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Your complete guide to Northern Territory sport in 2023

From drought breaking premierships to thrilling individual performances on the national stage, 2023 was a year which had it all. Read your complete guide to sport in the NT.

Replay: NTFL Men's Grand Final - Waratah v Southern Districts

From drought-breaking premiership victories to thrilling individual performances across the codes, 2023 was a huge year for Northern Territory sport.

Territorians pulled out all the stops in what has been one of the biggest years for sport in recent memory with plenty pulling in success locally and nationally.

Check out all the biggest moments in sport from the year that was.

JANUARY

Representative Fixture

Jayden Magro celebrates a goal for the NTFL men's team against South Fremantle in the 2023 rep game. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media
Jayden Magro celebrates a goal for the NTFL men's team against South Fremantle in the 2023 rep game. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

Match fitness and clinical finishing came to the fore as the NTFL rep side beat South Fremantle for the first time in its history.

The NT and South Fremantle have enjoyed a long history, but the visitors had come out on top in both their previous meetings, in 1973 and 1998.

However, in 2023 it was the NT’s turn using the best players from across the league, including Ryan Nyhuis and Steven Motlop, to win 12.9 (81) to 10.9 (69).

Waratah’s Jayden Magro kicked four goals to earn the best on ground accolade, while fellow Tah Robbie Turnbull was a standout in his first match for South Fremantle.

The NTFL women got out to an early lead against WAFL premiers Claremont, but were kept quiet on the scoring front late to lose 5.3 (33) to 3.4 (22) despite a brave showing.

Tiwi forfeit Maurice Rioli Cup

The Tiwi Bombers forfeit against their Maurice Rioli Cup match against Waratah. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media
The Tiwi Bombers forfeit against their Maurice Rioli Cup match against Waratah. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media

The Tiwi Bombers were forced to forfeit the much-celebrated annual Maurice Rioli Cup match against Waratah due to a lack of resources and personnel as well as social unrest.

The club received a suspended fine of $10,000 as a result, which the club said would be a ‘one off’.

The Tiwi Islands Football League was revamped as a new Dry Season competition, which has also worked harder to develop young talent.

The change in seasons has so far paid dividends for the Tiwi side in the 2023-24 NTFL season, which has come in with a renewed confidence and plenty of young blood.

FEBRUARY

Alice Springs crime disrupts sporting competitions

Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson and AFLNT general manager Sam Gibson were at war over the CAFL community competition being locked out of Alice Springs.
Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson and AFLNT general manager Sam Gibson were at war over the CAFL community competition being locked out of Alice Springs.

The Alice Springs crime wave reached national attention early in 2023, and sporting competitions were thrown into the spotlight as a result.

The Australian Junior Motocross Championship was originally set to take place in the Red Centre, for the first time since 1987, however concerns from competitors forced it to be moved to Acacia Hills.

Footy didn’t escape the furore with the Alice Springs Town Council concerned fans from remote communities would create anti-social issues.

As such the CAFL community competition was restricted from playing in Alice Springs, causing an uproar from the sporting body.

The standoff between AFLNT and the council lasted into May with the Alice Springs AFL game on the lines, and even the CAFL town competition banned from playing at Traeger Park in Round 1.

However, a pivotal meeting between Gillon McLachlan and Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson put an end to the dispute with the community competition allowed to play from May 20.

MARCH

Nichols Medal

Dylan Landt of St Mary's won the 2022-23 NTFL Nichols medal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Dylan Landt of St Mary's won the 2022-23 NTFL Nichols medal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Molly Althouse won the women's premier league best and fairest for the second year in a row. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Molly Althouse won the women's premier league best and fairest for the second year in a row. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

St Mary’s star Dylan Landt was awarded the 2022-23 Nichols Medal following another massive season for his side.

The midfield ace who previously played in the Essendon VFL team has been massive for the Green Machine since his first NTFL appearance in the 2020-21 season.

Darwin Buffettes’ Molly Althouse won the Women’s Premier League best and fairest award, no longer called the Gwynne medal, her second victory.

Meanwhile, Nightcliff’s Peter Politis and Palmerston’s Tatyana Perry went home as the Rising Star winners.

Jackson Calder won the goal kicking chase for the second year in a row, and Kaitlyn Armstrong tore it up late in the year kicking 56 majors from 13 games.

NTFL player point breaches

Southern Districts was fined $10,000 after they named a player on their team sheet who did not take to the field.

The breaches came in Round 17 and 18 of the Men’s Division 2 season, and had the potential to generate a player point advantage for the Men’s Premier League.

A player named for the club, whether at Premier League or lower divisions, will cost fewer points for that club the following season.

As a result of the indiscretion Southern Districts copped a $10,000 fine, $5000 of which has been suspended until the end of the 2023-24 season.

