The top 100 NTFL Men’s Premier League players since 2000
Premiership heroes, Nichols medal winners and consistent performers are celebrated as we rank the top 100 NTFL players since 2000. Did we get the top ten right? Check out the full list.
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The NT News has launched the top 100 NTFL players since 2000 pitting Nichols medal winners, premiership heroes and consistent standouts against each other.
The list harks back to the start of the century where Palmerston were the top dogs scooping up back-to-back premierships, and through eras of dominance for St Mary’s and Nightcliff.
Players in the list are based on their contributions to the competition more so than their performances away from the Top End with locals and interstaters both shining.
The list of 100-51 will be released from Monday, February 12, while the top 50 will go through a week later in the lead up to 2023-24 NTFL finals series.
Let us know who you think has done enough to find their place on the list among some real titans of the Top End game.
100. Jack O’Sullivan (Waratah)
A big marking, high running defender who played a key role in Waratah’s drought breaking premiership win in the 2022-23 season.
Has formed a formidable partnership with Dan O’Dwyer down back, but can go up forward too when needed and kick a goal or two when called upon.
99. Simon Deery (Nightcliff)
A silky skilled premiership defender who set up many goals with his vision and clever disposals across half back.
Rarely beaten in one-on-one contests and a superb kick of the football, Tiger fans and Darwin’s football media dubbed him “Mr Reliable’’ on more than one occasion.
98. Lloyd Johnston (Wanderers)
The Wanderers young gun from Borroloola had one of the best Premier League debut seasons across the past 20 years.
Johnston quickly emerged as a valuable marking defender with a leap that took opposition offences by surprise early in the 2021-22 season.
He cemented his place in a formidable back line, got the call up to the NTFL rep squad that beat Woodville West-Torrens and won the Rising Star, for which he was heavily favoured.
Later in 2022 he was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns where he has won a VFL premiership, and already had a taste of AFL football.
97. Ashton Hams (Tiwi, Banks, Palmerston)
The former AFL player has had a massive impact in the league both on the field and off of it, playing a godfather role for clubs who haven’t quite excelled.
Usually one to offer his services to clubs that haven’t soared at the top of the table his contributions haven’t been rewarded with higher accolades.
But his ability and commitment to inspire those around him, get multitudes of possessions and work tirelessly even in losing endeavours cannot be understated.
96. Arnold Kirby (Waratah)
A lionhearted ruckman who gives his running players an armchair ride with his clever palming of the football and strong bodywork, quickly making him a favourite of the red and white faithful.
A player who never shirks a physical contest, the man they call “Kirbs” was an integral part of his side’s breakthrough Premier League flag in 2023.
He is set to play a major role in a premiership push this season with his ruckwork and clever forays into the forward line where he loves to kick a goal
95. Brenton Motlop (Wanderers)
The best full back in the league until a serious knee injury cut him down in 2013, Motlop was the general in a Wanderers defence that held big scoring sides like St Mary’s and Southern Districts to losing scores.
His battles with prolific Districts goalkicker Damian Cupido were worth the entry fee alone, proving once and for all that Brenton deserves his place as one of the league’s great defenders.
94. Ed Barlow (Southern Districts)
The former Sydney Swan and Western Bulldog was a revelation at the Crocodiles in his five seasons at the club, highlighted by his run and carry on matchdays.
A regular finals player where the midfield was his home, Barlow played a major role in the club’s 2017-18 grand win over the Darwin Buffaloes and won a club best and fairest at the Crocodiles.
93. Brodie Newman (Wanderers)
The quintessential centre half-back who could take marks in contested situations or one out and turn defence into attack, Newman’s two seasons at Wanderers were full of class and poise.
Newman’s yellow boots were always a prominent landmark on the Wanderers landscape, where NTFL selectors and the Eagles faithful much admired his playing style.
92. Jonathan Peris (Nightcliff)
A clever midfielder who can play on a wing, half forward or down back where his silky skills are well suited.
A three-time premiership player with the Tigers, Peris is also a talented hockey player where his ability to read the play and convert scoring opportunities into goals can be merged into Australian football.
91. Tim Eldridge (Darwin)
A fearless go-ahead midfielder-defender who gives his side great drive right around the ground, Eldridge is one of the first Buffaloes picked for game duty.
His iconic leg speed and ability to take pack marks are crucial to the Double Blue jumpers, who thrive on pacy breakaways and quick transfer of the football.
90. Joel Jeffrey (Wanderers)
One of the standouts from a very strong crop in of Wanderers’ juniors who was always destined to take his game to the top level.
The son of Territory legend Russell, Jeffrey burst on to the scene in the Premier League where his x-factor and ability to play forward or back captivated Territory crowds.
Was drafted after several strong seasons with the Muk Muks, and alongside Malcolm Rosas Jr, has become one of the icons of the club’s connection with the Top End.
89. Brandan Parfitt (Nightcliff, Geelong)
A premiership player with the Cats in 2022, Parfitt was blessed with all the skills needed to succeed at the highest level of the game.
A champion schoolboy footballer and a genuine star with Nightcliff’s junior sides, he won the NTFL Rising Star award in 2016.
Parfitt’s time in the NTFL Premier League was very short, drafted by Geelong in 2016 as their first pick at the AFL National Draft.
88. Kieren Parnell (St Mary’s)
The consumate defender who can run with the smalls and contest with the talls, facets of his game that make him a favourite with the Saints faithful.
Suffered a serious knee injury 10 minutes into the 2015-16 Premier League grand final that required reconstruction surgery, a forerunner to an injury plagued career.
Loves to play on key forwards from opposition sides where he can run off them and turn defnce into attack in the twinkling of an eye
87. Shaun Wilson (Wanderers, Darwin, Nightcliff)
A big possession utility player who could run at the same pace for four quarters.
Wilson joined Nightcliff at the start of their premiership threepeat from 2018-20 where he was a key factor in grand final wins over Southern Districts and St Mary’s twice.
His hard running and clean use of the football set up a lot of goals and came off his own boot in a highly successful era for the Nightcliff faithful.
86. Brendan Kantilla (Tiwi Bombers)
Smart midfielder who can find the ball and play at both ends of the ground when called upon to do so.
Was a star for the Bombers throughout their down years, and has emerged as a clear league standout since being named captain for the 2023-24 season.
Racks up the possessions and puts his body on the line at every contest he finds himself in, and has the typical Tiwi flair to finish off many a move for himself.
85. Gerard Atkins (Sthn Districts, Waratah)
A premiership player with Southern Districts, the man they call “Jedda’’ after his big marking and long kicking career with the Crocodiles, became a popular cult figure at Fred’s Pass.
He won the Chaney Medal in Districts’ breakthrough grand final win over St Mary’s in 1997-98 and continued to thrill Top End fans with skyscraper marks for another decade after that.
84. Rob Turnbull (Waratah)
A creative midfielder who can play forward or back with his hard running and ability to find the football and do something with it.
