NTFL: The Victorian local footy stars lighting up the Top End
Victorian local footy stars are testing themselves in the Northern Territory Football League this summer. Here’s who is having a big impact.
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While it might be the off-season for some, a number of Victorian local footballers have made the trek north to the Northern Territory.
And the stars of our metropolitan competitions are certainly making their mark felt.
Leader Local Footy breaks down the Victorians putting together impressive seasons in the Northern Territory Football League.
Conor Bowden (Southern Districts)
Five appearances and two goals for Districts’ reserves including a standout showing against Palmerston has told the tale of Bowden’s season up north to date, following five senior matches for Warrandyte in the Eastern league’s Division 3 this year.
Jackson Calder (St Mary’s)
The man from Mornington continues to dominate in the Top End. After a best-on-ground display in St Mary’s grand final victory in March, the spearhead has begun the new season like a rocket, slotting 23 goals in eight games to lead the Premier League standings.
Sam Fowler (St Mary’s)
The Dromana premiership star and Collingwood VFL livewire has quickly made an impact in the Top End, providing the Saints with a shot of energy to help put their season back on track after they lost three of their first four games.
Declan Griffin (Banks)
Has lit it up in the Division 1 senior so far, featuring among the best in two matches (Tracy Village, Nightcliff) across his six appearances, following 11 for Knox’s reserves in the Eastern league’s Division 2 this year.
Darcy Hope (Waratah)
After booting 50 goals to help Karingal reach the MPNFL Division 2 grand final, Hope headed north to experience footy in the Top End – and he’s made an impact. With 14 goals and a couple of best-on-ground displays, Hope has helped the Tahs to top spot.
Neville Jetta (Palmerston)
Limited to just five games for Palmerston so far but the former Melbourne defender is making a significant impact. The Bundoora Bull turned Magpie – for the summer at least – has been named in the best on four occasions.
Tom North (Nightcliff)
The Carlton VFL young gun and Vermont aligned midfielder had 39 disposals in his last outing for Premier outfit Nightcliff and is averaging 19.5 across two appearances, featuring in the best each time.
Luke Oborn (St Mary’s)
The boy from Crib Point has become an integral part of the reigning premier’s backline, featuring in the best players in five of eight games this season. He played against the great Gary Ablett Jr last month.
Liam Read (Jabiru Bombers)
The Caroline Springs big man has played just one game for the Jabiru Bombers in Division 1 back in October and put together a stunning display to be named best on ground. It’s unclear if he’ll play again.
James Ross (Banks Bulldogs)
The Vermont defender has featured twice for the Banks Bulldogs’ reserves. He’s one of the Eastern league’s brightest young talents, playing 12 games for Vermont for eight mentions in the best this season.
Pat Ross (Jabiru Bombers)
Ross, of Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District league, has played eight games for the Jabiru Bombers so far this year and been in the best on five occasions.
Nathan Scagliarini (Tiwi Bombers)
After an outstanding season with Mt Eliza in the MPNFL, the former VFL Dolphin has lined-up in three games for the Bombers alongside former AFL star Harley Bennell.
Matt Shannon (Southern Districts)
Has headed north after a frustrating season for Glenroy in the Essendon District league and played a standout role for Southern Districts in Premier Division. The Carlton VFL man has kicked eight goals in as many matches including four against Waratah back in round 3.
Ethan Smith (PINT)
Since jumping in a car with a bunch of Crib Point mates and driving 3000km to escape Covid lockdown in early 2020, Smith has been enjoying a football adventure, playing in both Cairns and Darwin – and he continues to impress.
Robbie Turnbull (Waratah)
The former Mt Eliza and Frankston VFL ball magnet has made a name for himself up north, starring in both the Cairns and Northern Territory leagues. He’s again racking up possessions and clearances for the ladder leading Tahs.
Liam Whelan (Darwin Buffaloes)
The versatile key position player from East Ringwood has played five matches and kicked six goals for the Buffaloes, who sit fifth on the ladder with a 4-3-1 record. He featured in seven matches in the Eastern league’s Division 1 this season and has spent time with Coburg in the VFL.
Silver Yousif (PINT)
An Avondale Heights talent with plenty of x-factor, Yousif has made a strong impression for PINT with nine goals from nine matches.
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