The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 11 of the 2020-21 NTFL season

Nightcliff finding the next gear, Saints making it five in a row and Districts back in the finals fight. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM ROUND 11.

Nightcliff Tigers had the run of the ball in their big Round 11 win over. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT Media

THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from Round 11 of the 2020-21 NTFL season with St Mary’s, Nightcliff, Southern Districts and Wanderers all finding win.

It was another exciting round of NTFL action with Nightcliff finding the next gear, Saints making it five in a row and Districts back in the finals fight.

DON’T COUNT OUT DISTRICTS

Southern Districts skipper Dean Staunton on the run. Picture: Aaron Black/AFLNT Media

Early in the season many would have written Districts off as also-rans in the 2020-21 competition, but a more recent turn of fortune has the Crocs well in the fight.

They still sit outside the top five with many a tough game ahead of them but an eight-goal first quarter against Palmerston has them well in the fight.

Charlie McAdam was untouchable in defence, while the likes of James Tsitas and Jay Dahlhaus moved well across the field.

Captain Dean Staunton collected 35 disposals in a brave performance that will only inspire his side to work in similar fashion going forward.

SAINTS SHOWING GREAT FORM

Daly Andrews celebrates a goal for Saints. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The pundits who condemned St Mary’s to an average 2020-21 NTFL season following last season’s grand final defeat had better readjust their prediction.

This Saints side is as hungry as they have ever been in the 68 years they have been running around on Top End ovals.

A hard working midfield, effective forward line and a defence that combines class with strength and discipline means Anthony Vallejo’s side will be hard to beat in the run to the finals in February and March.

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NIGHTCLIFF FIND THE NEXT GEAR

Dom Brew put in 10 tackles for Nightcliff against the Buffaloes. Picture Felicity Elliott AFLNT Media

The Nightcliff of 2020-21 hasn’t always looked the ruthless side of previous seasons but an uncompromising 95-point win over Buffaloes will have put any doubts of this being the same side to bed.

Hungry to win for the first time at home under lights, after missing out on two previous occasions, the Tigers showed their hand for the first time and delivered.

Dom Brew put in an impressive 10 tackles, while Cam Ilett and Trent Melville bagged three goals each to put their side out of sight.

But most impressive, and perhaps ominous for the rest of the league, was dual Nichols medallist Brodie Filo showing the form that won him the prestigious award once again.

WHAT DO TIWI HAVE TO DO TO GET A WIN?

Despite signs of promise, Tiwi is yet to get a win in the 2020-21 season. Picture: Aaron Black/AFLNT Media

When will the Tiwis win? That was the question being asked of the lads on the other side of the Beagle Gulf after another big loss, their 11th in as many starts.

The latest loss came at the hands of close rivals Wanderers in another 30-plus goal shootout.

The Bombers are being pulverised in the back half where opposition sides are loading up with bigger bodies and clever smalls feeding off any crumbs, tap-ons or handballs from the big guys.

The performances week-in, week-out of Hawthorn listed player Mason DeWit has prevented cricket scores being kicked against them.

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BUFFS ARE STAGGERING TOWARDS CHRISTMAS

Darwin Buffaloes haven’t enjoyed the best of results through the mid-season rounds. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

With some teams on the up it’s only natural that others will be heading in the opposite direction and at the moment the downward slope belongs to Buffs.

And after a heavy loss to Nightcliff the boys in double blue will be hoping their descent ends soon, otherwise they will find themselves in the scrap for finals in the closing rounds.

They looked certain of finals footy in the early stages of competition, but with key personnel in and out the middle stage of the season hasn’t been smooth sailing.

Lachlan McKenzie had a decent stats showing against the Tigers, while Ryan Pendlebury and Max Kennedy have showed good form.

For the Buffaloes it’s about finding that early-season form again and adapting to what’s ahead of them.