Wanderers veteran Simon Bates says belief is strong at the Muk Muks again after good start to 2020-21 NTFL season, ahead of blockbuster versus Nightcliff Tigers

IT is by no fluke Wanderers have started their season with two wins from their first two NTFL games, according to ­veteran Simon Bates, ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster Round 3 clash against Nightcliff at TIO Stadium. That is largely because Wanderers’ pre-season started six months ago.

Wanderers veteran Simon Bates says the collective belief in his team is strong once again. Picture Glenn Campbell

IT is by no fluke Wanderers have started their season with two wins from their first two NTFL games, according to ­veteran Simon Bates, ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster Round 3 clash against Nightcliff at TIO Stadium.

The Muk Muks – a proud club which last toasted premiership success in the 2014-15 competition – drew a line in the sand after its disappointing second-last placed finish, with only three wins, in its 2019-20 campaign.

Season 2018-19 also saw the Eagles finish second from the bottom, as did the 2017-18 campaign. Those three lean seasons followed a grand final appearance in 2016-17.

So the Darwin club assembled in its pre-season – earlier than any other club – and ­decided enough was enough.

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“We got together really early. It was six months ago when we started training,” Bates – who kicked the matchwinning goal against Southern Districts in Round 1 – told the NT News. “And the mindset and attitude was completely different this time.

“We’ve beaten two of the top sides from the past two seasons (including St Mary’s by 26 points in Round 2 after trailing at every break) in our first two games. Those sorts of games when they’ve been in the balance in the past we let them slip away.

“But the heart the boys have shown has really stood out.

“After a few rough seasons the feeling around the club dropped away.

“But now we’re all enjoying each other’s company.”

Wanderers’ two star imports – Shaun Mannagh and Brett Eddy – have helped lift that collective attitude at the Marrara-based club in 2020-21. Mannagh has an impressive playing resume, coming to the Top End from Werribee in the VFL.

Wanderers star forward Brett Eddy has started the 2020-21 NTFL season in impressive fashion, booting six goals in his team’s come-from-behind win over St Mary’s in Round 2. Picture: Justin Kennedy

He had a career-best season with Ovens & Murray Football League premier Lavington in 2019, where he booted 54 goals in just 16 games.

The 23-year-old was also the grand final hero, winning the Did Simpson Medal (best on ground).

Eddy played three games with Port Adelaide in 2017, and was the Eastern Football League’s best and fairest with Vermont in 2019, playing in premiership sides and having returns of 74 and 66 goals in 2018 and last year.

“Shaun Mannagh has been huge for us – he’s dominated in the midfield, as has Brett up forward,” Bates said.

“These boys came up and brought a winning feeling and they’ve slotted straight in.”

Bates said his teammates would be genuinely tested against two-time reigning premiers the Tigers at TIO ­Stadium on Saturday night.

Nightcliff, Wanderers and Darwin Buffaloes are the three undefeated teams going into this weekend.

The Tigers will have added motivation with captain Phillip Wills set to play his 200th Premier League game.

A former captain of the Buffaloes, Wills made his Premier League debut with the Buffs as a 17-year-old before crossing to Nightcliff, where he is now a dual premiership player and Nichols medallist.