Northern Territory Football League Season 2014/15

[JDC!]

They say there are two seasons - “footy season” and “can’t wait for footy season”. Well in the Northern Territory we have the luxury of football all year round and only one week after the AFL has finished, we have arrived at the opening round of the NTFL. Of course many clubs will still be keeping its cards close to its chest and many more recruits will be revealed in the coming weeks.

For a comprehensive coverage of the NTFL season, please feel free to visit the below Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball


NTFL Season 2014/15 Club by Club Preview:


St Marys:

Confirmed Ins – Grant Weeks (Rochester), Jack Geary (Golden Square), Ben Ah Mat (Southern Districts)
Outs – Mark Blake, Kane Leersen, Jarred Ilett, Lucas White, William Rioli

If you are not going forward in the football world you are going backwards, and that is exactly the philosophy St Marys will have entering the season. The reigning premier will seek constant improvement across the playing group in its quest for premiership number 31. Coach Rick Nolan told the NT News “being the hunted is nothing new for us – we’ve just got to maintain our focus and look at getting better”.

Wanderers:

Confirmed Ins – Adam Cook, Jordan Jeffrey (Palmerston), Jesse Britton (Ballarat), Jono Miles (St Marys)
Outs – Ali Bond, Owen Henry, James Scrymgour

The Eagles are blessed with undeniable talent and will hope of going one better under the guidance of new coach Andrew Hodges. The former St Marys assistant has a football brain up there with the best of them and will be looking for a big year in his first season at the helm. Wanderers have retained the bulk of its list from last season, which includes genuine match winners in Nathan Djerrkura, Liam Patrick and Marlon Motlop amongst many others.

Waratah:

Confirmed Ins – Brent Guerra (ex-AFL), Steven Baker (ex-AFL), Alex Pollock (VFL), Lachie Collins (VFL)
Outs – Davin Hall

It shapes as an interesting season for Waratah under new coach Tim Weatherald. The Warriors finished in third position last season and there is nothing to suggest that they cannot achieve a similar position again. New captain Tom Marsh will be looking to inspire his young troops to some early pre-Christmas wins and from there it will all be about how the recruits and new players gel as a unit.

Nightcliff:

Confirmed Ins – Luke Ivens (SANFL), Robbie Hicks (ex-AFL), Alex Grima (ex-SANFL)
Outs – Aaron Cornelius, Adrian Murphy

Will this be the season Nightcliff breaks its 50-year premiership drought? I guess that is the million dollar question. The Tigers boast a strong on-ball brigade with Seb Guilhaus in the ruck and Toby Stribling and Troy Coates both able to find plenty of the football and cause scoreboard damage. But the side’s real strength this season could lie within its forward line with a couple of big names linked to the club. Daniel Dzufer and Todd Grima proved on many occasions last year that they can form a formidable duo in attack.

Southern Districts:

Confirmed Ins – Ashton Hams (ex-AFL), Kyle Hams (ex-WAFL), Luke Blackwell (ex-AFL), Hayden Yarran (ex-WAFL), Tyler Jones (Vic Country), Davin Hall (Waratah), Mitch Bosward (Frankston), Matt Pollock (Echuca).
Outs – Ben Ah Mat, Damian Cupido

I feel as though Southern Districts are the dark horse of the competition this season. The Crocs have finished the last couple of seasons on a disappointing note but you only have to take one look at its list of recruits to realise the potential of the side. Despite Damian Cupido’s absence from the forward line, Tyler Jones, a star forward from the Murray Football League, should form a handy partnership with Waratah recruit Davin Hall. Ashton Hams finished the WAFL season in unbelievable form at South Fremantle while Luke Blackwell entered the WAFL Sandover Medal count as favourite and ultimately finished second. Keep an eye on Hayden Yarran as those in the know at the Crocs believe he could be a special player up here.

