First win up for grabs for both Tiwi Bombers and St Mary’s in their NTFL Round 3 contest

ST Mary’s and Tiwi Bombers will both be eager to mark their first win of the 2020-21 NTFL season after each lost their opening two rounds, ahead of the Round 3 clash at TIO Stadium

St Mary's ruckman Ryan Smith makes his return to the side in its Round 3 game against Tiwi Bombers. Picture: AFLNT MEDIA

ST MARY’S and Tiwi Bombers will both be eager to mark their first win of the 2020-21 NTFL season after each lost their opening two rounds, ahead of the Round 3 clash at TIO Stadium on Saturday.

The Green Machine has struggled for consistency in the opening two rounds, losing to reigning premiers Nightcliff and then Wanderers despite looking well in control after the first quarter.

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Coach Anthony Vallejo noted the issue came down to leadership with senior players needing to step up.

“Leadership was a big factor that we spoke about post-game following that result (against Wanderers),” Vallejo told the NT News.

“We were up after the first quarter and then lost after dropping off so there’s been a big focus on getting our senior boys to step up.

“Big takeaway would be showing respect to the opposition and playing as a group as we’ve been playing rather individualistic footy recently.”

Tiwi is another side which has struggled so far, also lacking wins from its games against Buffaloes and Palmerston.

However, the Bombers are always up for the contest against Saints with the added incentive of celebrating the 150th Premier League game for both Michael Dunn and Dion Munkara.

The Saints will see some returnees to the side this week in the form of experienced star Shaun Edwards, Jackson Paine and Ryan Smith.

Vallejo will also be looking for big games from Nate Paredes and forward Jackson Calder.

“It’s important we get a win here. Premierships aren’t won in October but it’s still important to get wins early and get off to a good start,” Vallejo said.

“We will throw everything at this game. There’s a lot of history between the two sides so it’s always tough and with them also without a win we know they will be throwing everything at us as well.

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“It will just come down to the little things. We’ve played three or four good quarters over two games but we need to be playing a complete four-quarter game if we want wins.”