Wangaratta's Abraham Ankers cleared for one game, but will face Wodonga

The tight-knit O and M community was buzzing over the weekend after the two-time Northern Territory Thunder best and fairest was cleared to the Central Australian Football League.

But Ankers revealed yesterday he was playing a one-off game with former club Federal Demons, who are coached by his brother Izaac.

The Demons fell to premiers Rovers on Saturday night.

And not only will the brilliant midfielder return for the rest of the year, he's offered Wangaratta the perfect pitch for any future prospective recruits.

"Loving it mate, it's a great club, I feel so welcome and they're a great bunch of people, I'm loving every minute of it mate, I can't wait to get back down there," he enthused.

The 26-year-old started the season in superb style, kicking three goals apiece in the opening wins over Wodonga Raiders and Myrtleford and being named second best and best respectively.

He failed to feature in the next two games, but returned to something near his best form in the loss to Albury.

"I'm probably still a fair way away to be honest, I think my fitness is a bit down on what it should be, my running capacity, my running numbers are not where I'd like them to be, so I've still got a fair bit to give," he suggested.

Ankers' honesty will both stun and worry opponents, knowing there's a strong upside to his form.

The NT Thunder co-captain is splitting his time between his home in Alice Springs and Wangaratta, which involves a 4220km round trip.

But Ankers refuses to use that as an excuse.

"I don't like to read into excuses too much, I think if you go looking for excuses mate, you'll find them," he said candidly.

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"You can't have excuses for not playing your best footy, you just need to get fitter and work harder."

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