Tiwi Bombers:

Confirmed Ins – William Rioli (St Marys), John Meesen (ex-AFL), Jono Mullins (Southern Districts), Chris Miler (Southern Districts), Owen Henry (Wanderers), Paul Scanlon (Victoria), Jobastin Priest (Wanderers)
Outs –

From all reports the Tiwi Bombers are looking fit and ready to go this season. The Bombers have plenty to prove after coming off a disappointing season in 2013/14 and have gained a couple of key recruits. 36-year-old Paul Scanlon is back at the club and reportedly in good form down south, while the inclusion of former Southern Districts players Jono Mullins and Chris Miler will also boost the Bombers. We all know how good William Rioli can play at his best and with the added motivation of playing under his father as coach, expect a big season from the talented small forward.

Palmerston:

Confirmed Ins – Leroy Jetta (Essendon), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon), Mark Hamilton (Banks)
Outs – Sam Autio, Jordan Jeffrey

The Magpies were the rapid improvers during last season but it will count for nothing if this is not continued on in 2014/15. It will be Dean Rioli’s second year in charge of the Magpies and there is a quiet confidence emitting from the group. Leroy Jetta will be a big coup for the club depending on his availability while the experience of Nathan Lovett-Murray, who is coming off a premiership with Rumbalara in the Murray Football League, should be invaluable.

Darwin:

Confirmed Ins – Todd Miles (SANFL), Joe Anderson (SANFL), James McNamee (Wanderers), Sam Autio (Palmerston), Ben Archard (VFL), James Scrymgour (Wanderers), Darryl White (St Marys).
Outs –

Buffaloes’ reputation as a proud and successful club has been somewhat tarnished over the past couple of seasons. But you get the feeling that this could be the year that it all turns around for the double blues. Expect the Buffaloes to start the season strong with impressive numbers on the training track throughout the pre-season. Coach Mark Motlop has his local players well-drilled and the inclusion of a couple of big name recruits will hold the Buffaloes in good stead throughout the season.

 

[seanoff]

Some of the sides are going to have trouble keeping under the points limit. Tiwi, crocs, buffs and of course nightcliff and tahs.

Wanderers and saints will be favourites. Tahs will specialise in winning the 2nd tier as usual and celebrate like they've won the seniors.

 

[seanoff]

Ohh JDC on TV with the five o'clock shadow and all.

 

[JDC!]

Ohh JDC on TV with the five o'clock shadow and all.

Yeah mate, I was a bit nervous in front of the camera! A few of the Wanderers lads didn't mind letting me know about my media involvement but it was good to start the season with a big win.

 

[JDC!]

NTFL ROUND ONE WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

Nightcliff outlasted Buffaloes to win by 21 points in an entertaining game at BM Insurance Oval on Sunday. At half time it was a match that could have went either way but after a firm addressing by senior coach Damian Hale, the Tigers emerged a more determined outfit to win 16.15 (111) to 12.18 (90). The two sides went goal for goal early on in the piece as Daniel Dzufer ran riot up forward for the Tigers with three goals in the first ten minutes. But the Buffaloes hit back and had a dangerous forward up the other end of the ground in Ben Archard. Little separated the two sides at the first two changes but a six-goal to nil third quarter set up the win for the Tigers. Dzufer finished with five goals and put on a clinic up forward while Brandan Parfitt was one of the many young Tigers that excelled. The Buffaloes were best served by the returning Joe Anderson, who had the ball on a string in the first half, and also Jarrod Stokes who looks much fitter since his stint in the SANFL.

Southern Districts defeated Tiwi Bombers by 28 points in a fast paced match at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Crocs led for most of the match in what was essentially a shoot-out between the two sides. Ultimately it was the Crocs’ better defensive abilities that resulted in a 20.9 (129) to 15.11 (101) win. Keegan Dingo mopped up everything across half back to be Districts’ best player while Ali Bond and Davin Hall impressed in their first games at the Crocs. The evergreen Paul Scanlon racked up plenty of the football to be one of the Bombers’ better players while Ross Tungatalum and William Rioli provided flashes of brilliance.

