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ROUND 13 STATS
Round 14 and beyond stats found here
THE NTFL sides saw out the first half of the 2021-22 season in style with a captivating Round 13 full of action and intrigue.
Waratah, Wanderers and Nightcliff all pulled off wins and here you can see the stars that helped grab that success.
HERE YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM STATS
WANDERERS VS PALMERSTON MAGPIES
NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS VS SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Check in every Thursday for all the stats from the latest round.
The cumulative stats for every player who has played in the 2021-22 NTFL season as of round 13 is below.
ROUND 13 WRAPS
WARATAH STAMP AUTHORITY AGAINST BUFFALOES
WARATAH have entered the back end of the season with plenty to smile about following a 19.15 (129) to 7.9 (51) win over Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium.
There was a youthful look to both sides with every club having to adjust following the Darwin Covid outbreak.
And after the break it took some time for either side to truly get going as they shook off the post-break rust.
Waratah’s in-form midfielder Jayden Magro was the first to have a crack at goal but his opening attempts went wayward with Corey Rich instead being the first to score a goal.
Dylan Collis and Abe Ankers ran the show from the midfield ensuring their side had dominance of the ball and saw their efforts rewarded with further goals.
Tim Eldridge showed his class racing up through the forward 50 to knock through a contested goal and give his side the inspiration they needed.
The young Buffs unit showed their ability at times with Nathaniel Cooper athletic and evasive across the field while Cade Abala and Aaron Stokes also showing their skills.
Waratah also saw their youngsters rise with debutants Will Murdoch and Xavier Blitner among the goal scorers off the back of some dominant play from their midfield.
Buffs had their moments later on with captain Jarrod Stokes pulling the strings using Jayden Kickett as his main target in the forwards.
But every time the Double Blues had any time on the front foot Waratah struck back with Magro and Rich racking up the goals to push the score out.
Coach Ryan Ayres was happy to get the four points after a hectic week which saw three under-18s and three under-16s in the side.
“We’re excited to just get the four points, it has been a pretty hectic week with everything going on so good to get it done,” Ayres said.
“It was a slightly different group but a lot of the boys have been around the club for a few years now so they understand how we play.
“The real season kicks off now after Christmas so we’re happy to have started that off on the right foot.
“Our preparation has been the same as everyone I reckon. We’ve been light on numbers with people struggling to get back from interstate and a few local boys have been impacted as well.”
Score:
Waratah: 3.5 7.9 11.14 19.15 (129)
Buffaloes: 1.2 3.5 4.7 7.9 (51)
Goals:
Waratah: C Rich 4 J Magro 3 A Ankers 2 S Dunstan 2 J Stevens 2 H Kitschke 2 W Murdoch 2 X Blitner A Gulden
Buffaloes: N Cooper 2 J Kickett 2 T Eldridge A Stokes C Hutcheson
Best:
Waratah: A Ankers J Magro J Stevens C Rich D Collis
Buffaloes: N Cooper J Stokes L Roberts B Archard T Eldridge
NIGHTCLIFF SURVIVE DISTRICTS SCARE
MISSING eight players including three who withdrew on the morning of the match due to COVID isolation requirements, Nightcliff stormed home to defeat a gallant Southern Districts at Darwin Mazda Oval.
The Tigers retained top spot on the Men’s Premier League ladder following a 9.11 (65) to 8.9 (57) victory and despite trailing for much of the day, Tiger coach Chris Baksh always had faith in his group of youngsters.
“It was a unique game but credit to the boys because we stuck at it despite losing players - the boys stepped up and took their chances and that’s what footy is about,” Baksh said after the game.
“An example of the spirit was Liam Holt-Fitz who apologised at half time and then came back in the second half with a match winning performance.
“I love all those youngsters: Jamie Jones in defence and Petros Politis were outstanding.
“I always thought we would come back – over the past couple of years we’ve developed a never-give-up attitude and the team was always positive today.”
Panic footy was the order of play early in the game as players readjusted after the break and it took a full seven minutes before Croc forward Leigh Williams found space and goaled. Districts continued to dominate possession with Michael Bowden, Luke Smith, Brandon Rusca and Josiah Farrer especially prominent, and when Williams took a strong mark and booted his second for the term, they were rewarded for effort – the Tigers could not find an avenue forward and were held scoreless in the opening term.
The home side opened the second full of enthusiasm and hard-earned possession, but the harassing speed of Districts thwarted all goal scoring efforts and when Williams booted his third against the run of play, the visitors maintained its scoreboard ascendency.
However, a piece of individual brilliance from Shaun Wilson finally got the Tigers on the board at the 18-minute mark and when Liam Holt-Fitz repeated the dose a minute later, the
Tigers were back in the contest at the long break.
Two goals each in a torrid third maintained the status quo on the board but a five goal to two final stanza in favour of the home side clinched the deal for Nightcliff.
Score:
Nightcliff: 0.0 2.8 4.9 9.11 (65)
Sth Districts: 3.3 4.5 6.7 8.9 (57)
Goals
Nightcliff: L Holt-Fitz 3 J Butcher 2 C Ilett 2 S Wilson M McGregor
Sth Districts: L Williams 5 L Smith B Schwarze J Watts
Best
Nightcliff: L Holt-Fitz J Jones B Edwards S Wilson D Bowles
Sth Districts: L Williams R Bull L Smith L Ogden P Gallow
LAST QUARTER SURGE SEES WANDERERS THROUGH AGAINST PALMERSTON
WANDERERS strengthened their ladder position with a big 11.14 (80) to 5.6 (36) win over Palmerston Magpies, in a week where every club found themselves playing with depleted sides.
