The QBE Sydney Swans Academy's U/18s conquered Darwin's hot and humid conditions to defeat the Northern Territory and keep their unblemished U18 National Championships record intact.

Trailing by 21 points at half-time, the visitors turned the game on its head with a colossal 10-goal-to-one third quarter at TIO Stadium to record their second win in as many matches in the Division 2 competition.

Midfielder Jack Hardman, creative at the feet of the key forwards Nick Blakey (three goals) and Liam Maze (two goals), led the charge by kicking four of his five goals in the dominant term.

The hosts maintained their intent and endeavour throughout the final stanza to run out 18.12 (120) to 9.9 (63) victors.

Coach Jared Crouch believed the second-half turnaround came down to a number of factors including coming to terms with the challenging conditions.

"We eventually acclimatised," Crouch said.

"We became more comfortable and familiar with the humidity and we were able to run out the game strongly which is credit to our conditioning staff as much as the players.

"Taking nothing away from NT, they played some really good footy in the opening half. After the break we came out and played a real team-oriented style of footy, both defensively and offensively.

"Everything came together for us after that."

Mitchell Rogers was judged as Sydney's best on the day, Crouch praising his desperate efforts in defence, while the coach also liked the look of Josh Stern through the midfield.

Much in the way Hardman went about it, Luke Skrivanic worked hard as a roving half-forward and was rewarded for his attack on the footy with three goals.

While Crouch pointed to a few standout players, he was impressed with the overall conduct of the side during the two-day trip to the Top End.

"I didn't even ask who had travelled to Darwin before," Crouch added.

"All of the boys were focused and professional, and they represented the Academy and Club well.

"There's a bit of the unknown with our group this week. They'll obviously be a bit tired from the trip and we don't have full access to them to keep on top of what they're eating and their recovery. All we can do is teach, it's up to them what they do with the rest of their time.

"There are good signs and we go into this weekend in a good position."

The Academy's next encounter is on Saturday against Gold Coast Suns who returns for the second of back-to-back games at Blacktown International Sportspark after defeating GWS by 17 points last weekend.

"They boast some quality players on their list so we'll have to be on early," Crouch added.

Northern Territory v QBE Sydney Swans Academy, TIO Stadium

NORTHERN TERRITORY   3.1   5.8   6.8   9.9   (63)
SYDNEY ACADEMY   2.3   2.5    12.8   18.12   (120)
GOALS - Northern Territory: Schwarze 5, Derksen, Bricknell, Bailey, Prowse
Sydney Academy: Hardman 5, Skrivanic, Blakey 3, Maze 2, Rankin, Carr, Kilpatrick, Stern, Loone
BEST - Northern Territory: Bailey, Scrutton, Baird, Schwarze, Bricknell, Althouse-Cooper
Sydney Academy: Rogers, Stern, Bell, Maze, Robertson, Hardman