In the other two games, Waratah and St Marys both had big wins over Palmerston and Wanderers respectively. In a match where both sides fielded relatively inexperienced and undermanned sides, the Warriors, led by Josh Barton and Dylan Collis, were too classy for its Magpies opponents. While in the early game at TIO Stadium, the Saints led all game to account for Wanderers by 65 points. New recruit Jack Geary had the ball on a string while Grant Weeks kicked eight goals in what was his first game since the 2012/13 premiership win.

For more on NT Football, check out - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

 

[IKE TURNER]

mr jdc and mr seanoff a question to a couple of guys who have their finger on th ntfl pulse: i know different players leave different clubs for different reasons do you think its wrong that after all the time and effort clubs put into some juniors and once they are good enough to play senior footy another club grabs them? and also tahs bent over backwards for davin hall and once he proved he was a star districts kidnapped him-poor form i think.

 

[seanoff]

mr jdc and mr seanoff a question to a couple of guys who have their finger on th ntfl pulse: i know different players leave different clubs for different reasons do you think its wrong that after all the time and effort clubs put into some juniors and once they are good enough to play senior footy another club grabs them? and also tahs bent over backwards for davin hall and once he proved he was a star districts kidnapped him-poor form i think.

that's why the points system is there, to limit that sort of thing.

if he is a tahs junior and played snr footy he is 4 points. iirc you get 22. the two clubs most against this were Tahs and Nightcliff if my well connected sources are correct.

Do you know why he jumped? maybe he got sick of tahs flying in and paying southern guys and not giving him the same sort of coin. maybe he has friends at districts, he might have moved down the track. doesn't matter tho, still worth 4 points. it's points they can't use on someone else.

 

[IKE TURNER]

that's why the points system is there, to limit that sort of thing.

if he is a tahs junior and played snr footy he is 4 points. iirc you get 22. the two clubs most against this were Tahs and Nightcliff if my well connected sources are correct.

Do you know why he jumped? maybe he got sick of tahs flying in and paying southern guys and not giving him the same sort of coin. maybe he has friends at districts, he might have moved down the track. doesn't matter tho, still worth 4 points. it's points they can't use on someone else.

 

[IKE TURNER]

seeing how tahs only flew in 5 blokes for the year and dont pay anyone i dont think that would be the reason, if anyone is paying i think it would be Districts. i just think its rough that a club puts in the hard yards gets this bloke from the other side of katherine,look after him and as soon as he proves he is a star another club swoops,at least the points system will help this from becoming rampant. Nightcliff is another strange one: they rave about their strong juniors which they obviously have by winning all last years premierships yet they chase every player from down south or alice springs they can,go figure.

 

[Islanda22]

mr jdc and mr seanoff a question to a couple of guys who have their finger on th ntfl pulse: i know different players leave different clubs for different reasons do you think its wrong that after all the time and effort clubs put into some juniors and once they are good enough to play senior footy another club grabs them? and also tahs bent over backwards for davin hall and once he proved he was a star districts kidnapped him-poor form i think.

I am only guessing Rusca had offered him some $$$ to join which would be hard to turn down when you normally play for free. Not having a local coach at Tahs may have been a huge factor also.
He is good mates with Jake Farrell so not sure why he would just get up and leave
Heard a whisper that Ali Bond was on some good $$$ to join from Wanderers

 

[Islanda22]

seeing how tahs only flew in 5 blokes for the year and dont pay anyone i dont think that would be the reason, if anyone is paying i think it would be Districts. i just think its rough that a club puts in the hard yards gets this bloke from the other side of katherine,look after him and as soon as he proves he is a star another club swoops,at least the points system will help this from becoming rampant. Nightcliff is another strange one: they rave about their strong juniors which they obviously have by winning all last years premierships yet they chase every player from down south or alice springs they can,go figure.