Both sides fielded depleted squads with plenty of changes from the norm following a week of much disruption due to the Darwin Covid outbreak.
It was Wanderers that hit the road running winning the ruck contest and moving the ball out to Liam Patrick for the opening goal within the opening minute.
The Muk Muks continued that intent crowding the contest with numbers and getting away through captain Braeden McLean to set up Patrick for a quick second goal.
But just as it looked like it would be a long day at the office for the Magpies they found some go forward through Eric Guthrie and Ryan Warfe in the midfield.
New recruit and Melbourne Demons 159-game player Neville Jetta showed his class playing the role as general down back for the Magpies taking more than one intercept mark.
It was through them that the ball got out to big full forward Daniel Stafford who was able to use his height to win the contest and get the Magpies first score, though he would have liked to be a bit more accurate at times.
A snap goal from Waylon Davey midway through the second quarter but Palmerston in front for the first time.
But that move was also a wakeup call for the Muk Muks with their mids such as the newly returned Dane McFarlane and Marcus Totham wrestling back control.
And once they hit the front they never looked back with Simon Bates showing his pace in grabbing two goals and the defensive work of Mitchell Taylor and Lloyd Johnston standing out.
Palmerston coach Josh Heath, playing in lieu of his normal players, showed he still has the touch kicking an up and under to set Jetta up for a late goal but that fight back came too late.
From there the Eagles just piled on the scores and further strengthened their position in the top four.
“It was a pretty big win for us, it was one we marked on our calendar and it was good to get out there and get the win,” McLean said.
“The win was a bit fitness but it came down to our game plan. We went away from it a bit which let them in but once we went to our basics and structures it paid off.
“Preparation was a bit funny. We only had the two training sessions having Thursday off due to a close contact at an earlier training so it wasn’t the ideal preparation.
“But we trust our players and our coaching staff to be doing the right thing outside of the footy club and we were lucky to come in and get the win hoping everything goes back to normal soon.”
Score:
Wanderers: 2.3 5.8 7.11 11.14 (80)
Palmerston: 1.2 3.3 4.5 5.6 (36)
Goals:
Wanderers: L Patrick 4 S Bates 2 B Motlop D Clee W Williams B McLean J Adams
Palmerston: D Stafford 2 W Davey 2 N Jetta
Best:
Wanderers: L Patrick L Johnston W Williams M Totham D McFarlane
Palmerston: E Guthrie R Warfe N Jetta D Stafford
STATS
THE NTFL sides saw out the first half of the 2021-22 season in style with a captivating Round 12 full of action and intrigue.
Waratah, Buffaloes, Nightcliff and St Mary’s all managed wins and here you can see the stars that helped grab that success.
HERE YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM STATS
ROUND 12 STATS
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS VS ST MARY’S
NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS VS TIWI BOMBERS
PALMERSTON MAGPIES VS DARWIN BUFFALOES
WANDERERS VS WARATAH
ROUND 12 WRAPS
ST MARY’S CRUSH SOUTHERN DISTRICTS IN STYLE
ST MARY’S proved they’re a side to fear with a massive 23.15 (153) to 4.7 (31) over a hapless Southern Districts contingent at Norbuilt Oval.
Districts started the game in style using the height of Pat Gallow in the ruck to win the contest and deliver the first goal through Harry McInnes.
However, Saints were quick to respond using their ball distributors to move the ball quickly across the ground and soon it landed in the hands of Nigel Lockyer Jr who grabbed the equaliser.
Dylan Landt nailed another through for the Saints soon after and the side took full control of play.
But it was the second quarter where Saints really found the front foot with quick fire goals to Jackson Calder and Beau Tedcastle early in the period.
The Green Machine took full control from there with Nate Paredes, Landt and Lachie Taylor racking up the possessions and beating their opponents at the contest.
Districts had their chances to respond but those went begging with a missed kick aimed at an open Jonathan Ross in front of goal is an opportunity the side would have particularly rued.
Down back was where the Saints excelled with Benjamin Browne taking intercept marks and limiting the majority of chances that came the way of Crocs.
And with that control on their side the goals just kept coming with Calder racking up an eight goal haul.
Taylor, who is heading to South Fremantle in the New Year, was among the fourth quarter goal scorers and he credited the win to his side’s heart and determination to put in each week.
“It’s pretty great. They’re a pretty good, young side but we played well and it was a good win to head into the break on,” Taylor said.
“We’ve been training pretty hard. We had a loss (to Wanderers) a couple of weeks back and we all just decided to dig in and win the rest of the before Christmas games.
“We just played our hearts and to come away with the result is massive for us.”
Further attempts came for Districts but McInnes and Leigh Williams came away with the only goals on their home track with two each.
SCORE:
Districts: 2.1 2.2 3.6 4.7 (31)
St Mary’s: 4.3 10.10 18.12 23.15 (153)
Goals:
Districts: H McInnes 2 L Williams 2
St Mary’s: J Calder 8 B Tedcastle 4 N Lockyer Jr 4 D Landt 2 N Yarran N Paredes J Cullen J Salmon L Taylor
Best:
Districts: H McInnes P Gallow M Bowden F Driscoll
St Mary’s: D Landt N Paredes J Calder B Browne L Taylor
BUFFALOES PIP PALMERSTON IN THRILLER
DARWIN Buffaloes did their season hopes plenty of favours with a thrilling 15.11 (101) to 15.5 (95) win over Palmerston Magpies at Cazalys Arena.
