Palmerston Magpies ready for big game v Wanderers in front of home crowd at Cazalys Arena

PALMERSTON coach Alwyn Davey said his side was pumped up ahead of its first home game of the NTFL 2020-21 season against an in-form Wanderers outfit at Cazalys Arena.

Palmerston are hoping for a strong showing on home turf against Wanderers. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT Media

PALMERSTON coach Alwyn Davey said his side was pumped up ahead of its first home game of the NTFL 2020-21 season against an in-form Wanderers outfit at Cazalys Arena on Friday night.

The Magpies suffered a 44-point loss to Darwin Buffaloes last week with a slow start forcing the side into a game of catch-up.

Palmerston forwards Daniel Stafford, Nigel Lockyer Jr and Tosh Kunoth fought back in the third quarter.

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But the brief resurgence was not enough to narrow the margin.

“We just had a slow start that hurt us later on as it made us play catch-up footy which is never easy,” Davey told the NT News.

“The third quarter was stronger as we started to play our brand of footy and we went on a run.

“But Buffs are playing really well at the moment and it can be difficult to come back against them.”

However, the Magpies are now ready to bring more intensity against Wanderers in Round 4, their first game of the season at Cazalys Arena.

The Muk Muks have enjoyed a strong early season with wins over Southern Districts and St Mary’s.

They also put up a respected showing against two-time premiers Nightcliff, which they only lost in the dying minutes.

Shaun Mannagh, Dane McFarlane and Simon Bates have been particularly influential for the Eagles so far this season and will be looking to continue their momentum.

But Eric Guthrie and Chris Williams have had big stat showings in the opening rounds for the Magpies, while captain Matt Dennis has supplied plenty of ball from the ruck.

And the whole list will be looking for a strong showing to impress their home crowd.

“Wanderers are obviously a good side so we’re expecting a hard contest that will need us to play a full four quarters,” Davey said.

“It means a lot to be playing our first home game.

“Everyone is super pumped for the occasion and our supporters are getting around us so we hope that we can give them a win to celebrate.

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“Wanderers have a quality midfield so we will have to restrict their time on the ball.

“And we’ll have to play our game with a focus on getting a good start so we can impose ourselves early on.”