Attracted the attention of WAFL club South Fremantle after his highly successful 2022-23 premiership campaign with Waratah and he is back to help the club in its bid for back-to-back flags.
83. Bradley Stokes (Darwin Buffaloes)
A close-checking defender who constantly puts his body on the line to give the Buffaloes an advantage.
Has the typical Stokes pace which helps him leave opposition players in his dust while good at picking out a target in the midfield.
Can play further forward as he has proven in recent weeks with a move into the forward line or midfield giving the Double Blues an extra avenue for future seasons.
82. Kevin Maroney (Darwin)
A clever defender who can run off an opponent and take a contested mark.
The No.12 guernsey at the Buffaloes has become synonymous with Maroney’s long runs and clean disposals by hand or foot in an era where leg speed and evasive skills are super important to the modern day footballer.
81. Liam Holt-Fitz (Nightcliff, Darwin, PINT)
The Katherine livewire has been a revelation in the NTFL since bursting on to the scene for the Nightcliff Tigers.
A goal sneak who has injected pace into every forward line he has been a part of, and cemented himself as a present star when he won the 2018-19 Chaney Medal in the Tigers first premiership.
His Territory accolades extends to premierships and best on ground showings in the Barkly, as well as top goal scorer medals in the Big Rivers league.
80. Kane Leerson (St Mary’s)
A premiership player from the Geelong region in Victoria, Leerson won the Chaney medal as the best player on the ground in Saints’ win over Wanderers in the 2013-14 decider.
An attacking half back flanker, Leerson could play through the middle with occasional runs up forward where his powerful kicking and strong marking were well suited.
79. Mark Tyrrell (Palmerston)
A two-time premiership captain at the Magpies in their glory years of the early noughties, Tyrrell was a lead-from-the front captain.
He could play as a key forward, in the ruck or ultimately through the middle, where his toughness around the ball and long kicking were big assets to the Magpies.
78. Nathan Djerrkura (Wanderers, Tiwi Bombers)
A skilful utility player who played his best football through the middle of the ground.
The silky skills of Djerrkura stood out at contested situations or when left unattended by opposition players, often turning defence into attack with his clever kicks and creative handball.
Had all the skills required to succeed at the elite level and Geelong soon pounced on the 18-year-old at the 2006 AFL Draft.
77. Danny Nolan (St Mary’s)
A four-time premiership full forward with the star studded St Mary’s side of the early to mid noughties, Nolan won the league goalkicking twice after teaming up with his brother and four-time premiership player Rick.
A fine mark and accurate kick who hailed from Wangaratta in central Victoria, Nolan joined an elite playing group at St Mary’s where he more than held his own.
76. Todd Cook (Wanderers)
A grand final player with the Eagles in his first season with the Muk Muks in 2004-05, Cook added the Chaney Medal as the best player on the ground to his playing resume.
Essentially a midfielder, Cook played the role of a rebounding centre half-back in the ‘04 decider where he had the rare distinction of winning the BOG medal in a losing side.
75. Darren Ewing (Palmerston, St Mary’s)
No mention of Territory football would be complete without outlining the goalkicking of Darren “Boof’’ Ewing for the Magpies, St Mary’s and Territory Thunder.
Ewing began as a defender with the Magpies but thrived in a goalkicking role when his coach, the late Darren Flanagan, moved him to the goalsquare in a move still talked about today.
He proceeded to kick more than 1100 goals with the three clubs, 700 of them coming in the black, white and ochre Thunder jumper where he bombarded opposition defenders for a decade.
74. Dylan Collis (Waratah)
Waratah’s resurgence and push towards their first premiership in 23 years coincided with a fresh set of players coming to the club, with Collis one of the best among them.
The 2023-24 captain can play both in the midfield and backline where he marshals one of the best defences in the league across the past few years.
Collis is also known as one of the big recruiters for the club with plenty of interstate connections, bringing key players north to play during the Wet Season comp.
73. Kim Kantilla (Tiwi)
The latest addition to Territory football’s long list of pacy Tiwi small forwards who is a constant danger to opposition defences with his leg speed, evasive skills and big appetite for goals.
A member of the island’s immensely talented Kantilla family, Kim played for Essendon’s VFL side in their loss to the NTFL last month where he impressed the Bombers coaching staff with his positive attitude and willingness to play four quarters of running football.
72. Paul Scanlon (Tiwi)
Arrived at the Tiwis as a veteran performer in several high profile leagues in Victoria, along with a big reputation as a player of extraordinary skill.
Scanlon let nobody down with his aggressive and highly efficient approach to the Top End game, peaking with his Chaney Medal performance in the Bombers’ breakthrough 2011-12 grand final win over Nightcliff.
71. Simon Munkara (Darwin, Wanderers, Tiwi Bombers)
The last of the original Tiwis when he called a halt to his playing career at the elite level after the 2019-20 NTFL season, Munkara was a legendary figure among his peers and rising youngsters who aspired to be like him.
He could play as a midfielder where he could find the football and use it to maximum effect, or start as a permanent forward where his powerful leading, strong marking and one-touch football made him a dangerous opponent for rival clubs.
70. Trent Melville (Nightcliff)
A lynchpin in Nightcliff’s era of dominance as a forward who could find goals in the biggest of matches.
Was the star of the show in the 2019-20 final scoring five goals, all coming at crucial moments, and rightly named the Chaney Medallist, before playing a starring role again the year after.
Took a head knock in the 2022-23 season which has left him sidelined since, and has become an advocate for concussion in sport since.
69. Jon Anstess (St Mary’s)
Multi-skilled nine-time premiership defender at St Mary’s who was rarely outmarked or outmuscled in a glorious career with the all-conquering Saints.
Retired from league football at the peak of his career, but still plays a part in the minor grades where the young players at St Mary’s can only admire his great skills and superb balance with the football in his hands.
68. Paddy Heenan (Tiwi Bombers, Palmerston)
Smart midfielder-defender who won a premiership at the Bombers with his explosive running and clean disposal by hand and foot.
A club captain at his beloved Bombers, he set the example for his Tiwi brothers with a lead from the front attitude that included his vast array of skills and the need to approach every contest with positive intent.
67. Mark McLean (Sthn Districts, St Mary’s)
Skilful midfielder and a premiership player at both clubs where his ability to win the ball out of the middle and drive it forward was a big asset in the heat of battle.
The son of former Western Bulldog and Brisbane Lion Michael McLean was always destined to play top level football where his athleticism and kicking to position helped Districts and St Mary’s stay at the top of the Premier League.
66. Brodie Carroll (Waratah)
A hard nut midfielder with a big engine who can contest with opposition smalls and run with the talls, assets that made him captain of the Gardens Oval club.
A creator and finisher in front of goals after learning his trade with the Big River Hawks in the NTFL junior grades before moving back to his birthplace in Darwin and linking up with Tahs.
65. Aaron Motlop (Wanderers)
A highly skilled midfield-half forward player who plied his trade with the NTFL Eagles, rival club Nightcliff and NT Thunder to the delight of fans from all three clubs.