The game took some time to get going with lights at Cazalys Arena refusing to work seeing the start time delayed by half an hour.
Once things got going it was Buffaloes who got in the scoring first hammering the ball downfield for Jayden Kickett to smash through the opening goal.
But the tide quickly shifted in the direction of the home side who took control with Eddie Betts and Clifford Hampton-Timms kicking some quick goals in return.
The Palmerston ascendency continued as captain Chris Williams, 2020-21 Rising Star Ryan Warfe and recruit Luke Meadows played key roles in the midfield to give their forwards every opportunity.
Buffs didn’t go away though sticking it out with captain Jarrod Stokes rapid on the run showing his ability with every opportunity.
Kickett popped up everywhere in the forward line matching up with Hassan Ahmat-Watkins and Adam Sambono also getting on the board.
Young guns Tyrese Raymond and Thomas Clarke also impressed for the double blues finding plenty of opportunity to show their pace as they collected time on the ball.
Palmerston however found plenty of momentum early in the final quarter kicking five goals in a row with Betts grabbing himself another two goals.
And just as it looked like it was going all Magpies way the Buffs struck back in the back and forth contest with Sambono striking true to see the game tied with minutes to play.
It was Clarke who kicked the game winning goal that saw Buffs finally break free for the win and take it for the double blues.
SCORE:
Palmerston: 4.2 8.3 10.4 15.5 (95)
Buffaloes: 1.3 8.6 11.9 15.11 (101)
Goals:
Palmerston: E Betts 4 C Hampton-Timms 3 J Hollamby 2 J Cooper 2 L Meadows T Roach C Williams D Stafford
Buffaloes: A Sambono 5 J Kickett 4 H Ahmat-Watkins 2 J Stokes I Sedan-Kurnoth C Abala T Clarke
Best:
Palmerston: R Warfe L Meadows E Betts C Williams C Hampton-Timms
Buffaloes: J Kickett J Stokes T Raymond T Clarke A Sambono
WARATAH SHOW POWER AGAINST WANDERERS
A WINNING midfield which included the fabulous-four lefties, Jayden Magro, Brodie Carroll and the Collis siblings Dylan and Will together with the prolific Robert Turnbull and winger Joel Croker proved too hot for Wanderers at TracyVillage Oval.
Ruckman Jordan Wilkins and defender Daniel O’Dwyer were also solid contributors in the red-and-white 15.13 (103) to 9.10 (64) victory.
Wanderers opened the scoring inside the first minute of play when Alexander Weetra snapped truly but an undisciplined act gave Tah wingman Joel Croker a free kick and 50m penalty and he evened the ledger a minute later.
Then astrong mark at centre half forward and accurate kick by Jake Bowd gave the red-and-whites a slim lead.
Strangely, Croker attracted another 50m penalty and he duly booted his second for the term. And while the Eagles got plenty of it, they were wasteful and went to the first break trailing by 23 points.
Wanderers got going early in the second when Keelan Fejo was spot on with his kick, but Harrison Kitschke’s second a short time later kept Waratah comfortably in front.
Muk Muk goal kicking colossus Eddie Simpson was well held by O’Dwyer, but when his chance came late in the second, his 55m punt spilt the big sticks.
The Eagles commenced the third aggressively but were guilty of a number of undisciplined acts which undid some excellent defensive work by Brodie Newman, Mitchell Taylor and Lloyd Johnston.
The final quarter followed a similar trend, but Tahs held their nerve and went into the Christmas break in second place on the ladder which pleases the red-and-whites according to
Magro.
“We knew they are a fast-running side, but we managed to stop them getting on the outside which allowed us to play our style of footy,” said Magro
“Although we dropped games against Nightcliff and Saints, we are pretty happy at this stage going into the break but hopefully we can overcome those two in particular.”
The WA recruit likes the makeup of the scoring where the goals are shared around although he wouldn’t mind a giant in the square to knock the ball around a bit.
“Look, we are sharing the scoring, but like all teams a bulky tall up forward is always a luxury for us small blokes but we’re pretty happy with what we’ve got. As for going home during the break, I won’t be doing that because there is no guarantee I’ll be able to get back.”
SCORE:
WANDERERS 1.4 3.5 7.9 9.10 (64)
WARATAH 5.3 7.5 11.11 15.13 (103)
GOALS
Wanderers: E Simpson 4 A Weetra K Fejo D Thompson N Jones-Cubillo L
Johnston
Waratah: J Magro 3 H Kitschke 2 J Stevens 2 J Croker 2 J Bowd 2 C Rich 2 D
Booth B Carroll
BEST
Wanderers: M Taylor B Newman L Johnston D Thompson M Motlop
Waratah: J Magro B Carroll D O’Dwyer J Wilkins C Rich
NIGHTCLIFF BEST TIWI BOMBERS
NIGHTCLIFF may not have got off to a roaring start but did their title chances no when they beat a young Tiwi side by 128 points on Bathurst Island.
The Tigers booted 22 of the last 25 goals of the match to give their percentage a big boost and slash their flag odds in a 29.16 (190) to 8.14 (62) win.
Veteran Cameron Ilett in a forward pocket role, Jess Budarick across half forward and Liam Holt-Fitz in the other pocket kicked 16 goals between them in another reminder
to the rest of the competition the black and yellow jumpers are preparing for another grand final.
