St Mary’s captain Nathaniel Paredes impresses in team’s stunning NTFL win over Nightcliff

Saints’ new captain proved his appointment was a masterstroke, and that he can be the man to lead the Green Machine to the top of the Territory football mountain. HERE’S WHY.

THEY were big boots to fill, but the St Mary’s coaching staff never hesitated in nominating Nate Paredes as their captain, taking over from club legends Shannon Rioli and Raph Clarke.

And with those multiple premiership stars unavailable for the Green Machine’s stunning 12-point win over three-time reigning NTFL premier Nightcliff on Saturday, Paredes showed he could well be the man to lead Saints to the top of the Territory football mountain come March next year.

New St Mary's signings Tyson Woods and Nigel Lockyer Jr impressed against Nightcliff. Picture: St Mary's FC

The 26-year-old was once again one of Saints’ best in his team’s impressive win, doing plenty of tough stuff in the midfield and controlling the tempo of the game.

“It was (a good captain’s performance). Nate copped some knocks and some treatment. He’s a real in-an-under midfielder and led by example,” Saints stand-in coach Karl Gundersen said.

“It’s so important to have him steering the ship for us in the middle of the ground.”

Paredes set up a crucial goal 15 minutes into the final term, going short to young debutant Xavier Vallejo, who kicked truly while under pressure from 40m out.

It was a massive show of composure from an NT Thunder Academy star on the rise.

“Nate led by example by backing Xavier to take that shot at goal,” Gundersen said.

“And for someone so young, Xavier took on the responsibility of taking such a big shot at goal when the game was close.”

Paredes identified Lachlan Taylor and Nick Yarran as two players with genuine potential to join the Green Machine leadership group this season, and both played like it.

“Nick and Lachie have slight bodies, but they always put their bodies on the line when it’s contested-footy situations,” Gundersen said.

“Lachie got collected a couple of times and was really good with the ball, and Nick is always dangerous when he goes looking for the ball.

Lachlan Taylor stood out for St Mary’s in his team’s impressive 12-point win over Nightcliff. Picture: Che Chorley

“They’re both really important leaders for us in that middle (age-group) tier of players we have.

“They can really help our younger players coming through step up.”

Gundersen was also delighted by the performances of star Rovers duo Tyson Woods and Nigel Lockyer Jr.

Both were making their St Mary’s debuts, fresh from a CAFL premiership triumph, with Lockyer Jr kicking three goals.

“Even when Nigel was out of position he’d put his hands up and almost come down with the ball,” Gundersen said.

“With his leap, we’ll see him taking some pretty special marks.

“And Tyson played a great crumbing role for us.”

In a near-complete team performance, Ryan Smith was also dominant in the ruck.

“Ryan was tapping the ball to himself and winning it. He’s so important for us. He led by example,” Gundersen said.

Muk Muks win tight opening round match over Districts

A HALF field effort from Nichols Medal winner Beau O’Connell proved the difference and put Wanderers on top in a tight, bruising 10.12 (72) to 9.7 (61) win over a spirited Southern Districts side.

Eagles’ young gun and 2019-20 Nichols Medal winner Beau O’Connell came in with intensity and was at the centre of everything great at Wanderers with his service seeing the side to an early lead.

And it was he that Districts made sure to cover as they mounted their comeback taking the lead at quarter time with goals from Josiah Farrer and Tom Demamiel.

The Muk Muks found a slew of ascendancy back early in the second quarter showing their speed and power through the midfield.

Southern Districts’ Jack Ganley only has eyes for the ball during his side’s NTFL thriller against Wanderers on Saturday. Picture: Julianne Osborne

A brace from Stanley Tipiloura and a single from Jarrad Erlandson showed the Wanderers’ intent to get their season off to a winning start.

But as in the first quarter the Crocs wouldn’t let go waking up with a long range effort from Jonathan Ross and a brace of free kicks from Henry Armour to regain the lead.

However, missed opportunities from Josiah Farrer and a last gasp kick for goal on the buzzer from Jerome Motlop saw the encounter tied once more at half time.

Eagles’ continued their attempts to distance themselves but each time Districts struck back with Ross twice adding to his goal tally to eventually tie the score gap again.

O’Connell showed his class once again late in the fourth quarter sprinting down field all on his own setting up a scoring opportunity that he finished off himself to give his side the lead.

And that proved the winning effort that alongside key pressure from Keelan Fejo allowed Simon Bates to contribute another score soon after to take the game away for the Muk Muks.

“We’re happy with that. We have an all-local side and our juniors are coming through so it was good to crack them at the end,” Bates said.

“It was a relieving win. It was an all-round team effort and our midfield did really well dominating around the stoppages particularly considering we didn’t win as many rucks.

“It just came down to mental toughness in the end. Round 1 skills are always a bit off, decision making and fitness are also down so it comes down to who’s willing to keep pushing the longest.

“O’Connell puts in those whole field efforts time after time and that just breaks the game, it breaks the opposition when people can do stuff like that.”

Score

Wanderers: 2.3 6.4 8.11 10.12 (72)

Districts: 3.2 6.4 8.4 9.7 (61)

Best:

Wanderers: B O’Connell J Tipiloura S Bates K Fejo W Williams

Districts: J Ross M Bowden L Ogden H Armour D McLachlan

Goals:

Wanderers: S Bates 2 S Tipiloura 2 K Smith J Motlop B O’Connell M Totham M Garton L Johnston

Districts: J Ross 3 H Armour 2 T Demamiel D Mclachlan M Duffy J Ganley