Northern Territory Football League Season 2014/15

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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.
 
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.

I've copped a bit of flack for suggesting Parfitt could be a top five or ten pick in a couple of years. There's obviously plenty of things that could happen until he is eligible in 2016 but that is how highly I rate him. I played with Turner at NT Thunder in the U18s and he was picked up as a rookie by Richmond after his carnival. I think he has improved since then and if he can produce a big season in the VFL at Essendon, I can't see why he wouldn't deserve a second chance.
 
I've copped a bit of flack for suggesting Parfitt could be a top five or ten pick in a couple of years. There's obviously plenty of things that could happen until he is eligible in 2016 but that is how highly I rate him. I played with Turner at NT Thunder in the U18s and he was picked up as a rookie by Richmond after his carnival. I think he has improved since then and if he can produce a big season in the VFL at Essendon, I can't see why he wouldn't deserve a second chance.

Parfitt does have great talent, let's just hope he dodge's the Thunder program and try is luck in the SANFL colts
 

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NTFL ROUND SEVEN WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK

FACEBOOK - NT Football Scores & News with Jackson Clark

Palmerston has given club legend Alwyn Davey a milestone match to remember with a 54-point win over Wanderers at Northline Oval on Sunday. It was the Magpies’ third win in a row as the home side cruised to a 20.14 (134) to 12.8 (80) win in front of a vocal crowd. The former Bombers star celebrated his 100th game in fine style with a clear best on ground performance, which produced five goals from the midfield. Jamie Damaso was superb in a lockdown role on the competition’s leading goal kicker in Thomas Motlop while big man Matt Dennis proved he could be one of the most valuable players in the league with his agility around the ground.

Southern Districts put an end to Nightcliff’s six-game unbeaten run with a 31-point win in the late game at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers looked impressive early on in the piece and looked destine to record its seventh win of the season. But the Crocs dug deep to even up the contest in the second and third quarters before running away with the match in the last. The Tigers were hurt by the late withdrawals of star performers Gibson Turner and Brandon Parfitt, but both sides still have plenty of talent due back. Lionel Ogden was terrific with his run and carry from the backline and he rebounded well all game. Tyler Jones proved he is equally comfortably down back as he is up forward with his shut-down role on Damian Cupido. Jones nullified Cupido’s influence on the match and won a couple of crucial one-on-one contests. Ryan Nyhuis and Jayden Kickett battled hard in Nightcliff’s defence.

It is happy times at the Buffaloes with the double-blues recording its second consecutive win with a 52-point triumph over Waratah. The match was essentially a celebration of Andrew McLeod’s football career and it is rumoured that the weekend’s game could be the AFL champion’s last. The next generation of Buffaloes stars were again on show. Tim Eldridge has led from the front all season and Saturday was no exception with another close to best on ground effort. Michael Hagan was solid while some more familiar names in Matt Campbell and McLeod provided invaluable leadership for their side’s younger brigade.

St Marys won the Gregory-Wonaeamirri Cup with an 84-point win over Tiwi Bombers in hot conditions in the early game at TIO Stadium. A dominant 13-goal last quarter by the reigning premiers was essentially the difference between the two sides in what to that point was a close match. AFL champion Stephen Milne finished the good work of the midfielders and booted a lazy ten goals. Cameron Ilett continued his phenomenal start to the season while Shannon Rioli won plenty of clearances from the middle and finished exceptionally well by foot. The big win puts St Marys back on top of the ladder.
 
andrew mcleod is a champion,what a journey he has had with his footy very humble and a legend-another legend in the news is cam illiet who signed up with nt thunder again,would have to be one of the best nt players never to play afl been consistently good for a long time
 
Tiwi have fallen in a big hole. they just cant seem to put it together. that and they are not anywhere near fit enough. Saints scoring 13 goals in the last short handed is not something that should happen. yeah saints were kicking with the breeze, but it wasn't a 13 goal breeze.

is there something going on over there?

and JDC can you tell people its ok to force a point under pressure. i've seen 4 or 5 over the past few weeks across the comp. JA tried to kill you after doing it on the weekend. they all pretty much have comeback over the defenders head for a goal too. seriously, just take it thru and reset. jeezzz.
 
coaching the tiwis is a bit like trying to herd cats,they are all over the place-literally,living on different islands very talented but rely on the talent more than the fitness everyone knows how good they are when they get their act together but everything has to line up.
 
pretty good standard up here at the momment,every one can beat everyone except for Tahs who are woeful,the long list of who saints have to come back is pretty ominous though.
 
