The NT News reveals the Men’s team of the year interchange of the NTFL 2020-21 season

THE NT News has chosen its best men’s side from players in the NTFL. Today we select our interchange. Find out WHO MAKES OUR BEST SIDE here

Nate Paredes had another standout season for St Mary’s. Picture: Felicity Elliott / AFLNT Media

THE 2020-21 NTFL season produced everything that is Australian football in the Top End of the country.

Big scores, standout sides, extraordinary individual performances, plenty of controversy and a grand final that will be talked about for th enext 100 years.

From all of that emerged 24 players who belonged to the Team of the Year, footballers who could turn a game on its ear, ignite the crowd and engage fans across the country watching through live streaming of matches, with their skill and courage.

The NT News reveals the Men’s team of the year backline of the NTFL 2020-21 season

The NT News reveals the Men’s team of the year midfield of the NTFL 2020-21 season

The NT News reveals the Men’s team of the year forwards of the NTFL 2020-21 season

INTERCHANGE:

RAPHAEL CLARKE (ST MARY’S)

Raphael Clarke claimed the Chaney Medal in the 2020-21 grand final. Premier League Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Turned the clock back a dozen years with a superb grand final performance that won him the coveted Chaney Medal as the best player on the ground. The former AFL Saint took several strong marks and won several contested possessions in a performance that reminded Saints fans and the rest of the competition he has a lot more to offer the Top End game.

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ROB TURNBULL (WARATAH)

Waratah midfielder Rob Turnbull put in a big season for Tahs. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

From Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular where quality footballers walk out of the surf every day, Turnbull was a key player in Waratah’s run to the first semi-final. A thumping kick and hard running midfielder, Turnbull is also highly effective in front of goals where he booted 12 in his 17 games for the red and whites.

NATHANIEL PAREDES (ST MARY’S)

Nathaniel Paredes has been an ever-consistent performer for St Mary’s. Photo: Che Chorley

Kicked 24 goals in 21 matches in between winning a lot of inside ball for grand finalists St Mary’s. Rarely beaten in one-on-one contests where his body strength and ability to get between an opponent and the football make him a key piece in the Green Machine that went agonisingly close to winning a 33rd Premier League flag.

SIMON BATES (WANDERERS)

Simon Bates enjoyed one of his best seasons with the Wanderers. Photograph: Che Chorley

Enjoyed one of his best seasons in a blue and gold jumper when he booted 38 goals in 19 games and made his debut for the NTFL representative side against Glenelg. Has pace to burn and can turn on a 20-cent piece, often leaving rivals in his wake by accelerating towards goal while they regain their balance.

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EMERGENCIES

JAMES TSITAS (SOUTHERN DISTRICTS)

James Tsitas was one of the league’s best in the middle of the season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Had a brilliant period mid-season when the ball always seemed to be in his hands. A superb finisher with hand or foot, Tsitas was an intergral part of the Districts side that challenged for a top five berth before falling away late in the season with his 10 goals in 11 highly effective games.

RYAN WARFE (PALMERSTON MAGPIES)

Palmerston wingman Ryan Warfe was named the NT News Rising Star. Picture: Feleicity Elliott / AFLNT Media

The deserved winner of the NT News Rising Star award after a breakout season with his beloved Magpies. Best suited to a wing where his foot speed and ability to read the play come into play. At only 18 years of age the young Magpie has taken his first serious steps in a playing career that is yet to peak.

COACH - CHRIS BAKSH (NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS)

Nightcliff coach Chris Baksh is one of only five coaches to achieve an NTFL threepeat. Photograph: Che Chorley

Coached the Tigers to a premiership three-peat, one of only five men to have achieved the feat in the 106-year history of the NTFL. Never one to rant and rave, Baksh’s quiet, precise approach to the role has had a positive effect on the many star players under his guidance.