The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 6 of the 2020-21 NTFL season

BUFFALOES game of the decade, Districts grind out win and Waratah look sturdy on defence. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM ROUND 6

The Darwin Buffaloes ran riot in their win over St Mary’s. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from Round 6 of the 2020-21 NTFL season with Buffaloes, Nightcliff, Wanderers and Districts all scoring wins.

There was plenty of action and intrigue in Round 6 including Buffaloes game of the decade, Districts’ grindy win and Waratah’s efforts in defence.

BUFFALOES ARE THE REAL DEAL IN THE 2020-21 SEASON

Jarrod Stokes was at his best against St Mary's in Round 6 of the NTFL.

Any doubts surrounding the finals potential of the 2020-21 edition of the Darwin Buffaloes will have disappeared following the side’s 39-point victory over long-time rivals St Marys.

In probably their best league win in a decade the Cam Stokes Buffs were disciplined and clinical in a performance that dismantled the Saints.

Captain Jarrod Stokes who has had a flying start to the season was uncompromising in the midfield once again alongside the likes of Chris Atkinson, Michael Coombes and Nick Lowdon.

However, accuracy in front of goal continues to be an issue for the side with 18 behinds against Saints.

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SAINTS LACK OF LEG SPEED LETTING THEM DOWN

St Mary's Shaun Edwards is among the Saints players who will be after revenge next time they face Buffaloes.

St Mary’s need more leg speed than they are currently showing if they are to compete with the top sides at finals time.

The express train that is the Darwin Buffaloes ran away from them on several occasions in the 39-point loss to their old rivals.

This is a factor coach Anthony Vallejo has vowed to fix by introducing new faces from his unbeaten Division 1 side for this week’s important clash with a dangerous Waratah.

WARATAH HAVE BOLSTERED THEIR MUCH MALIGNED DEFENCE

Tahs Joshua Charmichael had a big performance against Nightcliff. GLENN CAMPBELL

The much maligned Waratah defence has added a big slice of intensity and desperation to its back half in 20-21.

Criticised for a lack of hardness by supporters and footy fans alike for a lot of years, the red and whites have discovered the meaning of desperation under their popular coach Ryan Ayres.

And now their defenders make every opposition forward they come up against accountable for their actions.

DISTRICTS WILL TAKE A LOT FROM SCRAPPY WIN OVER PALMERSTON

Nik Rokahr was a standout for Districts in the game against Palmerston. Picture: Tymunna Clements AFLNT/Media

Southern Districts found themselves on the losing side of a narrow margin on more than one occasion early this season.

But a scrappy win over a fighting Palmerston saw the Crocs finally fall on the opposite side of a tight margin which could very well be the spark to ignite their season.

Nik Rokahr had a massive performance kicking three goals also making a round high number of disposals with 32, while captain Dean Staunton was as busy as normal.

Despite finding himself a marked man James Tsitas worked hard still and is another capable of turning a game on its head and will need to if the Crocs are to turn their season around.

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PALMERSTON HAVE THE PLAYERS BUT NOT THE COHESION

Matt Dennis is dominant around the ruck but needs his players to feed off him. Picture: Aaron Black/AFLNT Media

The Magpies haven’t enjoyed great amount of success in recent years and the 2020-21 season has already seen five losses for the Palmerston side.

Much was made of their recruitments in pre-season with Toshie Kurnoth, Daniel Stafford and Nigel Lockyer Jr all joining the side.

Skipper Matt Dennis had a typically dominant game around the ruck against Districts while Eric Guthrie was around the ball all night.

But a winning side can’t be made overnight and though the pieces are there Palmerston are still finding their feet.

It was a tight game against the Crocs and it’s those tight games that Palmerston need to win before they can reach for the stars.