Motlop always put his body over the ball and excelled in Wanderers’ 2011 grand final win over St Mary’s, where his hardness at the ball and high possession rate won him the Chaney Medal as the best player on the ground.
The Chaney Medal sat well with the premiership medallion that hung around Motlop’s neck, Wanderers’ first senior flag in 18 years.
Hard nut premiership midfielder and former captain who can run all day and win the hard ball with his attack on the football.
64. Dom Brew (Nightcliff, Darwin)
One of the hardest tacklers we’ve seen in the NTFL and a player who brought a real point of difference in his debut 2020-21 season.
He went on to dominate the Nichols Medal count that year, and his tackle stats proved how much of a menace he was in the midfield.
Has since gone on to captain the Werribee VFL side and picked up his best and fairest award for the club in 2023.
63. Braedon McLean (Wanderers)
Consistently high performer for Wanderers and a three-time NTFL representative captain where his poise and skill across half back and the centre always shone.
Has a big engine which means he can run all day, contest strongly on the ground and in the air and be a strong contributor in the clever transitional football the Eagles sides are known for.
62. Anthony Vallejo (St Mary’s)
They called Vallejo “Chopper’’ in his playing days and for 226 games in a green and gold jumper he took great pleasure in destroying reputations and egos of big name forwards.
Vallejo’s hard running and strong contested marking made him a valuable piece of the Saints’ defensive armoury, factors he later employed as a forward when he kicked 119 goals at the other end of the ground.
A five-time premiership player, Vallejo has moved into senior coaching where he has taken the all-conquering Saints to the ultimate prize in the Men’s Premier League.
61. Dion Grant (Nightcliff, Palmerston)
An unassuming defender who tied with Buffalo Brian Ross in voting for the prestigious Chaney Medal in the 2000-01 grand final, the Magpies’ first senior flag for 20 years.
Was strong in one-on-one contests despite his light build and loved to run off opponents when he got control of the football.
Grant also had a big supply of leg speed and the ability to get around would-be tacklers, important traits when judging class defenders in senior football.
60. Jayden Magro (Waratah)
A goalkicking full forward who plays the footy smarts when making leads out of the goalsquare when teammates like Abe Ankers, Lachlan Cassidy and Rob Turnbull are running down the ground.
Makes maximum use of his shots for goal with his deadly accurate left foot kicks and is not afraid to offload to teammates in a better position.
Already a three-time club leading goalkicker and a premiership player at Waratah, Magro’s love of the Top End game and hunger for goals and back-to-back premiership medallions has made him a favourite among fans of the red and whites.
59. Jackson Calder (St Mary’s)
Big marking spearhead from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula who has made a big impression in his time at the Saints.
The two-time Dennis Dunn winner has become the most prolific goal scorer in the league during the 2020s, outmarking pretty much every opposition he has faced.
The 2021-22 season was one of his best where he went to dominate the major count, and they didn’t stop coming during the finals series where he picked up the Chaney medal.
58. Matt Campbell (Darwin, North Melbourne)
The ultimate warrior, one of Alice Springs’ best football exports and a player who gives 110 per cent out on the playing arena.
CAFL club Pioneer, the Darwin Buffaloes and North Melbourne have benefited from Campbell’s presence.
The pacy breakaways, precise left foot kicking, clever positioning to outmark opponents and calculated offensive and defensive handball are all part of the Campbell resume.
57. Salim Hassan (Palmerston)
Clever half forward who was a brilliant performer in the Magpies’ 2001-02 grand final win as a midfielder-half forward.
Had leg speed to burn, a long kicking right foot and the ability to find the football in the middle of an angry pack or running on his own through the middle.
Spent four seasons as a Magpie, making it to grand final day on each occasion where he became a cult hero of those following the black and white stripes.
56. Jerry Frank (Palmerston, Darwin)
The player Magpie fans liked to call the “Wizard’’ with his dancing feet and explosive pace over the first 10 metres, the late Jerry Frank became an integral part of the Russell Jeffrey coached Palmerston side that played in four successive grand finals from 2000-2003.
A superb midfielder and two-time premiership player in his days as a Magpie, Frank could kick goals from anywhere forward of the centre or play as a close checking defender if required.
55. Edward Darcy (Palmerston, Tiwi Bombers)
A two-time premiership player with the great Magpie teams of the early noughties.
Darcy was the jewel in the crown of a hard running, long kicking Palmerston defence that dominated opposition forward lines for four seasons from 2000-2003.
Darcy’s coach at the Magpies, Russell Jeffrey, rated him the best footballer he had seen come out of the Tiwi Islands and for good reason.
54. Mitchel Taylor (Wanderers)
A premiership player with Wanderers and regular NTFL representative player where his constructive work in defence played a big part in grand final wins over St Mary’s in 2011 and ‘15 and representative wins over Glenelg and Woodville-West Torrens.
Taylor will be remembered as the rock that sunk many would-be goalkickers when his playing days wind down, a rare credit in Territory football where midfielders and goalkickers dominate.
A close checking backman who is always at the forefront when the contested ball has to be won, Taylor is also a strong one-on-one mark and superb kick.
53. Ashley Wedding (Sthn Districts)
A premiership player and century goalkicker with a deadly accurate left foot who was the cream on the cake for the Crocodile side that won the club’s second league premiership in 2006-07.
A full forward in the Jason Dunstall mould with his fast leads and highly efficient disposal when in range of the goals or in a position to pass the football to a teammate, Wedding broke open several defences with his ability to read the play.
He kicked 117 goals in Districts’ ‘07 premiership win, proof, if it were needed, of his great value to the side.
52. Nick Ingall (St Mary’s)
A two-time Chaney medallist in 2003 and ‘04 when the Saints beat Palmerston and Nightcliff to win back-to-back Premier League flags, Ingall’s work at centre half-forward paved the way for his sides wins.
A strong mark, either on the lead or in pack situations, Ingall’s finishing in front of goals and ability to bring teammates into the game were big parts of his game.
51. Linc Withers (Waratah, Sthn Districts, Nightcliff)
Hard nosed midfielder who took no prisoners with his straight ahead approach to the game.
Played in Waratah’s back-to-back premiership sides in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 and stayed a Warrior until the late noughties where his strength at contests and powerful kicking brought his teammates into the game.
Was a favourite of the Waratah faithful with his no-nonsense approach and the sight of an opponent between Withers and the ball created a big sense of anticipation for the fans.
50. Robert Campbell (Nightcliff)
A skilful ruck-defender who was at his best in big matches where his poise and ability to read the play were important ingredients to winning those matches.
Campbell won the Chaney Medal in the Tigers’ 2003-04 losing grand final against St Mary’s, displaying all the skill of a seasoned veteran against a Saints side used to playing in March deciders.
A strong overhead mark where he was rarely beaten in one-on-one contests, he gave his teammates an armchair ride with calculated handballs and kicks to position to set them on their way.
