The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 10 of the 2020-21 NTFL season
WARATAH the form side, Saints take their revenge and a thrilling draw at Nightcliff Oval. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM ROUND 10
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THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from Round 9 of the 2020-21 NTFL season with St Mary’s, Waratah and Palmerston pulling off wins, while there was a draw between Wanderers and Nightcliff.
It was another exciting round of NTFL action with Waratah announcing themselves as the form side, Saints taking revenge and an exciting draw at Nightcliff Oval.
WARATAH LOOKING THE REAL DEAL
With three wins from their past three games the Tahs have been in some electric form but it’s not just the win themselves that has impressed but the nature of their victory.
A 23-point win over Buffs, a 52-point win over then ladder leaders Wanderers and now a 37-point win over Southern Districts will have Waratah marked as the form side in the competition.
A best on ground performance from Sam Godden who managed 20 disposals and consistent efforts from usual performers Abe Ankers, Brodie Carroll and Rob Turnbull gave the Tahs all they needed to surpass an off colour Districts.
With heir big bodies and current run of form they will be a nusicence for any side.
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NIGHTCLIFF STILL MISSING OPENING WIN UNDER LIGHTS
They won’t be showing it publicly but the Nightcliff hierachy will be relieved when their side finally wins a night game at home.
One loss and a draw from two matches under the floodlights were not what the Tigers would have envisaged in front of their home fans.
Better news was the good form of Nichols medallist Brodie Filo who got the ball 28 times and the Tigers’ never say die attitude that salvaged two premiership points from what looked to a third defeat of the season midway through the last quarter.
PALMERSTON YET TO LIVE UP TO POTENTIAL
When will the real Palmerston side stand up? That was the question being asked of the Magpies after their wet weather slog against the Tiwi Bombers produced a badly needed nine-point win.
Two wins from 10 matches does not stack up with a playing list that includes the league’s best ruckman Matt Dennis, elite midfielders in Eric Guthrie and Chris Williams and a forward line ready to break out with Nigel Lockyer Jr, Tosh Kunoth and Daniel Stafford capable of kicking bags of goals.
Their tendency to fade away as they did on Bathurst has and will hurt the Magpies with Wanderers’ previously showing that other sides won’t be as forgiving as Tiwi were.
SAINTS GET THEIR TASTE OF REVENGE
It was only four rounds ago when a Buffalo stampede ran over a toothless St Mary’s and looked to take the wind out of the Saints’ sails.
But what a difference four weeks makes with the Anthony Vallejo coached side taking four wins on the run and getting their revenge with a big 13.15 (93) to 9.10 (64) win over their old rivals.
With Nate Paredes and Dylan Landt firing and the return of Shannon Rioli, the Green Machine has had plenty to smile about in the past few weeks.
Jackson Calder is also finding form up front while Ryan Smith and Brandyn Grenfell are important around the ruck.
And with his first premier league haul of five goals Beau Tedcastle has nailed down his position as one of the most promising youngsters in the competition.
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BUFFALOES NEED SOME INSPIRATION
It’s not so long ago that Buffaloes were ladder leaders but three losses from their past four matches as seen the proud side drop down the table.
A suspension to their in form skipper and potential Nichols medal winner Jarrod Stokes didn’t help matters but it’s undeniable that the Buffs need a kick of inspiration.
Perhaps a loss to their old rivals Saints will be just the ticket as the reverse was for the Green Machine but time will tell.
Stars such as Stokes, Jalen Clarke and Michael Coombes will be looked to for their x-factor while a little more run and impact will be sought from their talented youngsters.
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