Nightcliff are a joke when it comes to playing juniors/locals

They have lost young Niki and Weatherel-Fitz to Wanderers this season because of lack of opportunities

 

[JDC!]

NTFL ROUND TWO WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

Tiwi Bombers has scored a 22-point come-from-behind win over a determined Buffaloes outfit on Saturday on the Tiwi Islands. The Bombers trailed all game but rallied late with a six goal to two last quarter. It was coach Willie Rioli’s first win at the helm and he can attribute the triumph largely to the efforts of his son William junior. The St Marys recruit was exceptional at all positions on the ground and also finished with four goals. The Buffaloes will be flat after the loss but can take solace in the knowledge that surely a win is on the horizon. Jarrod Stokes continued his solid early season form while the returning Luke Clark booted five goals up forward.

St Marys notched up its 40th win on the trot with a 52 point win over Palmerston in the second game at TIO Stadium on Saturday. With both clubs fielding young and inexperienced sides, the match was played at a relatively low standard. After a four-goal to nil opening quarter by the Saints it looked as though it would be a one-sided match. But the Magpies were gallant in its efforts and were still within touch at half time.

Southern Districts looked impressive in its 18.12 (120) to 12.11 (83) win over Wanderers in the early game on Saturday at TIO Stadium. The Crocs were led by a talented and experienced forward line which included players like Matt Cannard, Hayden Yarran, Davin Hall and Tyler Jones. The Eagles always seemed as though they were in the game but a couple of concentration lapses allowed Districts to pule on some easy goals. Keegan Dingo starred in his 150th NTFL match.

Nightcliff are another team that remains unbeaten in the early stages of this season after a 15-point win over Waratah at Gardens Oval on Sunday. The Tigers were buoyed by the inclusion of Central Australian superstar Gibson Turner who kicked two classy goals in the first term. At the other end of the field it was reality television star Waylen Manson who was causing all the damage. Manson looked his usual brilliant self and kicked the Warriors first four goals of the game, despite carrying what looked like an upper-leg injury. But it was more of a team oriented performance from Nightcliff and that ultimately led them to victory. Ash Duncan and Victorian country recruit Tom Lamb were the top contributors for Nightcliff.

 

[JDC!]

NTFL ROUND THREE WRAP UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

St Marys has kept its winning streak intact after coming from 40 points down to defeat Southern Districts on Saturday at TIO Stadium. The Saints were well and truly blown out of the water in the first term and trailed by 35 points at the quarter time break. But there was still a pulse in the Saints side and the reigning premier were able to get on top in the second quarter. St Marys went into the half time break full of belief that they would come out firing but it was a more ferocious Southern Districts team that emerged in the third quarter. The Crocs piled on a couple of goals early in the term to stretch the lead out to 40 points midway through the quarter. From that moment on the momentum completely changed in favour of the Saints and the green machine were able to kick the last six goals of the match and snatch a remarkable 13.16 (94) to 13.7 (85) victory. Cameron Ilett was instrumental with his hard work through the middle of the ground while Iggy Vallejo and Luke Stapleton turned back the clock with a solid defensive performance. The returning Darren Ewing and former AFL superstar Stephen Milne proved a formidable duo in attack booting four goals each. Districts defender Lionel Ogden was excellent all game and produced arguably his career best performance. The match continued what has been a series of exciting encounters between the two sides recently.

Tiwi Bombers fought off a fast finishing Waratah in one of the more entertaining matches you are likely to see. It was the first game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium so the match was played in hot and fast conditions. This suited the run and carry style of the Bombers and they were able to completely dominate the first half. Mathias Liddy looked dangerous up forward but was unable to capitalise on all of his chances in front of the big sticks. At the other end of the ground Justin Beugelaar was the lone target for the Warriors but he repaid their faith with a couple of goals. But it was almost a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul with Waratah leaking goals at the other end. Tiwi stopped to a walk in the third quarter and could only manage one goal for the term while their opposition ran riot with eight. Bendigo recruit Alex Pollock provided his side with plenty of bite and always gave a contest around the stoppages. It was any side’s game for the taking in the last quarter but cometh the moment, cometh the man and that is when Ross Tungatalum entered. The Tiwi Express stamped his authority on the match and his football exhibition included one of the goals of the season when he took three bounces and evaded a couple of opponents before kicking truly. The Bombers won the match 16.17 (113) to 16.8 (104) to record its second win of the season.

