Ewing proved to be a difficult opponent throughout the game, finishing with six goals.

The Lions regained momentum and worked hard to gain territory and ward off the Thunder’s unrelenting defence. Patrick Karnezis’ long-range kicking abilities proved to be crucial, and he put the Lions back in front. 

NT Thunder reigned supreme in the third quarter, scoring several goals and making use of occasional holes in the Lions’ defence.

The Thunder continued to gain momentum throughout the third quarter which made the game a nail biter for the first-placed Lions Reserves.

The lead by the Thunder was only brief after Matt Hammelmann scored a crucial goal to put the Lions ahead by just one point towards the end of the third quarter.

Top-performing Patrick Karnezis further extended the Lions’ lead in the dying minutes of the final quarter which somewhat damaged the Thunder’s confidence and momentum.

Although the Thunder’s defence was unrelenting in parts, the Lions ensured that there was always a number of men to support in the hope of scoring much-needed points.

Despite a healthy lead going into the final quarter, the Lions showed a great amount of focus especially after an early goal to the Thunder.

The Thunder maintained the majority of the possession in the final quarter and their patience finally paid off after Aaron Motlop off-loaded a long-range kick to Julian Lockwood which ultimately closed the gap.

Another goal from the Thunder levelled the score which proved to be tense viewing for the building crowd in this AFL curtain-raiser.  

Darren Ewing further proved to be the Lions’ biggest threat after scoring his sixth goal of the game which ultimately sealed the visitors’ fate.

The result of this game bring the NT Thunder back into the NEAFL top five and keep them in contention for another possible Grand Final clash with the Lions.