Athanasiou urges the 2021 NTFL Buffaloes to play the Territory way against SANFL giants Glenelg

Territory great Michael Athanasiou urges the 2021 side to freewheel and run against SANFL visitors Glenelg

St Mary’s and Territory star Michael Athanasiou wearing the traditional ochre, white and black NTFL jumper against North Melbourne at Gardens Oval in 1988. .

ANY flashbacks to representative football through the 1980s and ‘90s inevitable centres on Michael Athanasiou, a big, strong and skilful defender who played 23 times for a Territory side at the peak of their powers.

It was an era when Russell Jeffrey, dual Australia Day medallist Willie Rioli, Michael McLean, Michael Long, Mark Motlop and Scott Chisholm were also prominent.

But the big man wearing the Territory’s white, ochre and black jumper was a crowd favourite with his powerful marking, fierce approach to the ball and long kicking.

In Darwin this week for the birth of his first grandchild, Athanasiou still whistles through his teeth at the skill and powerful mindset of the Buffalo sides of yesteryear.

“They were amazing days in an era when we did some great things as a footy side,’’ Athanasiou told the NT News this week.

“You think about all the rep games we played through the 1980s and ‘90s, the Bi-Centennial Carnival and the players that went on to play in the SANFL, WAFL and VFL.

“We surprised them back then and I hope this year’s NT side goes out and plays the same Territory style of footy, freewheel a bit and run with the ball.

“I know the game is all structured nowadays and worked a different way, but the footy we played all those years ago was a system (coach) John Taylor recognised would be good enough to beat other teams.’’

And what a time it was for the lads from the north country. Consecutive wins over Glenelg in 1985, VFL premier Essendon, Sydney Swans and North Melbourne on Australia Day made the football world stand up.

Athanasiou still remembers the first win over Glenelg on a typically hot January day 36 years ago.

“That Glenelg game sticks in the mind,’’ Athanasiou said. “(Stephen) Kernahan was about to move to Carlton and a few other players were ready to move to other VFL clubs, so they were a very good side and went on to win the SANFL flag that year.

“We played the type of footy the NT is known for, fast, exciting and unpredictable and Glenelg couldn’t keep up with us.’’