Wanderers notched up its first win of the season with a 28-point triumph over Buffaloes at TIO Stadium. The Eagles burst from the blocks with an eight goal to three opening quarter. That opening term was essentially the difference between the two sides with the match being a relatively even contest from that point onwards. Chris Dunne and Thomas Motlop booted five goals each while Geelong VFL recruit Jack Hollmer kicked four goals in a promising display.


Nightcliff trounced a depleted Palmerston outfit to the tune of 106 points at Northline Oval on Sunday. The Magpies entered the match missing a plethora of its more talented players and the team’s inexperience meant that it was unable to compete with the Tigers for longer than a quarter. Despite the one-sided contest, it was a relatively spiteful contest and there was plenty of heat in the match. Deon Gordon, in a different role up forward, booted five goals and was supported well by Matt Rowe who booted four. Young gun Ryan Nyhuis showed promising signs across the backline and Baydon Ngalkin impressed in his first appearance of the season. The Magpies were best served by Justin Emery and Alex Johnson.

 

[IKE TURNER]

NTFL ROUND THREE WRAP UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

St Marys has kept its winning streak intact after coming from 40 points down to defeat Southern Districts on Saturday at TIO Stadium. The Saints were well and truly blown out of the water in the first term and trailed by 35 points at the quarter time break. But there was still a pulse in the Saints side and the reigning premier were able to get on top in the second quarter. St Marys went into the half time break full of belief that they would come out firing but it was a more ferocious Southern Districts team that emerged in the third quarter. The Crocs piled on a couple of goals early in the term to stretch the lead out to 40 points midway through the quarter. From that moment on the momentum completely changed in favour of the Saints and the green machine were able to kick the last six goals of the match and snatch a remarkable 13.16 (94) to 13.7 (85) victory. Cameron Ilett was instrumental with his hard work through the middle of the ground while Iggy Vallejo and Luke Stapleton turned back the clock with a solid defensive performance. The returning Darren Ewing and former AFL superstar Stephen Milne proved a formidable duo in attack booting four goals each. Districts defender Lionel Ogden was excellent all game and produced arguably his career best performance. The match continued what has been a series of exciting encounters between the two sides recently.

Tiwi Bombers fought off a fast finishing Waratah in one of the more entertaining matches you are likely to see. It was the first game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium so the match was played in hot and fast conditions. This suited the run and carry style of the Bombers and they were able to completely dominate the first half. Mathias Liddy looked dangerous up forward but was unable to capitalise on all of his chances in front of the big sticks. At the other end of the ground Justin Beugelaar was the lone target for the Warriors but he repaid their faith with a couple of goals. But it was almost a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul with Waratah leaking goals at the other end. Tiwi stopped to a walk in the third quarter and could only manage one goal for the term while their opposition ran riot with eight. Bendigo recruit Alex Pollock provided his side with plenty of bite and always gave a contest around the stoppages. It was any side’s game for the taking in the last quarter but cometh the moment, cometh the man and that is when Ross Tungatalum entered. The Tiwi Express stamped his authority on the match and his football exhibition included one of the goals of the season when he took three bounces and evaded a couple of opponents before kicking truly. The Bombers won the match 16.17 (113) to 16.8 (104) to record its second win of the season.

Wanderers notched up its first win of the season with a 28-point triumph over Buffaloes at TIO Stadium. The Eagles burst from the blocks with an eight goal to three opening quarter. That opening term was essentially the difference between the two sides with the match being a relatively even contest from that point onwards. Chris Dunne and Thomas Motlop booted five goals each while Geelong VFL recruit Jack Hollmer kicked four goals in a promising display.


