The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 17 of the 2020-21 NTFL season

Saints finals ready, Buffaloes injury woes and Nightcliff eyeing threepeat. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NTFL ROUND 17 ACTION

Darwin Buffaloes took on Waratah at TIO Stadium. Photo: Che Chorley

THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from an exciting Round 17 of the 2020-21 NTFL season, with Nightcliff, Wanderers, Buffaloes and St Mary’s all finding wins.

Round 17 was another spectacle of NT footy full of intrigue leading up to finals with Nightcliff and Saints firing while Buffaloes wrestle with injury concerns.

NIGHTCLIFF WITH SIGHTS ON A RARE THREEPEAT

Nathan Brown has shown consistent form for his table topping side. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Nightcliff’s demolition of an undermanned Southern Districts on Saturday was typical of a side hunting for a premiership and in the Tigers’ case, a big slice of NTFL history.

A third successive grand final win on March 20 will elevate the Tigers into some elite company, St Mary’s (four times), Darwin Buffaloes (twice) and Wanderers in the first four years of the competition the only clubs to achieve the feat.

President Mark Dodge, the committee and the players will tell you the word three peat has been forgotten at Tigerland.

But the truth is the objective is very much in focus for this group of yellow and black jumpers who would love to be remembered for what is a herculean feat in Top End football.

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BUFFALOES TAKE WARATAH WIN BUT AT WHAT COST?

Buffalo Michael Coombes will miss the rest of the 20-21 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT Media

Just how good can this season’s Buffalo side be without injured pair Michael Coombes and Michael Hagan?

That is the question being asked by fans and rivals of the Double Blues, who won a titanic battle with elimination final opponents Waratah with 18 fit players.

First year Buffs coach Cameron Stokes has several players waiting to come back, including key utility Jalen Clarke and classy midfielder Patrick Boles, who can fill the void.

But old timers say the heart of the Buffaloes and the respect Stokes has acquired as a leader of men in his debut coaching season will be enough to win finals games.

PALMERSTON NEED TO MAINTAIN STRONG STARTS

Palmerston skipper Matthew Dennis looks for a teammate. Picture: Felicity Elliott / AFLNT Media

The Magpies looked on for a great upset when they found themselves up four goals to one after the first quarter of their Round 17 encounter.

But as fortune would have it the Palmerston side soon tired losing their fight and fell behind a resurgent Eagles.

Supporters of the black and white outfit would have had a hint of dejavu on the night considering the exact same scenario was played out against the Buffaloes just weeks previous.

There’s no doubting that Palmerston has the firepower with the likes of Matt Dennis, Eric Guthrie and Chris Williams around the ball.

But they need the fitness and consistency to go toe to toe with the big sides across a single game, let alone the season.

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SAINTS ON THE CHARGE HEADING INTO FINALS

St Mary's Nathaniel Paredes has been in top form heading into finals. Picture Glenn Campbell

There’s little doubt that St Mary’s are finals ready with their squad full of players strong that can take on the ball.

They’ve won 10 from their past 11 games with the only loss in that period being a nine pointer in wet conditions against Nightcliff.

Dylan Landt, Nathaniel Paredes and Jack Landt have been particular standouts with all three gathering 30+ disposals in their demolition of Tiwi.

Dylan’s haul of 48 disposals cements his place as a potential Nichols medal winner while consistent young gun Lachlan Taylor took home a rising star nomination.

Their next match against Wanderers will be crucial for the Green Machine if they’re to take their winning form into finals.

TAHS WILL WANT STARS BACK BEFORE FINALS

Robert Turnbull gets the ball away. Picture Glenn Campbell

Two losses on the bounce to finals rivals won’t look favourable for a Tahs outfit that up till now have looked the real deal.

Losing to Buffaloes in particular might have coach Ryan Ayres looking at his playbook, considering the two sides will face eachother again in two weeks time.

Though their won’t be alarm bells at the Waratah camp just yet considering star playmaker Abe Ankers has missed a couple of weeks.

Callum Searle and Zach Westerberg have also been out with injury so there is plenty of firepower to return to the camp.

And with Rob Turnbull and Will Collis showing plenty of ability the Tahs will be looking for a return to form come finals, though to win it all Waratah have to do it the hard way.