The NT News looks at the talking points from a weekend of representative footy

Representative footy is back, lady Buffaloes make history and interleague clash sparks interest. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM A WEEKEND OF REP FOOTY ACTION

Nathaniel Paredes dug deep to help see his side to a win against Glenelg. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE NT News has looked at some of the major talking points from a weekend of representative footy action, with both the male and female Buffaloes winning over Glenelg.

The Central Australia Redtails also managed a win over the Katherine Big Rivers, while Waratah beat Tiwi Bombers in the postponed Round 13 matchup.

REPRESENTATIVE FOOTY IS BACK IN THE TOP END

Harley Puruntatameri as the NTFL Men v Glenelg at TIO Stadium. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

The future looks bright for NTFL representative footy and with the success of the weekend of exciting matches it seems the next fixture will come a lot sooner than 26-years from now.

An inspiring and tight game fought out at TIO Stadium between the NTFL side and Glenelg may see representative footy return as a permanent fixture in the Top End.

Captain Cam Ilett capped off the occasion with the Australia Day Medal while the rest of the squad also rose to the occasion wearing the black, white and ocre colours for the first time.

MORE NT SPORT STORIES

History is made at TIO Stadium after the Territory women win their first representative game

Gold Coast Suns emerging as a representative opponent in 2022

Ten goals from the boot of Michael Newton see Waratah to win over Tiwi Bombers

WOMEN STARS DO TERRITORY PROUD IN HISTORIC CLASH

The Territory's Mikayla Ward was a standout for the women's side that went up against Glenelg. Picture Glenn Campbell

For the first time in history the women of the NTFL took to the field in a representative clash against visiting Glenelg and didn’t miss a beat.

The Tarmon Elliott coached Buffaloes outfit burst onto the field to quickly take control and take the lead which they never let go of.

Gold Coast Suns listed and Pint star Jasmyn Hewett was a worthy recipient of the Australia Day Medal with a typically dominant display around the ruck.

Mickayla Ward, Molly Althouse and Bella Clarke were consistent major threats to Glenelg’s defence.

And with the successful 5.5 (35) to 1.1 (7) win to their name the lady Buffaloes will be raring to take to the field again sooner rather than later.

INTERLEAGUE CLASH CREATES PLENTY OF INTEREST

Alice Springs's Nigel Lockyer against Big Rivers at TIO Staidum. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Centralian Redtails-Big Rivers interleague game created a lot of interest, despite the 2pm kick-off working against crowd numbers.

What the fans did see was a classy Redtails outfit against a determined Big Rivers, with the Red Centre’s edge in skill and fitness with Matt Campbell, Nigel Lockyer and Dylan Barry on board the decisive factor.

Rain often played a part in the early afternoon clash but the Redtails held strong to dominate their Rivers foes.

But with the game now behind them the question will be on when the Territory will see another interleague clash of this kind.

REP SIDE REPRESENTS COMPETITION RATHER THAN TERRITORY

Brett Eddy after scoring the opening goal for the NT Buffaloes. Picture Glenn Campbell

THE makeup of the NTFL side that beat Glenelg on Saturday night has come in for some heavy criticism from Territory fans.

Darwin Buffalo supporters were disappointed in-form defender Ryan Pendlebury missed out on a black, white and ochre shirt, while others said there were too many interstate players in the side.

But selection criteria was the team was representing the NTFL, therefore players who were living in the Territory and playing in the Premier League were eligible.

Dane McFarlane, Dom Brew and Brodie Newman were among the NTFL imports that excelled in the representative clash for the home side.

NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month

TAHS PRIMING AT THE RIGHT TIME

Michael 'Juice' Newton was on fire in front of goals against the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Felicity Elliott AFLNT/Media

With two 100-plus point wins in a row the Tahs are looking assured and more than ready to take on a finals challenge that alluded the side in the 2019-20 season.

They may been without some of their x-factor stars such as Abe Ankers and Rob Turnbull against Tiwi but they had more than a handle of the situation.

Tiwi did lead in the early stages having booted the opening goal but the red and whites soon found their feet after that.

Will Collis took charge of the midfield with 37 touches with Dylan Collis and Mitch O’Donnell both adding significant contributions.

Kim Kantilla, Henry Kerinaiua and Tim Mosquito all brought pace to the Tahs attack which was perfect for the kicking boots of Michael Newton as the big man kicked 10 goals.

Now with finals assured and the Ryan Ayres coached side improving each week no side will be able to take them lightly.