It all looked a lot different 10 minutes into the second quarter when a brace of goals by Adam Tipungwuti and another one from Brendan Kantilla got the Tiwis to within seven points of the premiers.
But that was when the Tigers looked at their watches and realised they would be late for work if they did not get down to business.
Their smart use of the football and ability to run in numbers dismembered an enthusiastic Tiwi side from that moment, lifting them to a 51-point lead at the main break.
The Bombers got plenty of the football in the first half an hour, thanks in the main to smart reading of the play at centre bounces by Harley Puruntatameri and the leg speed of the home side that caught the Tigers off guard more than once.
But Nightcliff’s teamwork and the inability of the Tiwis to man up on their opponents cost them dearly as the visitors moved into top gear with long exchanges of handballs and precise kicks to players leading up the ground.
Elsewhere all was well at Tigerlands with giant ruckman Jackson Bowen needing treatment for leather poisoning on both hands from his tapwork at centre bounces and around the ground and Daniel Bowles and Ryan Nyhuis directing traffic in the back half.
The Tiwis had their contributors, Jason Puruntatameri and Dion Munkara superb in the last line of defence, Harley Puruntatameri defiant in the middle and Adam Tipungwuti showing he is ready for breakout game in front of goals.
But 32 consecutive defeats means there is a lot of work to do on and off the field if the Bombers want to join the winners’ list again.
SCORE
NIGHTCLIFF 6.2 14.7 22.12 29.16 (180)
TIWI BOMBERS 2.6 5.10 6.12 8.14 (62)
GOALS
Night: C Ilett 6 J Budarick 6 L Holt-Fitz 4 K Emery 3 S Wilson 3 A Wines 3 T Melville 2 E Ware D Bowles.
Tiwi: A Tipungwuti 2 D Kerinaiua 2 K Kantilla 2 B Kantilla J Alimankini.
BEST
Night: J Bowen C Ilett J Budarick L Holt-Fitz T Melville.
Tiwi: J Puruntatameri H Puruntatameri W Bulla D Munkara A Tipungwuti.
ROUND 11 STATS
ROUND 11 was another massive round of Top End NTFL action with plenty of big displays on show across premier grade.
Districts, Wanderers, Nightcliff and St Mary’s all managed wins and here you can see the stars that helped grab that success.
HERE YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM STATS
ROUND 11 STATS
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS VS PALMERSTON MAGPIES
WANDERERS VS TIWI BOMBERS
NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS VS DARWIN BUFFALOES
ST MARY’S VS WARATAH
Wanderers’ gun midfielder Beau O’Connell was the stats king in Round 11 of the 2021-22 NTFL season racking up a massive 41 disposals.
It was a massive performance from the 2019-20 Nichols Medallist who still seems to be getting better week on week.
His performance that included 25 kicks and 16 handballs was a standout of the round also including two goals, five tackles and 10 inside 50s.
O’Connell’s showing was crucial in the 26.15 (171) to 6.6 (42) win but he wasn’t the only Muk Muk to deliver a big showing.
Captain Braedon McLean notched 34 disposals (19 kicks, 15 handballs), Marcus Totham managed 33 (20 kicks, 13 handballs) and Jarred Erlandson had 31 (15 kicks, 16 handballs).
Big forward target Ed Simpson managed 10 goals while defender Brodie Newman kept everything shipshape down back with 16 marks and eight rebound 50s.
Another big performer from the round was dual Nicholls Medallist Brodie Filo of Nightcliff who took 33 disposals in the win against Darwin Buffaloes.
The star midfielder is coming into some good form with 19 kicks, 14 handballs and three clearances at his home ground of Nightcliff Oval.
Palmerston’s Eric Guthrie also had a big showing against Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval picking up 28 disposals including 21 kicks and seven handballs.
In the battle of the big men it was once again Ben Archard who leaped the highest picking up a massive 36 hit outs.
ROUND 11 WRAPS
DISTRICTS OUTLAST PALMERSTON
AN avalanche of goals in the final ten minutes of the match ensured Southern Districts strengthened its grip inside the top five following a seesawing win over Palmerston at Norbuilt Oval.
Playing in front of their home crowd, the Crocs kicked the last five goals of the game and defeated a challenging Palmy 17.6 (108) to 10.10 (70).
Although playing only his third game with the club, South Australian recruit Harry McInnes played as a key forward and kicked five goals, mainly from centre half forward.
“I played predominately at centre half forward and if I needed a chop out Leigh Williams moved up – obviously we lost last week but we are happy to get back on the winning list today,” McInnes said.
“It was clearly a massive game for the club – we knew that if we lost, we could slide out of the five and a win would give us a two-game buffer, so we did what was needed.”
A towering mark and goal inside the first minute by Daniel Stafford gave the Maggies the perfect start, but Districts speedster Brandon Rusca evened the ledger following some clever positioning soon after.
Two Palmy posters didn’t help their cause because after an early miss, Leigh Williams kicked truly and when Beau Schwarze slotted home a long bomb, the home side was in front at the half-way mark of the opening term.
Williams started the scoring in the second after marking in the goal square but when Stafford booted the next two and Brandon Ugle got another, Palmerston hit the front.
However, the lead was short lived, and the Crocs nailed the next two to take a slender four-point lead at the long break.
A feature of the first half was the defensive performance of Croc youngster Tom Boustead who snuffed out a number of chances AFL great Eddie Betts had of getting on the scoreboard.
A clever snap by Jonathon Ross opened proceedings in the second half and extended the Croc’s lead and when Dylan Barry added two more the lead was healthy.