One of Tennant Creek’s finest sporting products, Campbell learned all of his early football with the powerful Spitifires side that has dominated the Barkly competition.
49. Justin Wilson (St Mary’s)
A hard nut midfielder from the Saints who played big parts in four grand final wins for the green and gold jumpers.
He won his first flag under Damian Hale’s coaching in 2003-04 and his last in 2015-16 when Shannon Rioli’s brilliant soccer goal in the dying minutes got the Saints home against hot favourites Wanderers.
Wilson’s attack on the football and fearless allround approach to the game resulted in some serious shoulder and facial injuries, but it played an important role in St Mary’s dominance throughout that period and endeared him to Saints fans.
48. Will Farrer (Sthn Districts)
A premiership player and a four-time league leading goalkicker with Districts, Farrer’s sensational high marking and deadly finishing with his renowned drop punt featured in many highlight reels in his time as a Crocodile.
Farrer reached 112 goals in the 2015-16 season, one dotted with a series of breathtaking marks and long goals that deflated even the best defenders in the league.
He joined a trio of 100-goal forwards from Fred’s Pass in the two decades Ashley Wedding and Damian Cupido also ruled the goalsquare for the NTFL Crocodiles.
47. Nick Yarran (St Mary’s, Darwin)
A genuine star of Territory football with his electrifying leg speed, superb goal sense and uncanny disposal of the football by hand and foot, Yarran has already enjoyed individual and team success.
A premiership player, NTFL Rising Star and NT News Player of the Year with St Mary’s and a boom recruit for the Darwin Buffaloes this season, the speedster is set to become one of greats to wear the prestigious double blue jumper.
Yarran’s work with another Buffalo magician, Jarrod Stokes, will quickly become legendary at the club, leaving rival coaches and opponents with a ton of defensive work to do on matchdays.
46. Eric Guthrie (Palmerston)
The 2021-22 Nichols medallist when he tied with Nightcliff defender Daniel Bowles, Guthrie’s time as an NTFL Magpie was full of highs.
A midfielder who could use the ball to the maximum value and win the hard ball with a minimum of fuss, Guthrie made sure his debut season in Darwin’s heat and humidity would be one to remember.
Originally from the tiny country hamlet of Harrow in western Victoria, Guthrie was a regular on Palmerston’s best player list every week due to his big appetite for the game and ability to find the football or create a target for his teammates.
Sadly for Magpie fans he decided the Magpies’ disappointing 2022-23 season would be his last as he sought playing opportunities in his home state.
45. Shannon Motlop (Wanderers, North Adelaide, North Melbourne)
A long kicking midfielder-forward who showcased his skills with SANFL club North Adelaide and AFL cousins North Melbourne.
A powerful runner and strong mark on the lead or in a pack situation, Motlop won a premiership with North Melbourne in 1999 after just seven games at the elite level.
From a family where all three sons of Eddie and Stephanie Motlop made the big step on to the national stage, Shannon’s trophy cabinet is overloaded with individual and team awards from elite and bush leagues across the south of the country.
It is a fitting tribute to a player who did it his way and achieved the ultimate in his chosen sport, including moving into senior coaching when his playing days were over.
44. Daniel Bowles (Nightcliff)
Recruited from Shepparton United in northern Victoria, Bowles’ decision to follow close mate Brodie Filo to the NTFL Tigers in 2018 paid handsome dividends for all parties.
He played in three premiership sides in as many seasons for the reborn Tigers and won the prestigious Nichols Medal in his fourth season.
Possessed with a thunderous left foot that can deliver the football on a sixpence to teammates further up the ground, Bowles’ superb reading of the play, big number of possessions and smart disposal caught the eye of the umpires voting on the leagues best and fairest award.
Bowles tied with Palmerston midfielder Eric Guthrie for the coveted award in the 2021-22 season, ensuring his name will always be associated with the glory years at Nightcliff Football Club.
43. Dion Munkara (Tiwi Bombers)
A highly skilled on-baller, half forward flanker who could slice an opposition defence to pieces in the blink of an eye.
Munkara was another player who could step off his left or right foot almost at will to leave his immediate opponent grasping at air as he streamed into goal with his traditional long strides.
A key player in the Tiwis’ 2011-12 premiership season when the then Leigh Crossman coached Bombers beat Nightcliff on a wet and humid night at TIO Stadium, Munkara was pipped at the post by eventual Chaney medallist Paul Scanlon after another exhilarating running game.
He took his skills to NT Thunder in the NEAFL competition and later played with South Fremantle in the WAFL where he showed the football pedigree of Tiwi footballers to fans in the west.
42. Nathaniel Paredes (St Mary’s)
Paredes won the NT News Player of the Year award in his first season with St Mary’s in an early indicator he was a player of great quality.
Paredes then added a premiership medallion and a club best and fairest award to his trophy cabinet in a frantic debut season that stamped him as a regular senior player.
At his best around the ball where he thrives in contested situations as an inside midfielder, Paredes makes a habit of emerging from angry packs with the football in his hand as he streams towards goal.
A representative player and a big game player for NT Thunder in the now defunct NEAFL competition, Paredes’ ability to lead from the front made him an automatic choice as St Mary’s captain.
41. Daniel Motlop (Wanderers)
A super skilled player who had a bagful of circus tricks he often used on matchdays with his one-touch football and uncanny ability to know where the ball was going.
A premiership player with Wanderers in 2014-15, Motlop was a thrill-a-minute player who put bums on seats and brought gasps from the crowd with his extraordinary skills.
Most of his highlights came from his good work in front of goals, including shots from a long way out or on “impossible’’ angles where he could kick goals from almost anywhere.
Despite his superb skills and smart moves, Motlop always possessed tremendous poise when confronted with an opponent and often mesmerised them with timely sidesteps or changes of pace.
40. Ryan Smith (Palmerston, St Mary’s)
One of the NTFL’s outstanding ruckmen in his time with St Mary’s, Ryan Smith was a 3-time premiership player with the Saints and a high quality NT Thunder premiership player.
Capable of big clearances from centre bounces or boundary throw-ins by sending the football long distances with a thumping punch or clever palming to his smalls, Ryan was the engine room that set up the midfield dominance of the great St Mary’s sides for 16 seasons.
He overcame foot and soft tissue injuries to reach the top of his trade, culminating on NTFL Grand Final day and again with NT Thunder in the Brisbane-based NEAFL competition.
The man they call “Scissors’’ has focused on coaching Women’s Premier League frontrunners St Mary’s in 2023-24 where his vast knowledge of the game and insistence on the right preparation has the Lady Saints primed for a big shot at their first flag since 2009-10.
39. Troy Coates (Nightcliff)
The 2011-12 Nichols medallist made the transition from country football with his hometown Kerang on the Murray River to Darwin’s fast running NTFL as easily as kicking a goal from right in front.
Coates had all the skills required to succeed in Australian football, from finding the football in pack situations or on his own, to kicking and handballing with surety and using superb evasive skills.
