NTFL 2022-23: Palmerston vs Wanderers Round 5 livestream

Palmerston Magpies triumphed after bringing the pressure in a low scoring Round 5 affair against Wanderers. WATCH THE REPLAY

Palmerston Magpies brought the pressure in a low scoring affair against Wanderers to run out the winners 7.7 (49) to 3.9 (27) on home turf.

In contrast to how they’ve started recent matches Palmerston brought the pressure early on battling Wanderers for every piece of contested ball.

Josiah Farrar, standing in as captain in the absence of Chris Williams and Eric Guthrie, led the charge with his hard-nosed approach.

Palmerston were also well served by their midfield workhorses Baxter Mensch, Tristen Waack and Sam Clohesy.

And the pressure put a usually strong Muk Muk’s defence on the back-foot, and eventually led to points for the Magpies on home turf.

It was former Geelong and Collingwood player Travis Varcoe who goaled first kicking from almost centre square and with nobody home for Eagles the ball bounced through.

Without champion goal scorer Eddie Betts for the first week there were some question marks on who would be the main target up front.

Josiah Farrar captained Palmerston against Wanderers. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

In the opening quarter that honour went to Kain Proctor who managed to slot two through the posts to give Palmerston the opening quarter they needed.

For their part the Wanderers defence withstood most of the onslaught with Brodie Newman and Mitchel Taylor putting in the intercept marks and rebound 50s as often as they could.

They, however, weren’t able to get much reward on their scoring end with neither Darren Shillabeer nor Ed Simpson getting in the goals.

Steven Motlop eased the landslide with a couple of goals, while a Dray Thompson shot on the half time buzzer brought the scores close.

Wanderers had their chances, but much like in their Round 4 match against St Mary’s, were rarely able to captalise on those opportunities.

In the end Palmerston were able to keep ahead going shot for shot with the Muk Muks when it mattered.

Mensch scored a clincher from deep while it was a long shot from Jonty Patrick that sealed the game and put any doubt out of mind.

And defensively the Magpies were no slouches either with Neville Jetta and Ashton Hams marshalling the backline.

“Wanderers are no easy beats, but there’s just a big belief in our group that we can put it to any side,” Farrar said.

“We had to change our approach from the past few weeks. In NT footy you’re more often than not going to lose games if you start slow, you have to start fast.

“We have a good core group of players who are all working hard and we’re keeping everyone accountable and it showed in this match.

“(Being named captain) was what the group chose. It just makes me feel more welcomed at the footy club in my first season and I really embraced it.”

Score:

Palmerston: 3.3 4.4 5.5 7.7 (49)

Wanderers: 0.3 2.6 2.9 3.9 (27)

Goals:

Palmerston:

Kain Proctor 2

Travis Varcoe 2

Jonty Patrick

Baxter Mensch

Josiah Farrar

Wanderers:

Steven Motlop 2

Dray Thompson

Best:

Palmerston:

Josiah Farrar

Baxter Mensch

Neville Jetta

Sam Clohesy

Ashton Hams

Wanderers:

Brodie Newman

Steven Motlop

Beau O’Connell

Mitchel Taylor

Dray Thompson

Livestream Preview

There will be talent aplenty on show when Palmerston and Wanderers clash in what’s expected to be a thrilling Round 5 match-up.

And the NT News will be there to livestream the game exclusively for you from 8pm on Friday.

The Magpies’ major flaw this season has been their slow starts, but with their talent and will to win it’s only a matter of time until they get that four-quarter effort.

Palmerston will be without Eddie Betts this week, however Travis Varcoe and Neville Jetta there’s still plenty of AFL talent in this side.

Not to mention talented players such as Baxter Mensch and Eric Guthrie who have been among the league standouts so far this season.

They come up against a Wanderers side who also have plenty of talent, particularly down back where Mitchel Taylor and Brodie Newman can trouble any side.

Palmerston Magpies will take on Wanderers in Round 5 of the NTFL. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media

The Muk Muks won their first game of the season last week and will be aiming to keep that momentum alive, and have the speed to get it done.

If you are attempting to cast the livestream or replay to a television, the best result can be achieved by either using a laptop/computer or a mobile phone.

The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to livestream Men’s and Women’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.