The NT News reveals the midfielders and half forwards of its import side of the NTFL 2020-21 season

NIGHTCLIFF’S Brodie Filo is one of six midfielders and half forwards selected for the Imports side. Find out who else was selected here

Brodie Filo has been selected in the midfield of the NT News import team. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

TERRITORY football has been enriched by several interstate recruits this season, all of them anxious to get a football in their hands after.

The rich harvest of footballers who arrived on our doorstep from Victoria and South Australia has added an extra element of class and intrigue to the northern game by lifting the skill and intensity level and overall standard.

Football writers Grey Morris and Nathaniel Chambers have selected a team of imports they are convinced will more than match a ‘Locals’ side will put up against them.

Is it time to revive the Locals v Imports game from the early 1980s?

Given the amount of interstate talent in Darwin and abundance of homegrown talent, we would suggest the time is right now.

NTFL’s best interstate players of 2020: Imports forward line

NTFL’s best interstate players of 2020: Imports back line

WING – BRODIE FILO (Nightcliff, 30)

Any import list would be amiss without Nightcliff’s dual Nichols medallist Brodie Filo. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

The dual Nichols medallist and two-time premiership player has everything in terms of an elite footballer, leg speed, a thumping kick and an even more important element, vision. Forward line players know they will get the football lace up in the vicinity of the chest region if they lead towards Filo, who can play anywhere across the middle of the ground. Hails from Bendigo in central Victoria which has always been a strong breeding ground for footballers.

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CENTRE – JAMES TSITAS (Southern Districts, 25)

Southern Districts' James Tsitas goes short with the footy. Picture: Aaron Black/AFLNT Media.

The Geelong midfielder has already won a premiership with Nightcliff and his decision to base himself at Fred’s Pass with the NTFL Crocodiles can only be a positive for the rural side. Can find the football on the inside or the outside and is efficient with his hand and foot delivery where he has been high in possession numbers in his first two matches as a Crocodile.

WING – LUKE KIEL (Southern Districts, 30)

Southern Districts' Luke Kiel in typical pose, head down and looking forward with the ball in hand. Picture: Tymunna Clements AFLNT Media

Another hard nut from Geelong region where he pulled on the traditional blue and white hoops more than once. Can find the football in a pack situation or in space, where his delivery and appetite for goal have proved fruitful.

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HALF-FORWARD – DANE MCFARLANE (Wanderers, 27)

Wanderers' Dane McFarlane has been a dynamic edition to the Muk Muks this season. Picture: Felicity Elliott/NTFL Media

From Werribee in the VFL after playing most of his football in Geelong with their VFL club and Newtown-Chilwell. A creative and innovative player who can play down back and across half forward where his lightning reflexes and superb kicking have been big plusses for Shannon Motlop’s Eagles.

CENTRE HALF-FORWARD – ANDREW BOSELEY (Southern Districts, 28)

Andrew Boseley

Southern Districts’ 195cm forward Andrew Boseley is an imposing figure on and off the ground and Croc fans will be hoping he is the answer to their key forward puzzle. Was on Hawthorn’s list after an under-18 career at the Geelong falcons.

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HALF-FORWARD – JACKSON PAINE (St Mary’s, 27)

St Mary's in-form goalkicker Jackson Paine lines up a major. Picture: Felicity Elliott

Goalkicking is the game for Mr Paine, who could have kicked 14 or 15 in Saints’ big win over Palmerston last week. Played a handful of games with Brisbane and Collingwood as a midfielder, but is ideally suited to a forward role where he has a fast lead and enough evasive skills to find space.