The NT News chooses the Best 25 NTFL Men’s Premier League players. Revealed: Numbers 25-21

A WERRIBEE recruit, a defensive powerhouse and a Wanderers’ speedster are among the players who have made the top 25. SEE WHO MADE IT HERE

Shaun Mannagh has been a massive pick-up for Wanderers in the 2020-21 season. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

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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25. RYAN PENDLEBURY (DARWIN BUFFALOES)

Buffalo defender Ryan Pendlebury clears from defence. Picture: Celina Whan

The heart of the Buffaloes’ defence, Pendlebury’s anticipation and positioning when in defensive mode and ability to transition out of the back half with pinpoint disposals by hand and foot have been highlights of his 10 games.

Can take a pack mark or spoil when required to bring the ball to ground which was a crucial part in Buffaloes early season run.

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24. DANIEL BOWLES (NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS)

Daniel Bowles has long been a defensive mainstay for the Tigers. Picture Glenn Campbell

One of the best left foot kickers to position in the league with his ability to find his man crucial in turning Nightcliff from defence into attack.

The Tigers haven’t always been their ruthless selves in the early stages of the 2020-21 season but the solid figure of Bowles in the backline has prevented that coming at a cost on more than one occasion.

As the competition nears the business end it’s someone like Bowles that Tigers will be glad to have fighting in their corner.

23. SHAUN MANNAGH (WANDERERS)

Shaun Mannagh has been a massive pick-up for Wanderers this season. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

The Werribee VFL recruit began his debut NTFL season with a bang when he picked up several important possessions in the Eagles’ early wins.

A ball magnet who can find the loose ball or run off his opponent to receive it, the left footed Mannagh knows the way to goal and can turn provider when teammates are in a better position.

22. SIMON BATES (WANDERERS)

Simon Bates has already had a season to remember for the Muk Muks. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It’s already been a season to remember for the Wanderers’ stalwart who has helped lift the outfit to their best showing since the 2016-17 season.

The speedster has been impressive with the boot and on the run in what may also be his best season in quite some time.

Often in the scoring Bates has scored 26 goals from 11 appearances with his match winning goal in the opening round against Districts setting the tone for the Eagles’ season.

His five-goal haul against Palmerston in Round 4 was also a personal record for the mainstay.

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21. JACKSON PAINE (ST MARY’S)

St Mary's goalkicker Jackson Paine lines up a major. Picture: Felicity Elliott

The former Brisbane and Collingwood utility can play through the midfield or as a focal point in front of goals.

His best return of eight goals against Palmerston in a six-game season were a result of clever positioning, strong marking and accurate finishing.

Paine’s ability to play on both sides of his body and make the switch from goalkicker to midfielder with a minimum of fuss are important parts of the St Mary’s machine.