Exclusive NTFL action: Darwin Buffaloes vs Wanderers at TIO Stadium. Watch the replay

Darwin Buffaloes withstood the early season weather and a strong fightback to see off Wanderers in the opening round of the NTFL. WATCH THE REPLAY

DARWIN Buffaloes withstood the early season rain and a significant Wanderers fightback to claim a win in Round 1 of the 2022-23 NTFL season.

The Buffaloes struggled in the 2021-22 season failing to make finals, but the side made an early statement in the opening round beating the Muk Muks 12.7 (79) to 8.9 (57).

It was the Steven Motlop show early on, as the recently-retired AFL gun made his NTFL return for Wanderers.

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He showed his booming kick almost right away with the opening clearance and moments later found himself with the opening goal.

But Buffaloes were up for the challenges striking back almost immediately through former Nightcliff Tiger Liam Holt-Fitz, who would go on to have a fruitful night in front of goal.

Steven Motlop plays for the Wanderers in round 1 of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The Eagles still looked the better side with their possessions early on with 2019-20 Nicholls Medallist Beau O’Connell and Thomas Motlop making significant contribution in the midfield.

But the likes of Bradley Stokes in defence kept that early ascendency to a minimum.

And eventually it was the Double Blues who had the better of the occasion scoring when opportunity came their way.

Hassan Ahmat-Watkins proved a safe pair of hands down the scoring end taking marks well in the wet and scoring a handy goal to give the Double Blues a buffer leading into the long break.

Buffaloes came out firing after half time negotiating the rain better than their foes and finding plenty of space with ball in hand as a result.

The Eagles usual big kickers Ed Simpson and Darren Shillabeer were unable to claw back the score line with their kicks often going wayward away from goal.

Instead it was usual defender and captain Braedon McLean who scored the goal which temporarily steadied the ship.

That allowed the Eagles to stay within range and a second goal from Steven Motlop, followed by a contribution put the side ahead in the fourth quarter.

Wanderers ruck Mathew Motlop flys over Buffalo's player Christopher Atkinson in round 1 of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

But Buffaloes were not done with yet and with Luke Roberts, Tom Clarke and Kokwam Niki working hard in the midfield the ball came back their way.

Niki and John Vrodos turned the lead back in their favour with a goal each and two further late goals from new recruit Liam Holt-Fitz sealed the deal

“We had a good pre-season, some good inclusions and there’s just a good feeling around the group right now after that win,” Clarke said.

“We were leading at three-quarter time and knew Wanderers would hit back, so we just told the boys to be composed, show maturity and grind out the rest of the game.

“This win gives us a bit of momentum, but we know it’s a long season and we just got to keep grinding out the wins week to week.

“It was awesome to get the chance to captain the club I’ve grown up with, but I’ve got some good boys behind me which makes it a pretty easy job.”

Score:

Wanderers: 1.3 3.4 5.8 8.9 (57)

Buffaloes: 2.3 5.4 8.5 12.7 (79)

Goals:

Wanderers:

Steven Motlop 2

Beau O’Connell

Daniel Clee

Shane Thorne

Braedon McLean

Jaiden Butson

Eddie Simpson

Buffaloes:

Liam Whelan 3

Liam Holt-Fitz 3

Luke Roberts

Ryan Pendlebury

Hassan Ahmat-Watkins

Kokwam Niki

Ishmael Palmer

John Vrodos

Best:

Wanderers:

Braedon McLean

Brodie Newman

Steven Motlop

Thomas Motlop

Marcus Totham

Buffaloes:

Liam Holt-Fitz

Ryan Pendlebury

Kokwan Niki

Kaine Riley

Tom Clarke

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION

Wanderers and Darwin Buffaloes will both be looking to get an early win on the board when they face off in what is sure to be an electric face-off at TIO Stadium from 5pm.

And the NT News will be here to livestream the game exclusively for you.

There is plenty of firepower in the Muk Muk ranks from 2019-20 Nichols Medallist Beau O’Connell to the pacey Marcus Totham.

Their defensive cohort will however be key to their success with co-captains Braedon McLean and Mitchel Taylor running the show down back alongside intercept mark king Brodie Newman.

They’re up against a Darwin Buffaloes unit keen for success after a couple of dour seasons.

Darwin Buffaloes will take on Wanderers in the opening round of the 2022-23 NTFL season. Picture: Warren Leyden / AFLNT Media

The Buffaloes have recruited well in the off-season adding Liam Holt-Fitz and Kaine Riley to their cohort and are eager to push their way back into the finals discussion.

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