Betts finally got on the board at the 15-minute mark and again three minutes later, but Districts turned into the last with a narrow lead and although Palmerston got within two points at the 10-minute mark, it was the home side that booted seven goals to three in the final stanza.
SCORE:
Districts: 3.3 6.3 10.4 17.6 (108)
Palmerston: 2.2 5.5 7.8 10.10 (70)
Goals:
Districts: H McInnes 5 D Barry 3 L Williams 3 B Schwarze 2 J Ross B Rusca L
Smith J Palmer
Palmerston: D Stafford 5 E Betts 2 B Ugle 2 B Gibbeson
Best:
Districts: H McInnes M Bowden J Breed B Rusca T Boustead
Palmerston: E Guthrie A Davey D Stafford C Hampton-Timms R Warfe
WANDERERS FLY PAST BOMBERS
ELECTRIC pace and a ten-goal haul from Ed Simpson allowed the Wanderers to fire past the Tiwi Bombers with a 26.14 (170) to 6.6 (42) win at TIO Stadium.
The Muk Muks had plenty to play for eager to bounce back from their round 10 loss and give club stalwart Brenton Motlop a 150th NTFL game to remember.
And they got off to an electric start to match their intentions with Beau O’Connell nailing two in the opening three minutes to set the tone.
Key defender Brodie Newman ensured possession stayed on the side of the Eagles as he made plenty of intercept marks to give his side every opportunity.
Matters went from bad to worse for the Bombers early in the second when ruck man Jackson Lock was stretchered off after taking an injury in the ruck contest.
It was a quieter quarter after that with both sides missing their fair share of opportunities but still Wanderers kicked ahead with Ed Simpson adding another two goals to his tally.
Despite the deficit it was the Bombers who brought all the energy post third quarter kick-off with the likes of Paulinus Tipungwuti and Keiran De Santis pushing the ball forward out of the midfield.
And the forwards took full advantage managing to pull a fruitful quarter out of their hats with Albert Tipungwuti kicking two goals while Kim Kantilla added another to his season tally.
But that momentum dissipated in the final term as Wanderers once more took full control of the show with Simpson bringing up his tenth goal.
Milestone man Brenton Motlop and debutant Brodie Motlop both moved forward for goals of their own as the Muk Muks dominated.
“It was a good feeling to get the win and bounce back from that loss and it was good to see the boys come in and get a taste of this level,” Brenton Motlop said.
“We really wanted to try and avoid getting complacent here. Even though they’re bottom Tiwi are still a side that you can’t give a sniff because if you give them that sniff they can gain momentum.
“It’s massive for me to get 150 games. I’ve missed a few finals through injuries so for me to get this milestone on a personal level is something I’m really happy with.
“It’s been a while since I’ve kicked a goal, as a defender I’ve seen forwards kick a few on me so it was awesome to kick one here.”
Score:
Wanderers: 7.5 11.9 13.12 26.14 (170)
Bombers: 1.1 1.3 6.5 6.6 (42)
Goals:
Wanderers: E Simpson 10 K Fejo 4 N Tipiloura 3 B O’Connell 2 J Tipiloura 2 A Weetra B McLean Brenton Motlop Brodie Motlop M Motlop
Bombers: Albert Tipungwuti 2 K Kantilla Adam Tipungwuti P Tipungwuti T Tambling
Best:
Wanderers: B O’Connell B Newman E Simpson M Totham B McLean
Bombers: P Tipungwuti Albert Tipungwuti D Kruse N Hooker K Kantilla
SAINTS BEAT TABLE TOPPERS IN A THRILLER
ST Mary’s showed plenty of belief and power to prevail 15.8 (98) to 13.7 (85) in a thriller over table toppers Waratah at TIO Stadium.
It was the first time the sides have met in the 2021-22 NTFL season with their previous encounter called off due to lightning and so the stage was set for an electric encounter.
And the game delivered right away with St Mary’s getting off to a blistering start racing into the scoring position right away with Dylan Landt booting the ball out of the midfield.
Captain Nate Paredes opened the goals with a knock from the 50 and speedster Nick Yarran was quick to add another soon after.
It was pace of delivery and foot that gave Saints their platform with Lachlan Taylor bossing his wing while a five bounce run from Kieran Parnell cut through the Waratah midfield.
Tahs however, showed they are the league’s top side for a reason and stayed in the contest despite the early deficit.
Ned Stevens held his own in the ruck while co-captain Rob Turnbull, Tom Fields and Cam Arnold booted their side into contention.
Saints’ accuracy became their main issue as wayward kicks meant they were unable to push their advantage though the athleticism of Nigel Lockyer Jr was a shining light up front.
Lockyer Jr came into his own in the forward line taking marks and knocking through snap goals for fun.
But even then Waratah stayed in the arm wrestle using their physicality to grind out their scores, a game plan that suited them just fine.
Tensions boiled over early in the third quarter with a mass scuffle kicking off early in the third quarter as Will Collis kicked a goal to keep Tahs in the fight.
The Green Machine kept their noses in front still nudging the ball forward as much as they could to keep their lead alive.
“It’s a bit unreal to get the win. All the boys dug deep, full credit to Waratah, but we just stuck in and held them out,” Yarran said.
“All the boys believe that we can win every single game, that’s just what the feeling is around the club.
“We just keep digging and digging because we believe in what we can do and in each other and that showed on the field.”
