Buffaloes captain Jarrod Stokes says game plan looking good heading into 2020-21 NTFL season

DARWIN Buffaloes might have lost a practice game to St Mary’s at TIO Oval 2 on Saturday, but the result was irrelevant according to double-blues captain Jarrod Stokes.He has been impressed with the young Buffs coming through leading up to his team’s 2020-21 NTFL season opener against Tiwi Bombers at Gardens Oval on October 3.

Darwin Buffaloes coach Cameron Stokes with Michael Coombes and captain Jarrod Stokes at Wulagi Oval during pre-season training. Picture: CHE CHORLEY

DARWIN Buffaloes might have lost a practice game to St Mary’s at TIO Oval 2 on Saturday, but the result was irrelevant according to double-blues captain Jarrod Stokes.

He has been impressed with the young Buffs coming through leading up to his team’s 2020-21 NTFL season opener against Tiwi Bombers at Gardens Oval on October 3.

“We had a few first-gamers and young fellas playing, so it was good to get a good hitout,” Stokes told the NT News.

“Cade Abala’s work rate and pressure defensively was probably the best in the team.

“He was a standout. Saints kicked away in the third quarter.

“But when it came to our game plan I think we executed. We were a bit fumbly but other than that it was pretty good.”

Stokes – who made his Premier Grade debut at 15 but is still just 25 – said he was feeling good heading into this season.

“Physically I’ve done a lot of work in the off-season. Last year I did my hammy but I’m feeling good now,” he said.

“I’m ready for Round 1.”

And the inspirational midfielder/rover has not been the only one leading the way in the pre-season.

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“We’re confident. Training has been good. We’re getting a lot of blokes down there, and our numbers at training have been pretty consistent,” he said.

“The game plan is working out well.”

Gifted Pioneer forward Shawn Foster has been asked to train with Sturt in the SANFL, but told the NT News he could also play for Palmerston or the Buffaloes this NTFL season, before the Eagles lost to Rovers by 15 points in the CAFL Grand Final on Saturday.

And Stokes is excited about that prospect.

“He’s been killing it. I watched the preliminary final last week and he had the ball on a string,” Stokes said.

“Hopefully we can sign him and get him up here.”

Star Buffaloes utility Jalen Clarke, 23 and a fellow Baby Buffs-era player like Stokes, is also impressed with how the double-blues are tracking for the 2020-21 season.

“We’ve got a pretty young group and we’re looking really good,” he said.

“Bradley Stokes is the fittest I’ve seen him and Lachie McKenzie has been really good.”

Clarke said last season’s club best-and-fairest runner-up Issac Kurnoth, and Aaron Stokes, were other young players who have stood out during pre-season training.

Clarke reserved praise for 18-year-old Antonio James – who he coached at under-16 level at the Buffs – after he played a big role in Westminster’s Trenorden-Oatey Cup victory in Adelaide last Saturday.

James has been likened to Port Adelaide premiership player Byron Pickett by his Dragons coach, and former Thunder women and Waratah mentor, Tim Weatherald.

“Antonio is a really good kid, and he can be a success in the SANFL, NTFL or even the AFL,” Clarke said.

“(Former Buffalo Mal Rosas) is another one at the Gold Coast Suns with a great opportunity.

“Both have big futures.”

Clarke is also excited at who the Buffs have recruited and had re-commit for the 2020-21 season.

“Ryan Pendlebury (Port Melbourne in the VFL) is flying up next week and Brodie Foster has relocated to Darwin,” Clarke said.

“Darren Shillabeer did that last year, which is a reflection of how strong the culture is at this club.

“And we’re really excited to have Michael Hagan come back to us from Nightcliff.”