Hi JDC!

I watched st Marys v tiwi last weekend. Nick Yarran played well. What can you tell me about him? Is he draft age?

Nah Yaz only just turned 17 years old, so still a year or so before he can get drafted. Not much of him but his improvement this year has been great.
 
Tahs seem out of it already.

tiwi do not have the fitness to beat anybody decent.

wanderers on paper should be much better than they have shown.
 
NTFL Wrap-Up:

By - Jackson Clark



A hard fought Palmerston and St Marys encounter has resulted in a drawn match at Northline Oval on Sunday. Both sides played with plenty of ferociousness and intensity and the game ended with the scores locked at 14.11 (95) apiece. You could tell the Magpies were ready to play when star recruit Leroy Jetta booted the opening goal within ten seconds from a classy centre clearance. Despite Palmerston’s strong support from its home crowd, it was the Saints that had the early ascendency. The Magpies wrestled back the momentum and were the better team in the second and third quarters. When the home side kicked the first goal of the last term, it looked as if their lead would be insurmountable for the Saints. But St Marys slowly crawled its way back and a late mark and goal from Luke Stapleton levelled the scores. Jack Geary was superb for St Marys while Cameron Cloke kicked seven goals and dominated up forward for the Magpies.

Southern Districts rebounded from its loss last week in emphatic style with a 108-point trouncing of Wanderers at Norbuilt Oval on Sunday. The Crocs’ performance would have pleased a vocal home crowd as they ran out winners 21.18 (144) to 5.6 (36). Districts booted the first six goals of the match and were in full control of the contest right from the opening bounce. It was a disappointing result for the Eagles, but if they were searching for positives, it could be some of the impressive efforts from its younger players. Will Farrer and Matt Cannard led the onslaught combining for ten goals while youngsters Sam Smith and Michael Bowden were good across the four quarters.

The Buffaloes recorded its fourth win on the trot with a come from behind victory over the Tiwi Bombers on Saturday at TIO Stadium. While in previous years when they would have crumbled, the young Buffs are playing full of confidence and maintained the belief that they were never out of the contest. The Bombers’ inability to play four quarters of solid football is costing the side games of football and the game against Buffaloes was no exception. A seven-goal third term was the catalyst of the win for the double blues as Centralian recruit Daniel Stafford started marking everything up forward. The big man finished with five goals and was certainly the most dangerous forward on the ground. Jarrod and Cameron Stokes were also excellent while skipper Phillip Wills worked hard all day.

Nightcliff are back on the winners list with a comprehensive victory over Waratah on Saturday at TIO Stadium. Despite a shaky start, the Tigers booted 14 goals to two after quarter time to cruise to a 71-point win. The match never reached any great heights but the win will give the Tigers some much-needed confidence heading into its big clash against Palmerston this Sunday. Gibson Turner continued his rich vein of form with another solid performance while Desmond Nandy was far too good for the Warriors defenders.
 
NTFL PREMIER LEAGUE WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
FACEBOOK - NT FOOTBALL SCORES AND NEWS WITH JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @jclark182


It is fair to say that it was an entertaining and spiteful week of NTFL action.

Wanderers clawed its way back on the winners list with a thrilling three-point triumph over the Buffaloes at TIO Stadium. The typical free-flowing brand of football we normally attribute to both these sides was restricted due to wet weather influencing the game. But it was still a terrific contest nonetheless and both teams played with plenty of passion and determination. The Eagles got the early jump and led by eight points at half time but the double blues had the better of the third quarter. It was any side’s game for the taking but a late goal by Nook Mansell sealed the victory for Wanderers. Buffaloes coach Mark Motlop was unhappy with the officiating of the match and will face the tribunal for allegedly using insulting, threatening and obscene language towards umpires. Brad Vassal and Jarred Erlandson were superb for the Eagles while Adam Cook kicked three goals.