Winning premierships as a playing coach in northern Victoria became a habit for the slick moving Coates, nine in total from grand final wins in the Northern and Echuca and Bendigo leagues.
He was the coaching creator of the Nightcliff revival in the years where he preceded the Tigers’ premiership threepeat, a fact Tiger fans from all over the place will readily agree with.
38. Ben AhMat (Darwin, Sthn Districts, St Mary’s)
Ben AhMat won the 2002-03 Nichols medallist when wearing the double blue of the Darwin Buffaloes, one of several high points in a stellar playing career.
Essentially a midfielder where his ability to win the football or be on the end of a pass out of defence or at centre bounces were crucial to his side’s success, AhMat could run all day and kick the ball with great authority.
He was part of Districts’ 2006-07 premiership side when they beat Waratah in a game still spoken about for its toughness and hard-at-the-ball approach from both sides.
His Nichols Medal win four years earlier was just reward for his allround skills and footy smarts, ensuring Districts were glad to have him in their starting 18 through most of the noughties.
37. Nathan Brown (Nightcliff)
Brown led the Tigers out of the premiership wilderness in 2019 when his clever work in defence and insistence on leading from the front with a big dose of the footy smarts gave his side an important edge.
A popular skipper during Nightcliff’s premiership threepeat, Brown has had his injury and illness problems since arriving from Adelaide in 2012.
But he continues to make the half back line at Tigerland his own and take the opposition’s key forwards in a playing career that went past the 200-game mark this month.
Nightcliff knows his ability to spot up teammates after winning the football is a big factor in their continued success, no more so than in 2023-24 where the club is poised to leap into another finals series with a lot of confidence.
36. Colin Karpany (St Mary’s, Wanderers)
Colin “Tim’’ Karpany was a highly skilled player from South Australia’s Spencer Gulf region who lit up the NTFL competition in the early 2000s.
The 2003-04 Nichols medallist after a stellar season with Wanderers under coach Mark Motlop, Karpany and the Eagles fell a game short of the grand final that year, but bounced back by making the grand final a year later when St Mary’s beat them by 28 points.
Karpany had a big engine that allowed him to roam at will around the middle of the ground and across half forward, forming part of the Eagles’ renowned mosquito fleet that terrorised opposition runners who were regularly cut down the Muk Muks speedsters.
35. Brian Stanislaus (St Mary’s)
Brian “Broady’’ Stanislaus was entering the twilight of his brilliant career when he wore the famous No.8 jumper through the early noughties.
But he was still good enough to kick plenty of goals with his trusty right foot, most of them coming from enormous torpedo punts from a long way out or calculated snaps from a short distance or jammed up against the boundary line.
Stanislaus played 258 games in a green jumper, booting 776 goals in a glorious career that included eight premierships and seven leading goalkicker awards.
He pulled on the black, white and ochre Territory jumper 14 times in between brief careers at WAFL club East Perth, SANFL sides Port and West Adelaide and a single appearance with the Sydney Swans.
34. Tim Mosquito (Waratah)
Waratah recruited Mosquito from Turkey Creek in Western Australia’s Kimberley region and for three NTFL seasons from 2016 to 19 he performed feats on the football field only the highly skilled players can do.
The 2016-17 Nichols medallist with Tahs when he ran off a half back flank, Mosquito’s battle with elite runners like Tiwi Ross Tungatalum had footy fans lining up to watch him.
He could step off both feet and run down most opponents, pausing only to pick up the loose ball and run forward with it to launch another move into the Tahs forward line.
Mosquito never bothered with second or third disposal options when pursued by opponents, his way was in a straight line towards goal and one touch of the football.
33. Warren Berto (Nightcliff, Palmerston)
The late Warren Berto may have been a surprise winner of the 2007-8 Nichols medallist when he tied with St Mary’s midfielder Jarred Ilett for the league’s best and fairest award.
But one thing was certain, Berto had all the skills and ballgetting ability to rightfully place his name among the NTFL elite and his ‘07-08 medal winning season was proof of that.
An NTFL representative player, Katherine-born Berto could find space in any situation and swing on to his explosive left foot where he would send the football long distances.
His short passing was also a delight to watch, as was his marking and creative handball.
32. Beau O’Connell (Wanderers)
A clever left-footer who achieved the ultimate individual award in Territory football when he tied with Nightcliff’s Brodie Filo to win the 2019-20 Nichols Medal.
O’Connell tracked the football with a big degree of determination and skill, often turning defence into attack with his accurate kicking and ability to size up the situation.
With that skill and a high possession rate came some rough treatment from opposition players, something O’Connell never shirked from in his relentless pursuit of the football.
He had a football presence that commanded respect from opposition players and always finished in Wanderers’ best player list on matchdays.
31. Willie Rioli Jr (St Marys, Tiwi Bombers, Glenelg, South Fremantle, West Coast, Port Adelaide)
Another product of the Garden Point football factory that sends a Rioli into the world of Australian football on a regular basis, Willie Jr’s tremendous feel for the game and magnificent skills made him a walk-up for the elite list of NT footballers.
The youngest winner of the Chaney Medal when he starred as a 17-year-old in the Saints’ 2012-2013 grand final win over the Tiwi Bombers, Rioli Jr set himself to play AFL football with the same determination and skill that marked his late father Willie Sr.
His dad won the prestigious Nichols Medal at 16, setting a family standard his son achieved on a balmy night at TIO Stadium a decade ago.
30. Richard Tambling (Sthn Districts, Richmond, Sturt, NT Thunder)
Blessed with explosive leg speed and an uncanny ability to read the play, Tambling first turned out for Districts in underage competitions after arriving from Jabiru.
Pundits soon realised his potential after watching him at senior level, later speaking of him in glowing terms, including the very real possibility of joining an AFL club.
Richmond came knocking in 2004, drafting him as their first pick and 4th overall in that year’s national draft.
Tambling’s 108-game career at Tigerland ended in 2010 when he joined rivals Adelaide and later SANFL club Sturt where he won a club best and fairest.
He continued to give back to his former club Districts post the major leagues, playing some brilliant football in between a stint with NT Thunder in the NEAFL where he won a best and fairest award.
29. Damian Cupido (Sthn Districts)
The 2013-14 NTFL leading goalkicker in Premier League with a league record 140 goals, South African born Cupido tore opposition defenders apart in his brief career with Districts.
A powerful contested mark or comfortable on a lead, he could kick goals from a long way out or snap them from impossible angles with his trusted left foot.
Cupido played at the elite level with AFL clubs Brisbane and Essendon before embarking on a journeyman career in Victorian country football.
But for one special season and parts thereafter, he was the talk of Darwin town and the NTFL, setting a goalkicking standard that only the great players can hope to replicate.
28. Jed Anderson (Sthn Districts, Darwin, North Melbourne, Hawthorn)
A big possession getter with a Hammer of Thor left foot that propels the football to far flung regions of a playing arena, Jed Anderson continues to thrill a generation of fans.
