Gardens Oval is hosting another Waratah-Wanderers Foundation Cup with finals football looming
Another edition of the NTFL’s Foundation Cup is also the finals launch pad for rivals Waratah and Wanderers
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Waratah has won the last three Cup games after a long period of dominance by Wanderers.
Tahs president Rohan Langworthy said the Cup game is a celebration of not only the competition’s history, but a reminder of the important part sport has played in the Territory’s history.
“We strongly encourage any supporters of community sport to come down Tuesday and enjoy what is biggest home and away game of the NTFL season,’’ he said.
Tahs will wear an indigenous jumper for the game that was designed by women’s footballer Sharona Bishop.
The images on the guernsey are symbolic of the strong community and family ties established at Waratah since their formation in 1916.
Footprints inside the ‘V’ on the guernsey represent the spirit of family members who have been part of the Tahs family and have since passed away or moved on.
The footprints are also symbolic of the club members who are still here and the gathering picture symbolises special ceremonies such as arranged marriages, skin naming, animal totems, women’s and men’s business.
On the field leg weariness could come into the equation with Tahs playing their third game in 10 days and both sides having players who are coming off representative duties .
Big wins over a struggling Tiwi Bombers outfit have both forward lines on target.
Wanderers spearhead Brett Eddy kicked nine goals in their club record 37 goals and Tahs’s ‘Juice’ Newton reached 10 majors in his side’s 141-point rout of the young Tiwis.
Waratah joint captain Nick Gooch said the Round 15 clash between the second and fourth-placed sides on the ladder was an early finals guide.
“Wanderers have had a great season and we’ve been pretty solid as well,’’ he said.
“So it will be an interesting and a nice early look at the finals to see where both sides are at with a month to go.
“We’re playing a fast play-on style that we’ve been working with Ayresy (coach Ryan Ayres) for a while now, but Wanderers play a similar brand and represent a real test,’’ he said.
Wanderers captain Braedon McLean liked the feel of the Foundation Cup when he got his hands around it during a photo session.
“We haven’t won this game for a while now (four years since their 2017 win) so we’re certainly due,’’ he said.
“Both sides are playing some good footy this season and we’ll be keen to continue it in this game.’’
Both sides are expected to name full strength sides for the 4pm clash.
That includes their representative players, with Tahs ruckman Zach Westerberg the only exception after hurting his shoulder against Glenelg.
Neil Vea Vea will not play for Wanderers, but the Eagles are hopeful Marlon Motlop will pull on the club jumper.
Africa to Alice: How political refugee is enriching outback with judo
Ezekiel DoDoo was shocked when his new home didn’t have a judo club. Now he’s made it his mission to create positive change in the Red Centre. Read his story here.
NAMED: Every 2024-25 DBA player ranked by the stats
Rising stars and known champions have made a huge impact on the 2024-25 DBA championship season, and with finals now upon us we’ve taken a look at the top performers. See the stats here.