Buffaloes coach Matt Campbell eyes a grand final rematch with an in-form St Mary’s side

THE very real prospect of a Darwin Buffaloes-St Mary’s NTFL grand final has Buffs coach Matt Campbell licking his lips

Darwin Buffaloes playing coach Matt Campbell. Picture: Grey Morris.

THE very real prospect of a Darwin Buffaloes-St Mary’s NTFL grand final has Buffs coach Matt Campbell licking his lips in anticipation.

The two great rivals have not met in a premiership decider since 2006 when Darryl White inspired the double blue guernseys to their 23rd Premier League flag.

But Campbell can see a lot of positives in both sides despite the mid season dominance of reigning premier Nightcliff.

“There’s a bit of excitement around that says we could see a Darwin Buffaloes-St Mary’s grand final this year,’’ Campbell told the NT News.

“We’ve got the likes of Jarrod Stokes, Joey Anderson, Kevin Maroney and Daniel Stafford running into some great form.

“And Chopper (St Mary’s coach Anthony Vallejo) has got blokes that have been around the club for a while playing some great footy.

“I’m talking about Shannon and Ben Rioli, while Jack Geary has come back, Ryan Smith looks like he’s turned back the clock and (Nate) Paredes is leading the way.

“Then there’s (Jackson) Calder who looks a likely type up forward and (David) Armitage is involved a lot.’’

Campbell missed last week’s 14-point loss to the Tiwi Bombers to attend his uncle Lance White’s 60th birthday in Alice Springs.

“Not a lot of people realise the team we served up for the Tiwis had 13 changes,’’ he said.

Campbell will be one of four major additions for Saturday’s 2.30pm clash with the Saints.

“For me St Mary’s is the in-form team,’’ Campbell said. “I know Nightcliff has only lost one game but from what I’ve seen the green and gold are right up there.

“Plus this is the first time in a long time the Buffaloes and St Mary’s have been in the top five for a couple of years.’’