The NT News chooses the Best 25 NTFL Men’s Premier League players. Revealed: Numbers 10-6
A goalscoring machine, a hardworking ruckman and a Saints’ stalwart are among the players to make the top 10. SEE WHO MADE IT HERE
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IT has been an NTFL season like no other, uplifted rather than downgraded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Southern recruits by the planeload have made their way to the Top End of Australia to get the feel of a football again and the eight Premier League clubs have had some enormous benefits as a result.
The NT News sat down this week to name their Top 25 men’s Premier League players from 11 rounds of the 20-21 season, a task made more difficult by the wave of superb players drawn to the Darwin based competition.
Strength in the clinches, leg speed to burn, poise and discipline in defence and powerful marking are all assets of the Top 25.
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10. BRETT EDDY (WANDERERS)
The former Port Adelaide forward has been a key weapon in Wanderers’ offence this season topping the league with 49 goals in 11 games.
All spearheads feed off their supply chain but there’s still work to be done in front of goal and Eddy is as accurate in front of the posts as they come in the NTFL.
His eyes now will be on securing the prestigious Dennis Dunn goalkicking trophy while giving his Eagles their best shot at a title.
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9. MATTHEW DENNIS (PALMERSTON)
Has there been a better ruckman in the long history of the Northern Territory Football League?
Dennis can get his side moving out of the centre with clever tap outs and run with the ball when he has it in his hands.
Named the Magpies captain this season, Dennis likes to lead by example with his aggression at contests and other aspects of his game like strong overhead marking and a thumping kick.
8. CAMERON ILETT (NIGHTCLIFF)
The evergreen Tigers veteran continues to inspire and impress with his workrate across the field and consistency.
Ilett is no stranger to scoring this season with 27 goals to his name from the opening 11 rounds and plenty more on the agenda should his form continue.
The dual premiership winner also plays an important role off the field for the men in yellow and black as assistant playing-mentor to head coach Chris Baksh.
7. NATHANIEL PAREDES (ST MARY’S)
The consummate midfielder who backs his hard running with a big appetite for the football, Paredes has become an important player in the Saints’ bid for a first Premier League flag since 2017.
Paredes can kick a goal – 11 in as many games – and is strong defensively when his opponents are controlling the ball.
At his best on the inside when the football is up for grabs, Paredes’ evasive skills make him a difficult player to stop with the ball in his hand.
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6. ERIC GUTHRIE (PALMERSTON)
Guthrie is a newcomer to the Magpies, and the league as a whole, but has slotted in as if he’s been at the club for many years.
He offers plenty of run and time on the ball to supply his forward line with opportunities and will be vital for a struggling Palmerston side going forward.
In the side’s best nine times from 11 games with five goals and 222 disposals to his name the utility has turned plenty of heads this season.
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