Nightcliff trounced a depleted Palmerston outfit to the tune of 106 points at Northline Oval on Sunday. The Magpies entered the match missing a plethora of its more talented players and the team’s inexperience meant that it was unable to compete with the Tigers for longer than a quarter. Despite the one-sided contest, it was a relatively spiteful contest and there was plenty of heat in the match. Deon Gordon, in a different role up forward, booted five goals and was supported well by Matt Rowe who booted four. Young gun Ryan Nyhuis showed promising signs across the backline and Baydon Ngalkin impressed in his first appearance of the season. The Magpies were best served by Justin Emery and Alex Johnson.

 

[IKE TURNER]

things must have got slightly out of control at palmy (as well as on the bus trip back to nightcliff) but an umpire getting touched/abused is a definite no go,the fact that the offender got a very light sentence is not good either.aflnt should double the money umpires get paid to swell numbers and get retired players into it and umpires from down south to come up for the season,but getting aflnt to do anything seems to be a problem these days. i tried to umpire a div 2 game a few years ago and was completely terrible-have not critisised an umpire since.

 

[seanoff]

Yeah, if the runner threatened and even touched the umpire, that should be a season, no questions asked. I was surprised it was only 8.

Nightcliff will want to win something before they get too mouthy.

 

[JDC!]

Just on that umpire incident. I was there at Northline Oval and I don't think there was too much in it. The offender has done a lot of work for umpiring over the past couple of seasons and is actually a boundary umpire himself. He is not an aggressive person and the emotion of the game got the better of him. He didn't assault the umpire or anything like that but he charged towards him in a demonstrative way. I think the suspension was about right.

 

[IKE TURNER]

time for my usual whingefest: i come from down south where even the minor leagues have all the results and details from the games a couple of hours after they finish,up here it takes days on aflnt's web site and alot of times on the site and the nt news where the goal kickers and best players results are supposed to be there is 'not supplied' instead. i know the teams long suffering team managers are to get the details in but surely the league can chase them up,maybe a phone call from one of the many people employed by the league?

 

[seanoff]

time for my usual whingefest: i come from down south where even the minor leagues have all the results and details from the games a couple of hours after they finish,up here it takes days on aflnt's web site and alot of times on the site and the nt news where the goal kickers and best players results are supposed to be there is 'not supplied' instead. i know the teams long suffering team managers are to get the details in but surely the league can chase them up,maybe a phone call from one of the many people employed by the league?

The NTFL live part of the NT news has up to minute coverage. Often with major goal kickers and best players. http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/ntfl-live

 

[JDC!]

Or alternatively, you could follow the best coverage of the NTFL at https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

 

[seanoff]

Saw

Or alternatively, you could follow the best coverage of the NTFL at https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

Saw Fez on NTFL live trolling nightcliff today. Lol.

 

[JDC!]

Saw


Saw Fez on NTFL live trolling nightcliff today. Lol.

Don't worry about the old Fez, there is not a man in the NTFL that would love to beat Nightcliff next week more than him. I can't wait until next week, it should be a cracking game and both sides will get a few good players back in.

 

[JDC!]

NTFL ROUND FOUR PREMIER LEAGUE WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK




A rampant Nightcliff outlasted Tiwi Bombers in a high-scoring shoot-out on the Islands on Sunday. The 25.17 (167) to 18.15 (123) win means the Tigers remain unbeaten after four rounds of NTFL action in what has been an impressive start for the club. The visitors were faultless early in the piece and rocketed out to a 32-point lead at the opening change. They would increase this deficit in the second and third quarters and effectively seal the match by three quarter time. The Bombers showed some fight in the last quarter to add respectability to the scoreboard but it was purely academic as the four points was already in the paw of the Tigers. Former Richmond rookie-listed player Gibson Turner has been a revelation so far for Nightcliff and his performance on the weekend was no exception with another terrific outing. He booted five goals and was part of a formidable partnership up forward with Desmond Nandy (six goals) and Deon Gordon (four).