Tiwi had the better of Waratah in a high-scoring shoot-out over on the Islands. The Bombers always looked in control of the match but to the Warriors’ credit, they refused to give in. Despite the loss they can draw positives from the first up performance on Norwood player Jesse Aish who booted four goals. The Bombers were best served by reality television star Ryan Semmel, Kristian Height and also Rupert Pupangamirri, who showed flashes of his NTFL for from a couple of years ago.

Southern Districts dealt St Marys its second loss of the season with a 10-point win in a scrappy encounter at TIO Stadium. The match was played in difficult conditions with a slippery surface limiting the skill set of the players. But the big bodied Crocs were hard around the contest and moved the ball forward quickly to the dangerous duo of Will Farrer and Troy Taylor. Youngster Michael Bowden played with the poise of a veteran in the back half while Kristian Papertalk used his speed and skill to perfection.

Arguably the most anticipated match of the round was left for last with a rampant Palmerston taking on Nightcliff. Spurred on by a vocal home crowd it was the Tigers that burst from the blocks kicking the first four goals of the match. But the Magpies fought its way back and narrowed the margin to just four points at the quarter time break. The second quarter was an arm-wrestle and this was reflected by the closeness of the scoreboard. Things heated up in the third term with plenty of push-and-shove and noise from the crowd. But football-wise it was the home side that had the better of the term and at three quarter time led by three goals. The Tigers players were given specific instructions by coach Damian Hale to stay disciplined and focus on the game and his troops did exactly that on their way to a 26-point win. Baydon “the Nailgun” Ngalkin was electric, especially in the all-important third quarter, while Seb Guilhaus controlled the ruck against his undersized opponent.
 

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Thought jack geary was a chance to be drafted with his resume. How is he travelling up there? But more importantly how do saints sniff out these type of quality players?

Yeah Geary is a star and he's playing quality football up here. I'm not sure mate, Saints run a pretty good program. I guess word of mouth would attract a few players looking for a kick up here.
 
suprised a hard hitting journalist such as JDC didnt break the story of kevin tanderwotz getting the flick from st marys !

Haha conflict of interest mate. Don't like to write about stuff concerning my club ... unless it's a positive story. ;)
 
BY – JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER – @jclark182

As we are in the middle of the NTFL 2014/15 Christmas break, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on some of the stars of the competition this year. I have come up with a list of the Top Ten performed footballers, with a heavy weighting towards their performances so far this season.

1. Cameron Ilett, 29, St Marys

It is absolutely baffling how this bloke has not had a chance with an AFL club. Thought as by many as one of the better players outside of the AFL, Ilett is enjoying arguably a career-best season at St Marys. The NT Thunder captain is almost the complete footballer with the perfect blend of skill and hardness at the ball. He has achieved almost every accolade in the Northern Territory and perhaps this year he could add a Nichols Medal to the list. A clear choice for the best player in the NTFL for mine.

2. Alwyn Davey, 30, Palmerston

Respected by all in the Top End, Alwyn Davey has been terrific for his beloved Palmerston Magpies since returning from a 100-game AFL career with Essendon. The man known as “Froggy” has the rare ability to be equally as damaging whether up forward or through the midfield. After playing for so long at the top level, players of his ilk could be excused for taking it easy in the NTFL. But his competitiveness and on-field leadership for the young Magpies brigade is a testament to his strong character.

3. Jarrod Stokes, 20, Darwin

Perhaps the quickest player in the NTFL, very few can break the lines as well as this Buffaloes speedster. Stokes was always a talented junior, but after a stint with SANFL club North Adelaide the 20-year-old has taken his football up a couple of notches. His run-and-carry ability is second to none and there is no doubt he is one of the main reasons for Buffaloes’ improvement.

4. Gibson Turner, 21, Nightcliff

The Centralian goal kicking ace has bucket loads of talent and could easily find himself back on an AFL list if things fall his way. The former Richmond rookie has played for a couple of NTFL clubs but looks right at home in a Tigers jumper. Although best suited to the forward line, Turner has the ability to run through the midfield or half back if needed. A great acquisition for Nightcliff and he forms a great partnership with Desmond Nandy and Baydon Ngalkin.