It was the second player point’s breach of the season after Palmerston were found to have played more fly-in players than allowed across two rounds during December 2022.

Waratah drought breaker

Waratah broke their 23 year drought when they beat Southern Districts in the 2022-23 NTFL grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Waratah broke their 23 year drought when they beat Southern Districts in the 2022-23 NTFL grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Waratah broke their 23-year premiership drought after beating minor premiers Southern Districts in a truly epic NTFL grand final.

‘Tahs came into the encounter with the longest title drought of any club in the NTFL, while Crocs were targeting just their fourth premier league trophy.

Waratah held on late, using the lessons learned in their 2021-22 grand final defeat, to resist a late comeback and win 10.10 (70) to 7.10 (52).

Districts’ ruck Matt Dennis, a constant league standout, picked up the Chaney Medal for a best on ground performance.

PINT women get second title in three years

PINT won the 2022-23 NTFL premiership. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
PINT won the 2022-23 NTFL premiership. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The PINT women secured their second title in three years when they beat Waratah 12.8 (80) to 6.4 (40).

The Queenants enjoyed a successful season bouncing back from a semi-final defeat to take out the ‘Tahs at the finals hurdle.

Former Gold Coast and Adelaide AFLW player Jasmyn Hewett was awarded the best on ground, while long-time leader Katie Streader, Reni Hicks and Steph Lawrence were other standouts.

Darwin Rugby grand final

Casuarina Cougars won the 2022-23 Darwin Rugby grand final against the Palmerston Crocs at Rugby Park.
Casuarina Cougars won the 2022-23 Darwin Rugby grand final against the Palmerston Crocs at Rugby Park.

Casuarina ended their 10-year A-Grade premiership drought in spectacular fashion, beating Palmerston 35-21 in a gripping decider at Rugby Park.

The Cougars shot ahead early and maintained their lead throughout off the talent of their explosive backs and early scores from Waisale Sekitoga and Samuela Kanongataa.

Palmerston fought back in the second half, particularly when Casuarina saw red, but were unable to completely claw back the deficit.

Dennis Bree played in the grand final for the Palmerston Crocs. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Dennis Bree played in the grand final for the Palmerston Crocs. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Crocs’ legend Dennis Bree was one of the stories of the day coming off the bench for a three minute cameo in the front row at the age of 71.

Other finals results saw Darwin Dragons win 55-0 against Casuarina, while Cougars won in the under-18s and B-Grades against MacKillop Saints and Katherine’s Rucking Roos respectively.



PINT celebrations disrupted

A PINT footballer was sanctioned for reportedly playing a video with sexual content amid celebrations over the club’s Women’s Premier League premiership win.

It is understood celebrations were ruined and the clubhouse was shut down after the video was broadcast.

The club reported the incident to AFLNT, though it was not revealed what penalty the player involved received.

Darwin Basketball finals

The Ellas Titans rose from their third place finish to take out the 2022-23 Darwin Basketball Championship, beating Eagles 87-74 in the grand final.

Elijah Sample scored 35 points while Salties’ star Deba George netted 20 to beat out an Eagles side full of talent including another Darwin Salties player Ambros Eugster.

Meanwhile, it was another successful season for the Tracy Village women who beat arch rivals Lightning 57-48.

Jamie-Lee Peris was the star of the show scoring 21 points to see her side through.

It was a massive season for young Darwin basketball talent with Aiden McKenney and Taneesa Hampton both making names for themselves.

APRIL

NRL NT returns

There was plenty of excitment throughout the 2023 NRL NT competition. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
There was plenty of excitment throughout the 2023 NRL NT competition. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The NRL NT returned with a bang in April in what was one of the most even competitions in recent history.

The Northern Sharks got their revenge against then-reigning premiers Palmerston in Round 1, but faltered themselves in the early stages against Brothers and Litchfield.

The Sharks would end up going on a run after those losses, while the Darwin Brothers women would have the similar success in the Women’s A-Grade competition.

Sheridan’s national success

Territorian Macey Sheridan shocked the country claiming gold medals in the Australian Age Group Swimming Championships.
Territorian Macey Sheridan shocked the country claiming gold medals in the Australian Age Group Swimming Championships.

Teenage swimming sensation Macey Sheridan shocked the country cleaning up gold medals and breaking records at the Australian Age Group Swimming Championships.

The 13 year old, a long-time member of the Darwin Swimming Club, won six gold medals on the Gold Coast.

Her most impressive performance was in the 100m backstroke where she clocked 1:03.69, just more than a second shy of the Australian record Kaylee McKeown set in 2015.

Goalpost removal uproar

Rapid Creek resident Dane Hirst was disgruntled after the goalposts at Nightcliff Oval were removed ahead of the Darwin Cricket season. Picture: Nathaniel Chambers
Rapid Creek resident Dane Hirst was disgruntled after the goalposts at Nightcliff Oval were removed ahead of the Darwin Cricket season. Picture: Nathaniel Chambers

Some members of the public were left fuming after goalposts at two Nightcliff ovals were removed ahead of the Darwin Cricket season.

