A severely depleted SUNS NEAFL side has eventually succumbed to the Northern Territory Thunder in Darwin by 39 points.

It was a courageous effort by the SUNS, who were in front after kicking the first two goals in the last quarter, before a lack of personnel finally took its toll and the Thunder rattled on eight goals in 15 minutes to run out comfortable 16.17 (113) to 11.8 (74).

The SUNS were already one short to start the match, with Jeremy Taylor called into the senior team at the last minute. Their cause was further hampered with Henry Schade suffering tightness and only playing a minor role in the match, and then was compounded with top up player James McNamara copping a heavy knock in the opening exchanges.

Coach Shaun Hart couldn't hide his pride in the SUNS performances.

"It was a unbelievably brave effort given the circumstances," he said.

"Literally for most of the night we were down to 2 on the bench."

"As soon as the boys hit the wall in the last quarter, they seriously hit the wall. We just couldn't stop the onslaught."

I said to the group after the game that it was the proudest I had been as a coach and the best effort I had seen from this group.

Hart believed the playing group would have learnt a valuable lesson in resilience given the circumstances that unfolded.

"I think it taught the guys some real resilience to push through what were definitely not ideal circumstances," he said.

"To be able to match it with some really mature bodies, and premiership players up there, I can't speak highly enough of the boys."

"They showed their ability to fight under the pump."

Maverick Weller did his chances of a recall to the senior team no harm with a sparkling four goal effort from the midfield.

"He worked really hard. He played a fair bit on Cameron Ilett (Thunder captain). He finished off really well," said Hart.

Jackson Allen, Aaron Hall, Hayden Jolly and Josh Toy were others that Hart mentioned.

"Jackson Allen was pretty good off half back. He played on (former Melbourne forward) Austin Wonaemirri for a fair bit of the night. The two goals he (Wonaemirri) kicked were not Jackson's issue."

"Hayden Jolly worked extremely well, and Josh Toy had another good game at the level we expect from him."

"Aaron Hall was terrific. His work rate both ways and his ability to use his speed gave us some really good impetus."

After such a taxing game, Hart forecast a light week on the track to get his players prepared for their next match against the GWS Giants at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

We will have to ensure we look after the guys and give them every chance to get through another four quarters against GWS, who I am sure will send up one of their better sides.

To cap off an already difficult night for the SUNS, defender Jack Hutchins, who had done a terrific job in defense for the SUNS. As a precaution, he stayed in Darwin overnight instead of flying straight home with the rest of the squad. 

NT THUNDER 3.4 6.10 9.13 16.17 (113)
GOLD COAST 3.1 6.6 9.8 11.8 (74)

GOALS: Maverick Weller 4, Jordan Bain 2, Aaron Hall 2, Josh Fraser, Hayden Jolly, Stephan Thynne.
BEST: Maverick Weller, Jackson Allen, Hayden Jolly, Aaron Hall, Josh Toy, Lewis Moss, Alik Magin, Jack Hutchins.