The NT News looks at the stats and talking points from Round 3 of the 2021-22 NTFL season
Palmerston with newfound optimism, Saints show hunger and Tigers out to prove a point. ALL THE STATS AND WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NTFL ROUND 3 ACTION.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It was another thriller in Round 3 of the 2021-22 NTFL season and the stats are here to show who put in a strong showing.
And all the individual and team stats are now here for you to enjoy.
St Mary’s continued their unbeaten run with a demolition of the Tiwi Bombers at TIO Stadium.
ROUND 3 STATS
WANDERERS VS NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS
DARWIN BUFFALOES VS PALMERSTON MAGPIES
Waratah held on despite heavy pressure to squeeze out a win over a hearty Southern Districts unit at Norbuilt Oval.
Back at TIO Stadium it was the Nightcliff Tigers who proved a lasting point when they swept past Wanderers.
And Palmerston Magpies proved they’re on to a strong season when they beat Darwin Buffaloes for their first consecutive win since 2018.
WHAT WE LEARNED FROM ROUND 3
The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 3 of the 2021-22 NTFL season.
Round 3 threw up plenty of thrilling action as Palmerston won consecutive games, Saints showed plenty of hunger and
NEW OPTIMISM AT PALMERSTON
Palmerston’s reputation as an under achiever in the NTFL’s Premier League has taken a battering in the last two weeks.
Seen as brittle under pressure when the heat comes on, a whole new wave of optimism has engulfed Cazaly’s Arena in the 2021-22 season.
That was evident on Saturday night when the Baird brothers, Clarence and Jason, Steven Lampton in defence, Justin Cooper around goals, Will Rowbottom in the ruck and Des Corbett in a key forward post all contributed to a big win over the Darwin Buffaloes.
And key contributions from midfielders Eric Guthrie and Rudy Riddoch have been major catalysts in the club’s transformation.
There’s still a long season ahead but there are sure signs of growing improvement and confidence among the young Magpies.
WATCH ROUND 3 REPLAYS
St Mary’s vs Tiwi Bombers at TIO Stadium
Southern Districts vs Waratah at Norbuilt Oval
Wanderers vs Nightcliff Tigers at TIO Stadium
Darwin Buffaloes vs Palmerston Magpies at TIO Stadium
SAINTS SHOW THEIR HUNGER
The word hunger has been a well used phrase at St Mary’s for a long time.
The 32-time Premier League champions are used to getting their hands around a piece of silverware called the TIO Cup at the end of March every year.
That sequence was cut short by rivals Nightcliff in the last two years, something the players and support staff are not very happy about.
That was why the Green Machine squeezed the life out of a youthful Tiwi Bombers side on Saturday, with a lot of young kids in St Mary’s jumpers adding to the carnage.
A 10-goal haul from Jackson Calder and a great display in the supply chain from Nick Yarran were highlights of the side.
Saturday night’s rematch of the grand final rematch - St Mary’s v Nightcliff for the second time in four weeks - should see that hunger intensify against the Tigers.
TIGERS OUT TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Nightcliff were left smarting after their opening round defeat to grand final rivals St Mary’s.
But that loss may have been the just the early kick start that the reigning premiers needed to assert their authority against the rest of the league.
That early defeat inspired consecutive big wins over Waratah and then Wanderers to put themselves back in the upper echelons of the table.
And now there’s one thing on their minds, a round 4 rematch against St Mary’s where they will be looking to set the record straight.
Against Wanderers Daniel Bowles had a big showing from down back leading a pressure game that heavily hindered the Muk Muks natural game.
Cam Ilett bagged five goals while Shaun Wilson and Kyle Emery put their names on the goal sheet.
TAHS HAVE THE PUNCH
A second round loss would have been tough to take for the red and whites but against Districts they found their punch once again.
Collis brothers Dylan and Will were at their dynamic best supplying the ball across the ground against a Districts outfit that would not give in.
Outside them Jayden Magro continued his fine start to life with the Warriors while Abe Ankers and Thomas Graham worked hard to steady the ship when their foes charged back.
It was all around team performance and one Tahs needed to prove to themselves and the rest of the league that they can go the distance.
DISTRICTS STAYING IN THE HUNT
The Crocs could probably count themselves as unlucky not to have come away with a win from their opening three matches.
Against Wanderers scores were virtually level until the final five minutes, they drew against Buffaloes after a massive fight back and against Waratah it was again late scores that separated the two sides.
Jonathon Ross has been among the most consistent players of the season while midfielder Frazer Driscoll had a stormer against Tahs.
They have the pieces and are close to a big result but just need that extra push to get over the line and into the winners circle.
‘See some records broken’: First medals given out as ‘Games with Heart’ kicks off
One of the biggest weeks on the Red Centre sporting calendar is underway in full force, drawing thousands of competitors – some of whom have already taken out the top prize. SEE THE PICTURES.
REPLAY: Magpies impress in first outing of new campaign
Is this a changing of the guard moment in the NTFL women’s competition? A young Palmerston side has overcome a rebuilding Waratah to kick off their season in style. Check the REPLAY.