A leader of men even at a young age when he led the 2012 NT Thunder under-18 side to a national championship win, Anderson makes maximum use of the football when he gets hold of it, inflicting serious damage on the scoreboard and among his opponents.
Cut down with leg and shoulder injuries in his 99-game career at the top level with the Kangaroos and the Hawks, the man they call “Ando’’ is back doing what he does best in the NTFL where he learned his craft as a youngster at the Darwin Buffaloes.
The winner of the best on ground medal in the NTFL’s win over Essendon’s VFL side last month, Anderson is poised to play a major role in Districts’ bid for a fourth senior flag.
27. Aaron Davey (Palmerston and Melbourne)
Aaron (Flash) Davey was as explosive with his left foot kicking as he was with his iconic leg speed.
A product of the Palmerston Magpies family that began with his late father Alwyn (Gunny) Davey in the mid 1970s and continues to this day with his nephews, Aaron Davey remains one of the crown jewels of the early noughties football in the Top End.
Whether he found space with his pace and poise or was left unattended by naive and unwary opponents, Aaron was deadly around goals where he made his rivals pay for their lack of bodily attention by hitting the scoreboard or setting up teammates with brilliant foot passing.
A born leader of men, he was made vice-captain of the AFL Demons and forged a premiership winning coaching career in the Cairns competition when his elite playing days were over.
26. Mathew Stokes (Geelong, Palmerston)
A small forward who took the national competition by storm when he joined Geelong from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens in the 2005 national draft.
A champion schoolboy and underage representative footballer, Stokes won a league premiership medallion with his beloved Magpies at just 14 years of age after dominating in junior ranks with the black and white stripes.
He won selection in the All-Australian under-17 side in 2001, joining future AFL stars Luke Hodge, Nick Dal Santo and Luke Ball on the road to the elite level.
A Geelong premiership player in 2007 when he made a miraculous recovery from a knee injury in the first quarter when he landed awkwardly when attempting to jump over his brother-in-law Peter Burgoyne, Stokes played 189 games in the blue and white hoops before an 11-game career at Essendon took his tally to 200 before calling a permanent halt to his career.
25. James McNamee (Wanderers)
The story of James McNamee in Northern Territory football can be captured in one glorious season, the 2010-11 NTFL campaign, when he won the Nichols Medal as the league’s best and fairest player.
A premiership player in the Eagles’ 28-point win over St Mary’s in the same season, Victorian McNamee’s hard hitting running defensive style, strong marking and kicking to position made him a key player at Wanderers.
He could play across half back or through the middle where his aggression and ability to find the football, together with smart delivery of the football to teammates further up the ground caught the attention of football pundits and the Eagles faithful.
McNamee was a very good reader of the play, capable of intercept marks or a crucial defensive punch or tap that kept the football away from opposition players.
24. Raphael Clarke (St Mary’s)
The Chaney medallist in probably the greatest NTFL Grand Final ever played when his Saints blew a three-goal lead against Nightcliff late in normal time of the 2020-21 decider, Raphael Clarke was one of his club’s most watchable players.
Playing as a starting or chop-out ruck, key defender or pinch hitting goalkicker up forward, the second Clarke brother to make the top 10 as an AFL draftee played nine seasons with AFL club St Kilda and was never short on skill and courage.
A 4-time premiership player with St Mary’s, three of those flags coming after he left the AFL Saints, was testament to his allround football ability and great skill after narrowly missing an AFL premiership medallion in 2009.
The ‘20-21 NTFL grand final will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to watch it, particularly the last thrilling few minutes when Clarke stood as tall as himself to win the best on ground medal in a losing side.
23. Thomas Motlop (Wanderers, Nightcliff, PINT)
Thomas Motlop could play up forward or down back depending on his team’s requirement and the type of opposition in front of him.
A two-time premiership player with Wanderers and the 2014-15 Chaney medallist on the same night they beat St Mary’s in a big grand final upset, the big marking, fast leading Motlop’s strong marking and accurate goalkicking was a serious problem for opposition backmen.
When he played in defence he was a different player, always alert to fast leading forwards and capable of grabbing intercept marks almost at will.
22. Phillip Wills (Darwin, Nightcliff, Palmerston)
The 2018-19 Nichols medallist and 3-time premiership player with his second NTFL club Nightcliff, the man they call “Willsy’’ has stamped his name on the long list of talented Territory footballers.
The player who began his league career with the Darwin Buffaloes before moving on to Nightcliff and representative football where he has thrived in the NTFL sides and the NEAFL with NT Thunder, Wills is quick to size up the situation on the footy field when the ball is in his hands.
He can fire out an offensive handball with a minimum of fuss or kick to position and a leading teammate in order to get his side moving forward.
A big possession getter, Wills has been cut down by groin and leg problems in recent seasons, but he continues to direct operations at his third club Palmerston where the Magpies have made him captain.
21. Shane Tipuamantimirri (Waratah, Glenelg, South Fremantle, Tiwi Bombers)
Tiwi islander Shane Tipuamantimirri was always destined to play the game at the highest level.
The Tiwi ‘s first and so far, only Nichols medallist when he won the NTFL’s prestigious individual award in 2012-13, Shane’s father Michael Heenan was a star midfielder with the former North Darwin.
The man they call “Tippa” played a key role in the Bombers’ 2011-12 grand final win over Nightcliff and later coached his former teammates when his playing days came to an end.
A premiership player with WAFL club South Fremantle after learning his trade with NTFL club Waratah and moving on to SANFL club Glenelg, Tipuamantimirri’s electrifying pace and skilful use of the football by hand and foot galvanised footy fans in three states.
20. Jarrod Stokes (Darwin)
When the word entertainment is used in the Northern Territory Football League, one player fits that description down to a tee.
Jarrod Stokes, a Chaney medallist when the Buffaloes lost to Southern Districts by a single point in the 2017-18 grand final, can lay claim to being his club’s most dominant player over the last decade, a fitting description for this star player.
A regular NTFL representative player, his tremendous leg speed and giant appetite for goals, most of them on the run, place him in the highest category of league footballers.
The modern day footy fans begin a crescendo of applause when Stokes gets hold of the football through the middle of the ground and accelerates towards goal.
19. Matt Cannard (Sthn Districts)
A prolific midfielder with the Crocodiles who reached his peak at the end of the first decade of the 2000s, Matt Cannard will be remembered as a player who gave 110 per cent to his craft.
The 2009-10 Nichols medallist and a premiership player under Districts coach Michael McLean in 2006-07, Cannard won representative honours for the NTFL and was part of NT Thunder’s inaugural side.
Originally from the Geelong Football League, Cannard possessed the poise and anticipation with the ball in hand only the class players can boast.
He was as tough as nails and a fierce competitor in pack situations or one-on-one duels, factors that endeared him to a legion of Crocodile fans.