Momentum was on the side of Waratah for a large part of the final term as they chipped away at the score as they looked to fightback and goals from Corey Rich gave them reason to believe but ultimately they couldn’t crack back.
Score:
St Mary’s: 5.6 9.7 11.8 15.8 (98)
Waratah: 4.0 7.2 9.3 13.7 (85)
Goals:
St Mary’s: N Lockyer Jr 5 N Paredes 2 J Long 2 J Salmon 2 J Cullen 2 N Yarran B Tedcastle
Waratah: T Fields 2 C Arnold 2 R Turnbull 2 C Rich 2 J Stevens 2 T Cree W Collis J Magro
Best:
St Mary’s: N Lockyer Jr N Paredes N Yarran D Landt L Taylor
Waratah: W Collis J Stevens R Turnbull A Ross C Arnold
NIGHTCLIFF LEAP BACK ON TOP WITH BIG WIN OVER BUFFS
NIGHTCLIFF’S hunt for a rare premiership fourpeat continued when an efficient Tiger outfit accounted for a disappointing Darwin Buffaloes.
The 80-point romp at Nightcliff Oval resembled the schoolmaster and his students as the yellow and black jumpers had 34 shots for goal to their opponent’s
14 in their 17.17 (119) to 5.9 (39) win.
Former Fremantle defender Ryan Nyhuis won the Dookie Bonson Medal as Nightcliff’s best player in another reminder of his ability to win possession of the football and more importantly,
do something with it.
Only Nightcliff’s inaccuracy prevented a 100-point win, proof, it was needed, of the hunger and intent of a club chasing a fourth successive flag.
“It’s probably the first time we’ve put together a four-quarter performance,’’ was Nyhuis’ summary of the win.
“We’ve been good for three quarters and sometimes even two, but tonight we went all the way through to the final siren, which was pleasing.’’
Nyhuis, the returning Daniel Bowles and Nathan Brown controlled proceedings down back for Nightcliff, while Kyle Emery’s four goals could have been six or seven with
some more polished finishing and Brodie Filo’s ability to find the ball and go long and direct with his kicks was another bonus for the Tigers.
Shaun Wilson continued his consistent season around the ground and Jess Budarick was conspicuous with the number of times he got his hands around the ball.
The Buffaloes again struggled in pack situations and their inability to man up on opponents as Nightcliff consistently ran the ball down the ground with players running into
spaces that should have been closed down by the opposition.
Thomas Clarke won the “Bubba’’ Tye Medal for his performance across half forward and wingman Joe Collinson’s season continues to go from good to very good with his
hard running and kicking to position.
Score:
Nightcliff: 5.5 10.11 13.15 17.17 (119)
Buffaloes: 2.1 3.4 4.4 5.9 (39)
Goals:
Nightcliff: K Emery 4 T North 2 L Holt-Fitz 2 N Howe 2 J Budarickk S Harper B Edwards S Wilson A Wines T Melville B Filo.
Buffaloes: T Bean H AhMat-Watkins J Stokes T Raymond T Clarke.
Best:
Nightcliff: R Nyhuis B Filo D Bowles S Wilson J Budarick.
Buffaloess: T Clarke J Collinson K Maroney T Raymond B Stokes.
ROUND 10 STATS
ROUND 10 was another massive round of Top End NTFL action with plenty of big displays on show across premier grade.
Waratah, Palmerston, Nightcliff and St Mary’s all managed wins and here you can see the stars that helped grab that success.
HERE YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM STATS
PALMERSTON MAGPIES VS TIWI BOMBERS
NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS VS WANDERERS
WARATAH VS SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Key Palmerston recruit Luke Meadows put down a huge statement of intent topping the stats with a huge 37 disposals in Round 10.
Meadows ran the show from the midfield making sure his forwards had their hands on the ball as often as possible in the Magpies 19.13 (127) to 7.12 (54) win over Tiwi.
He picked up 37 disposals including 21 kicks and 16 handballs and also managed a team high six clearances and finished off the showing with a goal.
Dual Nicholls Medallist Brodie Filo had a big game for Nightcliff in their win over the Muk Muks on home soil at Nightcliff Oval.
The proven performer had perhaps his best game of the season so far managing 33 disposals which included 26 kicks and seven handballs.
Fraser Driscoll was the best performer for a Districts side that ran top of the table Waratah close at Gardens Oval.
The midfielder came away with game high disposals with 32 which included 23 kicks and nine handballs to give his side plenty of opportunity.
The 2020-21 NT News Player of the Year Dylan Landt made his St Mary’s return in a big way instantly slotting in with a best on ground performance.
That performance delivered 29 disposals including 28 kicks and a single handball as well as six clearances and two goals.
Buffaloes ruckman Ben Archard once again topped the hit outs of the big men with 24 though Districts’ Pat Gallow (23) and St Mary’s Ryan Smith (20) ran him close.
ROUND 10 WRAPS
LANDT RETURN PROPELS SAINTS PAST BUFFS
DYLAN Landt’s best on ground performance and another five-goal haul by spearhead Jackson Calder highlighted St Mary’s 58-point win over the Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium on Sunday.
Landt looked like he had never been away from the Marrara ground with his dominance through the middle contributing to the Saints’ big win.
The green jumpers kicked 11 goals to two after a tight first quarter to consolidate fourth spot on the Premier League ladder and set up their Round 11 clash with top-of-the-ladder Waratah.
There was one sour note for Saints when their inspirational skipper Nate Paredes had his number taken in the last term for an alleged strike on a Buffalo opponent.
