Prolific goalkicker Darren Ewing being pursued by NTFL clubs after indicating he is moving north

NIGHTCLIFF president Mark Dodge has played down suggestions prolific goalkicker Darren Ewing may be headed to the NTFL premier

Darren Ewing spins toward goal while the Southport defence runs the other way in a NEAFL clash at TIO Stadium. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF president Mark Dodge has played down suggestions prolific goalkicker Darren Ewing may be headed to Tigerland.

Ewing booted 780 goals for Territory Thunder in the former NEAFL club’s 11-year tenure in the Brisbane based competition and has 376 in the NTFL with Palmerston and St Mary’s take him over the 1000-game mark in Top End football.

Ewing has been linked with his former club St Mary’s and Nightcliff after confirming he was returning to Darwin to live after two years away.

But he was noncommittal when contacted by the NT News, saying only that his family was and always remained his No.1 priority when returning to Darwin.

“I am coming back to Darwin around September, but I’m not sure where I’ll be playing footy,’’ he said. “I just want to get back up there and get settled first and once I’m organised with the family and if I get the itch to play, I’ll pull the boots on.’’

Dodge has not spoken to Ewing — who won Thunder’s goalkicking every season they played in the NEAFL and QAFL from 2009-19 — but the Tigers’ boss conceded members of his recruiting staff could have.

“Obviously we’d love to have a player of Darren’s ability on board, but I’m equally sure seven other clubs will be pretty interested too,’’ Dodge added.

“He’s got all the skills required to play NTFL footy for sure, particularly with a lot less fly-ins due up here with the coronavirus restrictions.’’

Meanwhile, Dodge said premiership Tiger Michael Hagan was still a required player, despite publicly stating in the NT News he wanted to return home to the Darwin Buffaloes.

“Michael told our (premiership) captain Phillip Wills he wasn’t going to Buffs and now the story in the paper says he is headed back there,’’ Dodge added.

“We know there has always been pressure on the kid to go back to Buffs because of his dad (Norm) and his family’s links with the club.

“But it’s not a done deal and he hasn’t approached us, which is a bit disappointing because he should talk to his coach and the committee first.’’

Dodge said social media talk of Wills heading back to the Buffaloes was a long way off the mark.

“Every player from the premiership year is a required player, except perhaps James Tsitas, who is locked away in Geelong with the fly-in and border situations and the fact he’s probably had enough of coming up and down from Darwin.’’