18. Heath Culpitt (St Marys, Waratah)
Two-time premiership Saint Heath Culpitt’s playing resume entitles him to be placed in the top echelon of NTFL footballers to grace Top End grounds since the early noughties.
Essentially a one-touch footballer with a big appetite for the footy, Culpitt spent three seasons with AFL giants Carlton before finding his way to St Mary’s via Bendigo Football League club Castlemaine and SANFL club Glenelg.
He won the Nichols Medal as the NTFL’s best and fairest player in 2005-06, the same season St Mary’s lost the grand final to a Darryl White inspired Buffalo side, Culpitt later teamed up with a former Carlton teammate Linc Withers at Waratah.
They were joined by another Blue, Carlton’s dual Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola, for a brief period at Gardens Oval where Fevola entertained the masses with some spectacular goalkicking.
17. Bruce Jarmyn (Sthn Districts)
The 2001-02 Nichols medallist in his playing days as a Crocodile, Bruce Jarmyn brought fans through the gates with his great skills and run and carry with the football.
A two-time premiership player with Districts and a brilliant NTFL representative player, Jarmyn performed feats with the football no mere mortal could replicate.
Rarely beaten in one-on-one contests when the football was up for grabs, he could turn on a five-cent piece after getting his hands around the ball and deliver it lace up to teammates.
And opponents soon learned any pursuit by foot was a waste of time and energy with Jarmyn’s long strides and ability to turn on either foot keeping him well clear of danger.
16. Jackson Geary (St Mary’s)
The 2015-16 Chaney medallist in St Mary’s grand final win over fierce rivals Wanderers, Jackson Geary’s class and high possession rate in every game when he pulled on the green and gold jumper ensured he will be remembered fondly by the Saints faithful.
Originally from Bendigo in central Victoria, Geary was born into a football family and continued the tradition with a series of outstanding games at home and interstate.
Many of them were in the Top End where his superior fitness, exquisite disposal skills and uncanny ability to find the footy were big weapons in his armoury.
Always on the fringe of AFL lists, he won selection in the VFL side to play Ireland in an International Rules game a decade ago where using the round ball among a series of new rules proved no problem.
15. Darryl White (Pioneer, Rovers, Brisbane Lions, Darwin Buffaloes, Sthn Districts, St Marys)
One of Australian football’s great journeymen, Alice Springs born Darryl White will always be remembered as a champion player who took the game to the people with his extraordinary skills.
A three-time premiership player with the Brisbane Lions in their AFL premiership threepeat from 2001-03, White has played for clubs right across Australia in between successful stints in the Northern Territory’s NTFL and CAFL competitions.
His Inspector Gadget leaps that resulted in skyscraping marks, run and carry with the football and ability to pinpoint teammates in offensive positions by hand and foot are legendary in the Australian game.
He won premierships with Pioneer, Darwin Buffaloes (Chaney medallist) and Southern Districts at both ends of the NT and wore the Territory’s representative colours with distinction.
14. Steven Motlop (Wanderers, Geelong, Port Adelaide, PINT)
A highly skilled half forward-midfielder in an AFL career that spanned 14 seasons with the Cats and the Power, Motlop began his career at Wanderers and is likely to finish it in the blue and gold colours.
As a youngster Motlop dominated underage competitions with Wanderers, traits he took into national championships despite nagging shoulder injuries and subsequent surgery.
While he played 217 games for both AFL clubs and a series of finals matches, there was a tinge of sadness in his career when his playing record included five losing preliminary finals.
Possessed with magnificent run and carry skills, dazzling evasive skills and a supreme kicking style, Motlop was a clever finisher in front of goals, even in his early years as a junior at Wanderers where he was tagged a future AFL player by coaching staff and footy fans.
13. Abraham Ankers (Waratah, Federal)
A premiership player with both clubs of the red and white jumper variety, Ankers has been a jewel in the crown of Territory football in its south and north regions for at least a dozen years.
Possessed with a high revolution bodily engine that never runs out of fuel and fires his desire to pursue and get hold of the football, Ankers is a must pick in any club or representative side.
Always at a contest where the football is in dispute, be that a rival player or a big pack, Ankers has made a habit of spinning out of trouble with the ball in hand and running hard towards goal.
His run and carry is of the highest order and in line with the late and great Jack Dyer’s summary of a player prepared to work on his game, Ankers is always where the ball is, as compared to the flashy player who has a habit of being where the ball “aint”.
12. Alwyn Davey (Palmerston, South Adelaide, Essendon)
They called Alwyn Davey Sr the “Froggy’’ when he began cutting up NTFL football grounds and later those across the SANFL with South Adelaide and the pinnacle with club Essendon.
A 100-game player with Essendon, Davey’s leg speed and appetite for goals combined with ferocious defensive tackling made him the ideal small forward for the Bombers.
Kicking goals from any angle was the Palmerston Magpies product’s speciality, with his first Anzac Day match against Collingwood in 2007 in front of 90,000 fans a special day when he was nominated twice in one game for the AFL goal of the year.
His century of games as a player qualified his sons as automatic selections for Essendon under the father-son rule, a record the Bombers swooped on when they engineered his twin boys Alwyn Jr and Jayden into joining the red and black army.
11. Dylan Landt (St Marys)
The reigning Nichols medallist and a favourite to join the greats of the Territory game by winning back-to-back “Joeys” as the league’s best and fairest player, Landt is from the top shelf when singling out inspirational leaders and club captains in the 108-year history of the NTFL.
A premiership player with the Saints in 2021-22, and a runaway winner of the coveted NT News player of the year award the season before, Landt often demands the football from teammates and in 95 per cent of cases, usually does something positive with it.
His powerful left foot kicking, evasive runs, strength in packs and creative handball will be big weapons when the 33-time premiership Saints set their sights on flag No.34 in a month’s time.
10. Shannon Rioli (St Mary’s, NT Thunder and Tiwi Bombers)
The name alone should alert footy fans to the skill and pace of St Mary’s dynamo Shannon Rioli.
A player who can mix it with the smalls and talls when the ball is in the middle of an angry pack and up for grabs or run and carry the football long distances and kick the ball with pinpoint acccuracy over short or long distances.
Rioli’s six premierships as a player with his beloved Saints and two with NT Thunder in Queensland’s NEAFL competition lifts him into the highest bracket of NT footballers who have dominated the last quarter of a century.
The son of another St Mary’s icon in former Imalu, South Fremantle and Saints great Sebastian Rioli, Shannon was a key player in the NEAFL flags, imposing his skill and leg speed on the Brisbane based competition where he was among the best players in both grand finals.
9. Kelvin Maher (Sthn Districts, Wanderers, South Alice)
A dual Nichols medallist and premiership player with the all-powerful NTFL Crocodiles, Kelvin Maher also put his spell on Alice Springs’ CAFL, where he dazzled fans of all ages with his explosive leg speed and extraordinary one-touch football.
A modest man who preferred to let his on-field exploits do most of the talking for him, Maher was a superstar with Districts and Wanderers in the north and Souths in the Alice Springs competition.
