The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 13 of the 2020-21 NTFL season

WANDERERS displayed plenty of firepower, Tiwi’s woes continued and there was a potential dent in Nightcliff’s armour. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NTFL ROUND 13 ACTION.

Shaun Mannagh provided plenty of attacking presence for Wanderers against Districts. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE NT News has looked at some of the major talking points from Round 13 of the 2020-21 NTFL season, with St Mary’s, Nightcliff and Wanderers all managing wins.

Round 13 was an interesting one with a match postponed, a potential dent in Nightcliff’s armour exposed in an otherwise perfect game and Saints extending their win streak.

NIGHTCLIFF ON TRACK BUT DENTS SHOWING

Cam Illett has been in strong form for top side Nightcliff this season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF’S bid for a sixth Premier League flag and third in as many years looks like it is on track, but did the sides around them noticed a slight dent in their armour in an otherwise 87-point romp over a sleepy Darwin Buffalo side?

The Tigers looked every inch a premiership side on Saturday night when they shredded the Buffaloes in a first-half display that represented a headmaster giving his students a lesson on the intricacies of Australian football.

But a scoreless third quarter when the Buffaloes decided to man up and attack the football in numbers left fans wondering if the same sort of pressure can be applied for four quarters.

Can the snarling Tigers be reduced to pussycats?

What Nightcliff does have is a potent forward line and a backline that refuses to let the breeze get past them, presenting opposition sides with several problems, including options to go long for one-on-one contests in front of goal, taking the traditional fast break from the centre of the ground, transition out of half back or relying on a game of keepings-off.

Add the fast-rising Brodie Filo, Cameron Ilett, Phillip Wills, hard nut Dominic Brew and giant ruckman Jackson Bowen to that equation and the 2020-21 Tigers could do a Bruce McAvaney and be something pretty special.

MORE NT SPORT STORIES

Magpie Ryan Warfe wins the Round 13 Rising Star nomination

All the NTFL stats for Round 13 of the Men’s Premier League

Muk Muks shake off rust with win over Crocs

TIWI WOES CONTINUE IN 2021

Tiwi Bombers head coach Shane Tipuamantamerri stepped down from the role following the postponed Round 13 match.

THIS season was already a painful one for the Bombers, who have so far failed to seal a win and saw three members of their coaching staff handed bans for umpire abuse.

But their woes continue in 2021, with their final Bathurst Island-hosted game of the season postponed, with a yet to be confirmed date for play, and the departure of head coach Shane Tipuamantamerri.

A finals run is out of reach for Tiwi this season, but its players will still be looking to play for the pride in their jumper.

The likes of Mason DeWit and Fletcher Carroll have had big individual seasons, while Harley Puruntatatmeri, Adam Tipungwuti and Dion Munkara will be looking to deliver.

WANDERERS HAVE PLENTY OF FIREPOWER WITH IMPORTS STILL AROUND

Dane McFarlane has been a force for Wanderers in the 2020-21 season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

WANDERERS’ mixture of imports and locals were once again a force to be reckoned against Districts, despite rumours the side would be missing key individuals following the break.

Dane McFarlane, Brydan Hodgson and Shaun Mannagh were constant presences around the ball, while young gun Brodie Newman once again impressed.

In a rarity for the 2020-21, season leading goalscorer Brett Eddy found himself unable to bag a major, but his presence up forward was a constant threat.

But Wanderers’ success doesn’t come down to their imports alone, with young gun Dray Thompson impressing alongside captain Braedon McLean.

SAINTS STILL ON A ROLL AHEAD OF TOP-OF-THE-TABLE CLASH

The return of Jackson Geary has bolstered the St Mary’s ranks. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE Green Machine continues to roll after winning their seventh consecutive game in a row in an away encounter against Palmerston, but the threat of table-toppers Nightcliff looms.

Saints have put together a squad capable of beating any side and the return of Chaney Medallist Jackson Geary has only bolstered their ranks.

Nathaniel Paredes, Dylan Landt and Shaun Edwards continue to excel each week, while Will Hams, Matt Wilkinson and Nick Yarran also put in serviceable showings against Palmerston.

It might not have been a perfect performance against Palmerston, but with one eye on what lies ahead the Green Machine will be pleased with the four match points.

The Tigers next week are a greater challenge but Saints will come in with no shortage of confidence, having beaten the top side already this season.

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

PALMERSTON YOUTH SHOWING PROMISE

Palmerston wingman Ryan Warfe was named the Rising Star nominee after Round 13. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

WHILE the Magpies found themselves on the wrong side of the score against Saints, the struggling side will take confidence from the recent performances of their young blood.

Round 13 Rising Star nominee Ryan Warfe, Sandy Brock and Riley Stone all got plenty of time on the ball, while Tyrell Lui and Josh Hollamby also put in decent showings.

Backed up by their ever-consistent ruckman and captain Matt Dennis and midfielder Chris Williams, Palmerston found themselves in the fight against the second-placed side.

And with Eric Guthrie and Nigel Lockyer Jr both missing the 30-point loss to St Mary’s, Palmerston may be starting to see a chance for more wins on their horizon.