A sluggish Southern Districts overcame a spirited Palmerston side in the early game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium on Saturday. There is no doubting that the Crocs entered the contest as the more talented side on paper but it took until the final term for the boys from the bush could insert its authority on the match. Palmerston buoyed by the inclusion of former Essendon player Leroy Jetta were fast starters and led at quarter time. But the Crocs regrouped after the first change and were able to recapture the lead before the main break. Just when it looked as though Districts could potentially run away with the match, Magpies young gun Kiedan Holt-Tubbs stood tall in the third term with an impressive forwards display which resulted in three goals. But ultimately his efforts were not enough as the more experienced Districts players pulled their side over the line with a five goal to one last term. Jordan Souter looks an unlikely type but has slipped under the radar this year and found plenty of the football on the weekend. Kristian Papertalk was lively in his first game while draft prospect Marcus Hamilton was also impressive and showed why he is rated by recruiters around the country.


Wanderers responded from a slow start to beat Waratah by a goal in the middle game at TIO Stadium. The Eagles trailed by 20 points at quarter time but worked its way back into the match to be level with its opponents during the second quarter. Shannon Motlop provided a highlight during the third term with a superb goal from deep in the pocket at the grandstand side of the McMillans road end. Approaching the final change, there was very little separating either side and it shaped as a cracking last quarter. But the class of the Eagles reigned supreme, which led to its second win of the season. Thomas Motlop continued his good start to the season and again featured prominently in the goal kickers list. Chris Dunne was his usual dangerous self up forward and yet again proved that defenders cannot afford to give him an inch, such is his superb reading of the play. Waylen Manson was a shining light up forward for Waratah with five goals, despite still looking hindered with an upper leg injury.


In the late game, St Marys did just enough to account for a determined Buffaloes outfit. Both sides stood for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Joshua Hardy, who lost his life in tragic circumstances last week in Melbourne. Hardy had strong links with both clubs and it was terrific to see him honoured by both the clubs. The match itself never reached any great heights with the reigning premier wasting many opportunities on goal. Despite the Buffaloes never refusing to give up, St Marys won 13.20 (98) to 11.6 (72) to also remain unbeaten. Justin “the ferret” Wilson was exceptional early on in the contest while Raph Clarke and Ben “the Rolls-Royce” Ah Mat were silky-smooth with the football. Tim Eldridge was Buffaloes’ best player yet again with the 20-year-old enjoying a superb season thus far. Eldridge is highly respected at the double-blues with the speedster also coaching the side’s U12 team and leading from the front with his performances in the Premier League.

 

[JDC!]

NTFL WRAP-UP ROUND FIVE:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

Nightcliff has ended St Marys’ 42-game unbeaten streak in a thrilling contest at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers played with plenty of passion and determination and eventually won the match 15.12 (102) to 14.11 (95) in what was an exciting finish. In what is a promising sign for the future of the club, the win can largely be attributed to the performances of the younger brigade. Lachlan McKenzie was instrumental with his reading of the play and precise kicking off the half back line while Ryan Nyhuis has been one of the big improvers so far this season. Brandan Parfitt has all the makings of a future AFL star and his composure around the football was a highlight. But by no means were the Saints disgraced and there were positives to take out of the match. Big man Pat Walton played arguably his best game for the club at centre half back, but will likely face scrutiny by the NTFL tribunal after being booked during the match.


In the later game at TIO Stadium, Wanderers defeated Tiwi Bombers by 50 points in what was a goal fest. The attacking fair of both sides was on display in what was an entertaining game of football. Both sides kicked extremely accurately on goal in the opening term with not one behind registered and Wanderers leading nine goals to five. It was a similar brand of football up until half time but in the second half the Eagles attempted to control the tempo of the game and restricted Tiwi getting its hands on the footy. Thomas Motlop continued his good form with a bag of nine goals while the returning Adam Cook kicked six.

