NTFL representative side to play Essendon VFL in 2024

The NTFL will be chasing five wins in a row against one of its old rivals Essendon in the annual representative fixture in 2024.

The NTFL has a chance to make it five consecutive wins over one of their old rivals when it hosts the Essendon Bombers VFL and VFLW sides in the annual representative fixture.

The Bombers first travelled north 38 years ago to take on a team filled with Riolis and Dunns, and coached by John Taylor, in a match the Buffaloes won by 19 points at Gardens Oval.

It’s a winning record the NT Buffaloes maintained the next three times Essendon came to town winning in 1989, 1994 and 1998.

And on January 24, the rivalry will be reignited at TIO Stadium, with the Bombers women, who narrowly missed out on the VFLW final after their preliminary final knock out, also set to feature.

Southern Districts stalwart and previous NTFL Representative player Bella Clarke was influential during the Bombers’ 2023 finals campaign.

Territorian Bella Clarke played a key role in Essendon’s VFLW finals campaign. Picture: AFL.

Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo said it was an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the club and the NT.

The VFL and VFLW sides will also connect with the Tiwi Bombers, part of their NGA zone, and provide opportunities for emerging players.

“The Tiwi Islands holds a special place at Essendon, and we are thrilled to be heading north to take on the NTFL rep teams,” Vozzo said.

“This is an excellent opportunity to further enhance our connection to our Next Generation Academy Zone, the Tiwi Bombers, and the wider Northern Territory.

“It will be an excellent showcase of football, and we look forward to taking on the best talent from the Northern Territory.”

Jayden Magro was named the best on ground in the 2023 NTFL rep match against South Fremantle. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said it was great to host a team with such a massive connection to the Top End, and in particular, the Tiwi Islands.

“Essendon has a significant connection with the Top End with many former NT names connected with the red and black,” Gibson said.

“The Tiwi Islands has seen considerable benefits from the Next Generation Academy that has been in place since 2017.

“It will be a showcase of the exceptional talent of the Northern Territory Football League players, and an opportunity to celebrate the history of representative football in the NT.”

The NTFL men are unbeaten since the return of representative footy in 2021 beating Glenelg, Woodville-West Torrens and South Fremantle.