NTFL ROUND SIX WRAP-UP:
BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @jclark182
FACEBOOK - NT Football Scores and News at Jackson Clark
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.
Jdc, hello there mate, love your reports here. These players in Parfitt and Turner,,, they sound like players that may have AFL potential. What are your thuoghts here.