But the scoreboard told the real story of the match, with Landt picking up possessions at will, Calder continuing his goalkicking form and ruckman Ryan Smith back to his best in the ruck and around the ground.
Saints’ ability to create the loose man and win the crucial one-on-one contests took the game away from the Buffaloes, who came to play in the first quarter when Adam Sambono kicked two of his three goals and Patrick Boles set up a number of forward moves.
Joe Collinson played his best game of the season and Kevin Maroney across half back continued to press his claims for a berth in the NTFL representative side to play SANFL premiers Woodville-West Torrens in January.
But St Mary’s showed genuine class in rebounding from last week’s loss to Wanderers, regrouping after the initial onslaught from the Buffaloes to control proceedings from midway through the second term.
With several players on the sidelines and matches against Tahs and Districts to come in the next two weeks the Green Machine is looking ominous with the Christmas break and the March finals firmly in their sights.
ST MARY’S 3.2 6.4 10.7 14.11 (95)
BUFFALOES 3.2 4.4 5.4 5.7 (37)
GOALS _ St Mary’s: J Calder 5 D Landt 2 N Yarran 2 S Edwards J Cheek N Paredes J Salmon B Tedcastle. Buffaloes: A Sambono 3 I Sden-Kurnoth.
BEST _ St Mary’s: D Landt R Smith J Calder N Yarran B AhMat. Buffaloes: P Boles K Maroney J Collinson T Clarke A Sambono.
TIGERS BOUNCE BACK TO TAKE DOWN WANDERERS
A FIRED up Nightcliff Tigers side bounced back in a big way beating an in-form Wanderers side 15.12 (102) to 6.7 (43) to show they’re a side that still mean business.
It was the battle between second (Nightcliff) and third (Wanderers) with reigning premiers Tigers looking to prove a point after dropping their match against Southern Districts last round.
The in-form Wanderers brought their strength and pace directly to the fore moving the ball quickly to secure the first goal through Darren Shillabeer.
But following that the Muk Muks became prone to rushing the ball while in possession resulting in more than one turnover.
Hosts Tigers took full advantage pushing the ball down field to rack up the goals through the likes of Tom North and Shaun Wilson.
Wanderers clawed their way back into contention early in the second quarter with captain Braedon McLean, Mitchell Taylor and Brodie Newman running the show down back.
Ed Simpson’s height paid dividends up front as he picked up a goal while back man Daniel Weetra also picked up a goal.
That ascendency was only brief though as dual Nicholls Medalist Brodie Filo popped into the action working alongside Marley McGregor and Eric Klenke to take control of the ball for Tigers.
The goals then picked up again for the hosts with Trent Melville and Kyle Emery dotting goals while Ryan Mu showed his skill with a snap goal from out wide.
A third quarter drought hurt Eagles and allowed the Tigers to take a stranglehold of the game with Wilson completing a five goal haul in the fourth quarter.
“A real emphasis going into this week was that despite last week’s loss we have a chance to respond and we did that,” Wilson said.
“The preparation pre-game really flowed into our behavior on the field. Everyone was prepared, everyone was focused.
“We knew we had to iron out some inconsistencies but our ball movement was great and we were able to nullify Wanderers’ run and carry.
“Getting five goals was great. Certainly don’t go into a game setting a mark like that but I had a job up forward and I was just fortunate to pop up in the right spots.”
Score:
Nightcliff: 4.1 7.6 11.7 15.12 (102)
Wanderers: 1.3 3.5 3.6 6.7 (43)
Goals:
Nightcliff: S Wilson 5 T North 3 T Melville 2 R Mu B Filo K Emery S Deery E Klenke
Wanderers: E Simpson 2 D Shillabeer 2 D Weetra N Tipiloura
Best:
Nightcliff: S Wilson B Filo J Buderick M McGregor T North
Wanderers: M Taylor B Newman B McLean B O’Connell E Simpson
TAHS HOLD OFF DISTRICTS
WARATAH remained at the head of the table after a hard-earned win against Southern Districts at Gardens Oval on Saturday night.
Tahs were never allowed to ply their smooth moving style but managed to overcome a dogged and disciplined Districts 10.13 (73) to 8.6 (54).
With the game barely a minute old, Jonathon Ross booted the first goal and gave Districts the perfect start and although the Crocs continued to dominate possession, they ran into the Waratah defensive brick wall and were denied scoreboard reward.
Similarly, Districts held together in defence where Connor Bowden led the charge and repulsed attacks time and again.
The start of the second mirrored the first when Leigh Wiliams goaled inside the first minute, but Joel Stevens showed his class with a long set shot from 50m to get Tahs on the board.
Red-and-white midfielder Jayden Magro was having a field day continually driving his side forward with his elegant left foot but courtesy of some undisciplined play, Williams strolled into goal for his second of the term.
However, goals to Jack Cattanach, Brodie Carroll and Stevens put Waratah in front for the first time on the half-time siren.
Will Rowlands got Districts back in front early in the third with a running goal from wide at half-forward and when Josiah Farrer nailed another from outside 50, the Crocs had some breathing space on the board but a captain’s goal from Robert Turnbull reduced the margin and goals to Corey Rich, Joel Crocker and Magro put the home team back in front at the last break.
Tahs peppered away in the last couldn’t seal the deal until Will Collis snapped truly and put the result beyond doubt at the 15-minute mark.
