All the top performers from the DHL 2023 A and B grade preliminary finals

The NT News sports team has compiled the top 20 performers from the four thrilling preliminary Darwin Hockey League finals last Saturday. Find out who made it from your side below.

Following the four thrilling preliminary Darwin Hockey League finals last Saturday, the NT News sports team has compiled the top 20 performers from across the night. Find out who made it from your side below.

B-GRADE WOMEN

Stephenie Reeves: Commerce’s go to in the midfield, Reeves made a number of counterattacking runs slicing through Banks’ midfield with great ball control.

Samara Modra: A nimble midfielder, Commerce’s Modra scored the opening goal of the game after she dribbled around Banks’ defence, slotting the ball in the bottom right corner.

Banks player Melissa Harkness (left). Photo: Keri Megelus.

Melissa Harkness: A defensive wall at the back, Harkness commanded her troops around the field and made a few crucial one-on-one tackles as the last defender.

Beth Stripling: Partnering Harkness in the defensive line, Stripling hit a number of timely clearances to get her side out of trouble and put her body on the line multiple times in blocking situations.

Jessica Nunn: One of the smallest player’s on the field, Nunn was one of the toughest. Not only bumping off player’s twice her size, her speed proved troublesome for Commerce all game.

B-GRADE MEN

Simon Wallace: Whether it was his no-look passes, through the legs crosses or lack of shin-guards, Wallace was involved in everything all game, scoring a goal for his efforts.

Daniel Hayes: With his long curly locks on full display, Hayes was very solid in defence and snagged two goals in a winning effort.

Peter Pangquee: Striking an absolute beauty off of a penalty corner to level the score for Banks (1-1), Pangquee was a threat all night down the wing with a number of big plays defensively also.

Nathan Trindall: A tank at the back, Trindall was easily one of the best on ground. His goal in the dying seconds of the fourth – a top-bins chop off a set piece – sent the game into extra-time.

Cooper Ranie: Speedy and nimble with good handling skills, Raine tormented Banks’ defensive edges, setting up a goal after cutting around the back,putting in a soft touch pass to his forward a metre out from the goal line.

A-GRADE WOMEN

Zita Varatharajan: A big body in the middle of the park, with a very authoritative and physical style of play, Varatharajan provided good service to her forwards, in addition to her well-timed defensive reads.

Commerce's Shana Casimiro.

Shana-Ann Casimiro: A disciplined, no-nonsense player in defence, her one-on-one tackles and long-ball service was on point.

Gabriella Parker: Involved in nearly everything all around the park, the ‘Tah was a workhorse who gave 110 per cent in a losing effort.

Joanna Howie: With quick feet and ball skills, Howie was her side’s go-to attacking threat, and was unlucky not to have a goal next to her name.

Stephenie Reeves:Standing on her proverbial head all night long, Reeves came up with half-a-dozen goal saving efforts off open play and set pieces, the catalyst for Commerce making the grand final.

A-GRADE MEN

Karl Hochman: The defender was one of the best on ground through his tough, aggressive defensive style and his ability to create counter attacking situations off the back of his strong defence. He also netted a goal from the penalty spot.

Riley Butcher: The 16-year-old had an absolute game. He made critical saves that kept his side in the game and again delivered under pressure.

Zach Rakkas: The star of the show and the most exciting player on ground, the big number one scored two brilliant individual goals and was huge in his side’s winning effort.

Dane Gavranich (white top) of the Thundersticks in action. Photo: Richard Wainwright)

Dane Gavranich: Captain coach Gavranich did it all. From insane runs out of his own end and gutsy efforts in the back, the ‘Tahs number 30 lead from the front.

Nathan Hochman (vc): Continuing his regular season form, the Easts talisman scored a couple of goals and busted a gut in a losing effort.