A regular in NTFL representative sides because of his matchwinning abilities, Maher was rarely caught with the ball as he sped away from opponents after twisting and turning to get out of trouble.
A popular player with his own fans and the opposition, Maher disregarded his small frame when contesting the ball, often winning it through strength and determination.
8. Ross Tungatalum (St Marys, Tiwi Bombers, NT Thunder)
If there has been a better mover on the football field than former Tiwi and Saint Ross Tungatalum, Top End footy fans would love to see them.
Essentially a half forward-midfielder, Tungatalum’s spine tingling runs on the wide expanses of TIO Stadium were worth their weight in gold and his finishing when in range of the goals was even better.
The only Tiwi Bomber to be named in NT Thunder’s team of the decade, Tungatalum spent a season at AFL club St Kilda in 2009 via the rookie draft where their coach Ross Lyon did not think he was good enough to play league football.
Lost to the NTFL competition when he had many good years left as a player, Tungatalum will be remembered as one of the very best at applying his footy crafts.
7. Matthew Dennis (Palmerston, Sthn Districts)
Matthew Dennis made an instant impact on Territory football when his high leaping ruckwork and phenomenal run and carry as a big man made him a standout player at the Palmerston Magpies.
More of the old fashioned ruck rover with his great mobility, Dennis is rarely manned up by opposition big men away from centre bounces and boundary throw-ins, meaning he can run all over the ground chasing marks and kicks.
He won the NT News Player of the Year award in his first season as a Magpie despite being shunned by the umpires at Nichols Medal time with their focus on midfielders as the main vottegetters.
Dennis bounced back into focus with the field umpires following a superb 2022-23 season, finishing behind the brilliant Landt in voting for the Nichols Medal and winning the Chaney Medal as a Southern Districts player in their grand final loss to Waratah.
6. Brodie Filo (Nightcliff, Waratah)
Bendigo-born Filo continues to display a high level of skill, possession rate and game intensity a decade after he landed in Darwin as a Waratah player.
But Filo has played his best football in the yellow and black of Nightcliff by adding his name to the list of two-time winners of the coveted Nichols Medal as the best and fairest player in the Premier League.
Three premiership medals in as many seasons (2019-21) were further proof of the effectiveness of this livewire player in the Tigers’ No.23 jumper.
A regular NTFL representative player, Filo’s long kicking and powerful running has become an integral part of Nightcliff’s gameplan, often kicking goals from a long way out or setting them up with prestigious kicks to position and pinpoint foot passing from the middle of the ground.
5. Jarred Ilett (St Mary’s)
The man they called “Bulldog’’ won the Premier League’s top individual player award twice in a playing career that took in a great era for St Mary’s Football Club.
Ilett won five premiership medallions, two of them as captain and added the Chaney Medal to his playing resume in 2008-09 when the Saints won another Premier League flag.
A strong, hard hitting midfielder-on-baller, Ilett never shirked a contest in the air or on the ground, where he played his best football in a green and gold Saints jumper and the black, white and ochre of Territory Thunder.
He was Thunder’s inaugural captain from 2009-10 and played under his brother Cameron in their breakthrough premiership in 2011.
4. Shannon Rusca (Sthn Districts)
The present-day coach of Southern Districts and dual premiership player was one of the Premier League’s elite players from an early age.
The 2006-07 Nichols medallist in his club’s premiership season when he was crowned the NTFL’s best and fairest player, he played a crucial role under coach Michael McLean in guiding Districts to a flag the same year.
Now a two-time premiership player with his beloved Crocodiles and a premiership coach, the long runs, thumping kicks and creative handball that personified Rusca the player became shining jewels of the NTFL competition.
From the late 1990s until his retirement two years after Districts’ 2006-07 flag, Rusca’s No.7 jumper inspired his teammates and instilled fear and trepidation into his rivals.
He continues to give back to the Premier League as a hands-on premiership coach, steering Districts to a thrilling one-point win over the Darwin Buffaloes in a rare Wednesday night grand final in March of 2018.
3. Peter MacFarlane (St Mary’s)
“Noodles’’ MacFarlane was an important member of the St Mary’s sides that dominated the NTFL competition from 2005-16.
Those years also amounted to MacFarlane’s playing days at a club where he won the Nichols Medal in a premiership year (2013-14) in between the seven premiership medallions he added to his resume.
A big marking centre half-forward in an era who was heavily involved on matchdays despite the key forward spot being often bypassed by teammates running down the ground, MacFarlane was also a highly talented ruckman.
His leadership skills were also first class, captaining the Saints to four premierships in his time at the top.
Originally from Sale in Victoria’s Gippsland region, MacFarlane joined the Saints almost unnoticed in 2001 from SANFL club Glenelg but quickly established himself as one of the competition’s elite.
2. Iggy Vallejo (St Mary’s)
Ignatius (Iggy) Vallejo was the ideal model of what longevity, courage and big doses of skill can achieve in the rough and tumble of Australian football, Northern Territory style.
Vallejo’s league record 361-game career in a Saints jumper, combined with another 14 on representative duties, make him a genuine icon of the northern game.
It is a games record that in all likelihood will never be broken, a lasting accolade to one of Northern Territory football’s greatest players.
Best suited to a wing or half back flank in his playing days where his run and carry, long kicking and uncanny ability to read the play were invaluable to the great St Mary’s sides of the 1990s and 200os, Vallejo won the NTFL’s highest individual award, the Nichols medal, in 2008-09 and played in 10 premiership sides with the No.4 Saints jumper on his back.
Never one to put his name in front of the media, he was dubbed “Mr Reliable’’ at the Saints where success continues to breed more success and great players.
1. Cameron Ilett (Nightcliff, St Mary’s)
A dual Nichols medallist as the best and fairest player in the NTFL’s Premier League and a nine-time premiership player with St Mary’s (six) and Nightcliff (three), Cameron Ilett stands at the top of a long list of NTFL players.
Consistency, a tremendous work ethic and great poise on and off the field, combined with all the skills and courage needed to succeed in the great game of Australian football, makes him the best player in the competition in the last 25 years.
Add a Chaney medal, six-time NT Thunder and club best and fairest awards at his two NTFL clubs and even more substance can be applied to a playing resume of the highest order.
It’s been a long time, 23 years if you add them up, since Darwin-based NTFL fans first got to see the youngest Ilett brother ply his trade in the far north and for them, it has been a giant treat to be cherished for all time.
Cameron Ilett’s move to Nightcliff from St Mary’s in 2017 caused a lot of discussion among footy fans and some heavy on-field treatment from former teammates, but he accepted it with all the composure and maturity that has characterised his time in the game.
Ilett’s on-field exploits may not have peaked at an AFL club, a fact those same fans and a legion of football experts still cannot comprehend, but for the disciples of our game, the long journey has been one of several highs on an NTFL landscape that will always remember him.
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Originally published as The top 100 NTFL Men’s Premier League players since 2000
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