The NT News looks at the main talking points from Round 3 of the 2020-21 NTFL season

All the talking points from Round 3 of the NTFL including St Mary’s first win, Buffaloes strong start to the season and a certain standout at Wanderers

Buffaloes’ Brodie Foster has been in-form for the firing Darwin side. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

THE 2020-21 NTFL season has already proved an interesting one with more than one side showing strong results in a week where Nightcliff, St Marys, Buffaloes and Waratah all managed wins.

Round 3 has been no exception giving us plenty of talking points including St Mary’s first win, Buffaloes strong start to the season and a certain standout at Wanderers.

1. NIGHTCLIFF UNDEFEATED WITHOUT GETTING INTO GEAR

Brodie Filo was Nightcliff’s top performer in their come from behind victory against Wanderers. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

Only the good sides win games of football when their engine only reaches third gear and that was the case with reigning premier Nightcliff last week.

Off their game for large parts of their Round 3 clash with a fast rising Wanderers, most of that caused by the hard tackling and hard running of the young Eagles.

But cometh the minute, cometh the club as players like Cameron Ilett, Brodie Filo found fourth gear in the last five minutes to kick four match winning goals.

2. VALLEJO BRINGS INTENSITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO SAINTS

Anthony Vallejo brings intensity and accountability to Saints. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

Coaches are a crucial component of any side, a fact that was clear for all to see in St Mary’s first win of the season over the Tiwi Bombers.

Coach Anthony Vallejo was restricted to the sidelines for the opening games of the season watching on as his side faltered to Nightcliff and Wanderers.

Saints captain Raphael Clarke noted that the coach’s return added an aggression that was missing in the opening games forcing everyone to step up.

And step up they did following a slow first quarter to take the game on with senior players such as Nate Paredes (30 disposals) making their mark.

MORE NT SPORT NEWS

St Mary’s managed their first win of the 2020-21 win against the Tiwi Bombers

Saint tops Round 3 NTFL stats being the first of the season to make 30 disposals from a single game

Late Wanderers collapse a surprise for the Eagles’ coaching staff after their own come from behind wins

3. MANNAGH A REVELATION FOR WANDERERS

Wanderers recruit Shaun Mannagh has been a revelation in his debut NTFL season. Picture: CELINA WHAN AFLNT/MEDIA

Shaun Mannagh continues to prove himself a revelation for Wanderers with another stellar display in their losing effort against Nightcliff.

Mannagh who was the Muk Muk’s top performer in their opening wins had another outstanding performance topping the disposal stats in the game with 23 kicks and three handballs.

He has played a big role in nearly everything that’s been good about this Eagles’ outfit and should his form continue he will be an early favourite for the Nichols Medal, alongside Buffaloes captain Jarrod Stokes.

4. BUFFS ALREADY LOOKING FINALS BOUND

Buff's captain Jarrod Stokes has been a standout for the undefeated side. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

The Darwin Buffaloes are doing what most finals bound clubs do - winning games of football without a lot of media scrutiny.

Their 44-point win over the Magpies produced a quiet show of class, with skipper Jarrod Stokes at the top of his game scoring four goals and notching 22 disposals.

Rising Star nominee Isaac Seden-Kurnoth was clean and efficient with everything he did in a standout game for the young gun who totalled 17 disposals.

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5. DISTRICTS YET TO FIND WINNING EDGE

Lionel Ogden topped the stats in Round 1. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Southern Districts are yet to get underway in the 2020-21 season suffering three defeats on the bounce.

There’s been a lot of change in the rural unit this season with long term coach Shannon Rusca making way for long time club man Matt Cannard.

However, as with all coaches there is feeling out process amplified by the absence of star performers Keegan Dingo, Rory O’Brien and the injured Josiah Farrer, who will miss the season.

Districts were ahead for much of their game against Waratah, and Wanderers in Round 1, but inability to close out the game cost them.

Though Lionel Ogden and Luke Kiel topped the stats in Round 1 and Round 2 respectively so it could be more a matter of when than if for Districts to get their a win on the board.