WARATAH 0.4 4.7 8.8 10.13 (73)
STH DISTRICTS 1.4 4.4 7.4 8.6 (54)
GOALS
Waratah: J Stevens 2 J Cattanach B Carroll R Turnbull J Magro C Rich J Crocker
W Collis Z Griffiths
Sth Districts: L Williams 2 J Farrer 2 J Ross H McInnes W Rowlands L Smith
BEST
Waratah: J Magro J Stevens J Bowd A Ross B Carroll
Sth Districts: C Bowden B Schwarze F Driscoll E Maney M Bowden
PALMERSTON FLY PAST TIWI
FIT and firing goal scoring options saw Palmerston Magpies blast past the Tiwi Bombers to post a 19.12 (126) to 7.12 (54) win at TIO Stadium.
Tiwi were eager to show they’re not a side to be taken easy and brought the pressure on early forcing Palmerston to work for every inch.
It was AFL legend Eddie Betts who nailed the first goal for the Magpies knocking one through after his side worked the ball up the field through a sequence of handballs.
The Bombers were quick to reply with a long shot from Michael Thompson and they followed that up with a goal each from Edward Turner and Paulinus Tipungwuti.
Some moments of magic from Betts and some accurate shooting from fellow forward Benjamin Gibbeson saw Palmerston retake the lead of the free flowing shootout.
Palmerston only boosted their lead in the second quarter with those working in tandem with the big boot of Daniel Stafford to rack up the goals.
Max Sutton, Ryan Warfe and 15-year-old Waylon Davey were everywhere around the ground while Eric Guthrie and Luke Meadows ran the show from the midfield.
“The boys are very excited to have got the win. I’ve been up here for four games now so to finally get a win with the side is a very good feeling,” Meadows said.
“The win came down to a number of things but I thought our forwards ability to convert and our ability down back to get it down to them was really good and a big factor in the game.
“We have so much talent on the field so it’s been a bit frustrating not to get the results before now but it comes to gelling and this win was a good start for that.
“There’s two more games before Christmas and I’m hoping to go 2-0 but we know there’s a challenge ahead.”
The goals slowed down as the game wore on with the heat playing its role but Magpies noses were still clear in front.
Stafford became the primary goal scorer in the fourth quarter while Davey continued to show his goal sense nailing snap goals to further the margin.
Tiwi veteran Dion Munkara who had played right across the field also came into the action in the final quarter collecting two goals to put himself on the board.
Nicolas Hooker down back and Christopher Columbo, who tried all day, were perhaps the most consistent lights in the Bombers squad.
Score:
Palmerston: 5.1 12.4 14.10 19.12 (126)
Tiwi: 3.2 4.5 4.7 7.12 (54)
Goals:
Palmerston: D Stafford 6 B Gibbeson 5 E Betts 3 W Davey 3 H Morgan-Morris L Meadows
Tiwi: P Tipungwuti 2 D Munkara 2 M Thompson E Turner K Kantilla
Best:
Palmerston: L Meadows E Betts B Gibbeson E Guthrie
Tiwi: C Colombo N Hooker M Thompson A McAdam D Munkara
ROUND 9 STATS
IT was a massive round 9 for the NTFL with many big individual performances from across the premier grade.
Waratah, Buffaloes, Wanderers and Districts all pulled off wins and here you can see the stars that helped grab that success.
HERE YOU CAN SEE ALL THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM STATS
ROUND 9 STATS
DARWIN BUFFALOES VS TIWI BOMBERS
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS VS NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS
Darwin Buffaloes’ star ruckman Ben Archard continued to set himself apart from the rest of the competition after another massive display in round 9 of the NTFL.
Archard once again dominated the ruck according to the stats picking up a massive 50 hit outs which inspired his side to an 18.13 (121) to 8.11 (59) win over the Tiwi Bombers.
Elsewhere it was St Mary’s skipper Nathaniel Paredes who returned to the top of the disposal count with 29 including 20 kicks and nine handballs in his side’s loss to Wanderers.
Dual Nichols Medalist Brodie Filo was also a big ball winner for the Nightcliff Tigers who even in a rare defeat for his side managed to apply plenty of pressure through the midfield.
Filo managed 27 disposals including 21 kicks and six handballs keeping his side in contention throughout.
Also pulling in 27 disposals was Dion Munkara of the Tiwi Bombers with a performance that included 25 kicks and two handballs.
One of the big stars of the round was Wanderers’ young gun and 2019-20 Nichols Medalist Beau O’Connell who put in a massive showing in his side’s win over St Mary’s at TIO Stadium.
O’Connell put in a complete performance that included 25 disposals (18 kicks, seven handballs), seven tackles, four clearances and two goals giving his side every chance at the win.
For Southern Districts it was Jake McQueen that starred in the stats pulling off a big 25 disposal game in the upset 13.12 (90) to 11.10 (76) win over Nightcliff.
McQueen’s performance included 13 kicks, 12 handballs, seven tackles and a goal.
ROUND 8 STATS
IT was another action packed exciting round of Top End footy in round 8 of the 2021-22 NTFL season.
Nightcliff, Wanderers, Waratah and St Mary’s all managed wins to cap off an the round with many of their players putting in season best performances.
ROUND 8 STATS
WANDERERS VS SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
DARWIN BUFFALOES VS NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS
PALMERSTON MAGPIES VS ST MARY’S
In round 8 the disposal stats were topped by a number of individuals with Waratah’s Abe Ankers, Wanderers’ Jarrad Erlandson, Buffaloes’ Jarrod Stokes and Nightcliff’s Brodie Filo all grabbing 30 disposals.