5. Darren Ewing, 27, St Marys

The prolific goal kicker is not built like a traditional full-forward. But what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his uncanny football smarts and timing. Perhaps the best forward in the NEAFL over the past half a dozen years, Ewing regularly kicks bags of goals and is also not afraid to pass to a teammate in a better position. But his most impressive trait might just be the work he puts in defensively when he does not have the ball in his hands.

6. Will Farrer, 24, Southern Districts

One of the more unorthodox footballers in the competition, the high-flying Will Farrer is playing probably his best season with the Crocs. He leads the competition for goals at the half way mark of the season and is also comfortable playing as a key defender. Farrer has a vertical leap that needs to be seen to be believed and he uses it to great effect when on the lead.

7. Matt Campbell, 27, Buffaloes

Campbell is another that needs no introduction to footy followers in the Northern Territory. The former North Melbourne player has been excellent for the Buffaloes this season. He has the attributes that can break a game a part and at his best he is a genuine match winner. But Campbell’s experience at higher levels of footy allows him to also play a mentoring role for the young Buffaloes.

8. Leroy Jetta, 26, Palmerston

The former Essendon player has been arguably the recruit of the season so far in the NTFL. Jetta left his presence felt early with a couple of spectacular moments in a best on ground performance in his debut game for the Magpies. His thumping kick makes him dangerous at all areas of the ground and he possesses a terrific overhead mark.

9. Ross Tungatalum, 24, Tiwi Bombers

It is hard to believe that the human highlight reel is still only 24 years of age. “Rocco” has been dominating the NTFL for years now and on his day he is the most exciting player in the competition. The former St Kilda rookie has blistering speed and silky-smooth skills and is always a damaging player for the Bombers.

10. Thomas Motlop, 27, Wanderers

Motlop started the season in exciting fashion and comfortably lead the competition’s leading goals up until recently. But during Wanderers’ mid-season form slump coach Andrew Hodges moved him to the backline to provide experience for the young Eagles defence. He has provided leadership and consistency in that role and his versatility puts him on the list.
 
with only 5 home and away games left i think there are two questions to ask: why are waratahs so dreadful and why are nightcliff struggling when they have recruited such big names?
 
nightcliff is a strange one. there has to be something going on there. that is a huge hole they are in.

tahs have been trash from the start, so that they continue to be awful is hardly surprising.
 
i cant believe a team (tahs) can finish 3rd one year then (rock) bottom the next without giving a whimper,and if nightcliff go out in straight sets again their fans will go beserk,on the subject two more questions: will districts have a crack in finals year and win a game or two and will JDC force his way back into premier league !
 
all week waratahs have been trumpeting the fact they have the north adelaide captain and waylon manson for tomorrows game against the tigers-my mail is the they never had a clearance for the safl chap and waylon didnt even get on the plane-no wonder they are on the bottom.
 
I reckon tahs were the best of a bad bunch last yr. it was saints wanderers several years of daylight. Tahs and everyone else.

This yr, pretty much everyone has improved and tahs havent.

Had a peek at buffs today. They are same as they ever were. There is no discipline. None. Gave away goals to ridiculous 50s, gave away double goals, cam philpott i think got reported after getting the free kick and had it reversed. Spent a lot of the game proving how tough they were. Sigh.
 
I reckon tahs were the best of a bad bunch last yr. it was saints wanderers several years of daylight. Tahs and everyone else.

This yr, pretty much everyone has improved and tahs havent.

Had a peek at buffs today. They are same as they ever were. There is no discipline. None. Gave away goals to ridiculous 50s, gave away double goals, cam philpott i think got reported after getting the free kick and had it reversed. Spent a lot of the game proving how tough they were. Sigh.
 
spot on,during the weekends game a buffs player was awarded a free kick at centre half back instead of taking the kick he jumped up and donged the saints player-freekick reversed and 50 metres (both warranted) and a saints goal at a critical time,cost buffs a season defining win and possibly a spot in finals-old habits die hard.
 

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