A seven-goal best on ground performance from Will Farrer was enough to get his Southern Districts side over the line against Waratah at Gardens Oval. He formed a dangerous duo with Troy Taylor, who supported him well with four goals en route to a 25-point win. Despite the inclusions of former AFL stars Steven Baker and Brent Guerra, the Warriors could not register a win. Guerra and Baker failed to have a major impact on the match but will be better for the run after adjusting to the Darwin weather conditions. The speedy Jake Farrell was Waratah’s most dangerous player and he finished off well up forward with three goals. There were interesting scenes after the match with Warriors coach Tim Weatherald having stern words with the umpires as they were walking from the ground after the match.


Palmerston recorded its first win of the season in what was a celebration of inspirational skipper Pierce Liddle’s 100th senior appearance in the NTFL. The Buffaloes tried hard and mounted a spirited come back during the third quarter but ultimately it was not enough. It was a typical Northline Oval match with plenty of crowd banter involved from the “Palmy Army”. New Magpies recruit Josh Bennett was a handy target up forward and finished the game with five goals. At the other end, Centralian Daniel Stafford kicked six goals in his first game in double blues colours this season.

 

[JDC!]

NTFL ROUND SIX WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
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Darwin Buffaloes finally broke the drought to notch up its long-awaited first win of the season with a triumph over Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval. The Buffaloes were inspired by the pre-match inclusion of AFL champion Andrew McLeod, who was in Darwin for the AFLNT Hall of Fame ceremony later that night. The young Buffaloes led for most of the day before winning 16.20 (116) to 13.11 (89). Another former AFL player in Matt Campbell was best on ground for the double blues with a strong four-quarter performance. His North Adelaide teammate in Todd Miles was also impressive in his first game in the Territory. It was a disappointing loss for the Crocs but that is not to say there were no positive signs. Will Farrer provided a strong target up forward while Michael Bowden provided a spark with his run from the back half.

Palmerston recorded its second win on the trot with a 27-point victory over Tiwi Bombers on Saturday afternoon at TIO Stadium. The Magpies were challenged early in the match when star midfielder Leroy Jetta limped from the field with a rolled ankle. Despite the former Bomber not returning, Palmerston showed strong character and eventually won 14.14 (98) to 10.11 (71). Alwyn Davey was arguably best on ground with a 26 disposal three goal performance from the middle. His older brother Aaron also had the ball on a string and finished with 28 possessions, including 26 kicks. Big men Bevan Charlton-White (six goals) and Matt Dennis also proved too tall and strong for their Tiwi opponents.

A four-goal best-on-ground performance from Nightcliff young gun Brandon Parfitt spurred his side on to a 31-point win over a depleted Wanderers on Sunday at BM Insurance Oval. Parfitt has been superb so far this season with his work rate and poise with the football in hand and looks a certain AFL talent at this early stage of his career. He, along with Deon Gordon, set the standard in the opening term and gave the Tigers breathing space at the quarter time break. Wanderers mounted a comeback in the second term with the competition’s leading goal kicker in Thomas Motlop coming into the game. Nightcliff got the game back on their terms in the third quarter, thanks largely to three quick goals by Centralian excitement machine Gibson Turner. It was a nondescript last quarter as the Tigers cruised to a 18.9 (117) to 12.14 (86) win to remain on top of the ladder and undefeated.

St Marys has responded to its loss last week in emphatic style with an 86-point win over Waratah at TIO Stadium on Friday night. The Saints played like a side with a point to prove and were relentless in their performance. NT Thunder spearhead Darren Ewing was at his dazzling best with ten goals, including five in the final term, which is his biggest ever haul in green and gold colours. But it was the Cameron Ilett show in the first half with the decorated midfielder racking up possessions at will.