One resident called the removal ‘unwarranted’ saying the posts had been left in place at Nightcliff and Alawa ovals in previous seasons.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles jumped in on the calls requesting the posts be replanted, however Darwin Council stated the removal was standard procedure.

Sell-out NRL match

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NRL fans from across the country crowded into TIO Stadium for a sell-out match between Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos in Darwin.

Two years after their last meeting in the Top End, 11,864 league fans descended on TIO Stadium for the Round 8 match.

And there were plenty of special stories within the crowd, with first-timers and diehard league fans in abundance to watch the Broncos get the win over the home side.

Darwin cricket returns

Max Hatzoglou (Tracy Village), Udara Weerasinghe (Waratah), Matt Hammond (Darwin), Tim Garner (Southern Districts), Michael Kudra (Nightcliff), Hamish Martin (Palmerston) and Jonathan Caderamanpulle (PINT) ahead of the 2023 Darwin Cricket season. Picture: Patch Clapp
Max Hatzoglou (Tracy Village), Udara Weerasinghe (Waratah), Matt Hammond (Darwin), Tim Garner (Southern Districts), Michael Kudra (Nightcliff), Hamish Martin (Palmerston) and Jonathan Caderamanpulle (PINT) ahead of the 2023 Darwin Cricket season. Picture: Patch Clapp

Darwin Premier Cricket returned on April 15 with powerhouse sides Southern Districts and Darwin fielding vastly different sides.

Big name players such as Josh Kann and Tom Jackson switched clubs, while a young Nightcliff side was bolstered by the retention of Josh Brown and inclusion of Connor Carroll.

In the women’s competition Waratah were the side to beat targeting their fourth premiership win in a row.

Cricket concussion

Waratah playing-coach Udara Weerasinghe got concussion when he hit his head on a ball. Picture: Patch Clapp
Waratah playing-coach Udara Weerasinghe got concussion when he hit his head on a ball. Picture: Patch Clapp

A Premier Grade cricket match between Waratah and Darwin was abandoned when ‘Tahs playing coach Udara Weerasinghe was knocked out attempting to catch a ball.

The Darwin cricket stalwart overextended when trying to catch the ball, lost his balance and fell backward.

He was knocked out for several minutes and a few weeks later was eyeing a return to the field, but used his experience as a chance to call on clubs to invest more time into concussion guidelines.

Adelaide River Cup abandoned again

The Adelaide River Cup was abandoned for the third time in four years following significant rainfall and lasting damage.

The Adelaide River Cup was scheduled for June 3, but the grass track was deemed unsafe to use after a particularly heavy Wet Season, in which 1.7m of rain fell on the Territory’s only turf track.

Officials deemed the track unsafe in April and relocated the famous meet which usually attracts thousands to the Fannie Bay racetrack.


Tracy Village club clash

Tracy Village Rebels Baseball Club president Brodie Hertel (left), with Nightcliff’s Drew Hodgson, is concerned a report recommending changes at the Tracy Village Social and Sports Club has left baseball of the agenda. Picture: Elise Derwen
Tracy Village Rebels Baseball Club president Brodie Hertel (left), with Nightcliff’s Drew Hodgson, is concerned a report recommending changes at the Tracy Village Social and Sports Club has left baseball of the agenda. Picture: Elise Derwen


Tensions between the Tracy Village Rebels Baseball Club and Hellenic Football Club over shared land at the Tracy Village Social and Sports Club came to a head early in the year.

The baseball club expressed its concerns the football club had damaged its baseball diamond, which it used for training purposes since moving to the Tracy Village complex in 2021.

The diamond is the only official field for the sport in Darwin, though a feasibility study released for the future of the sporting grounds did not appear to mention the use of baseball grounds.

Three football pitches were proposed, a move Hellenic president Kosta Boubaris welcomed stating it would activate the area and provide a massive boost in patronage for the club, where games aren’t currently played.

MAY

Alice Springs Cup

Alice Springs Cup winning jockey Jade Hampson celebrates her win. Picture: Nikki Westover
Alice Springs Cup winning jockey Jade Hampson celebrates her win. Picture: Nikki Westover

Trainer Dick Leech picked up his first of three big titles for the 2023 season winning the Alice Springs Cup with Write Your Name alongside apprentice jockey Jade Hampson.

For her efforts Hampson was named the Jockey of the Carnival and continues to be touted as an emerging superstar of the sport.

Meanwhile, it was the Terry Gillett trained Supreme Attraction who won the Pioneer Sprint with jockey Stan Tsaikos aboard.

Titans women go undefeated

The NRL NT Titans women's side went undefeated during the 2023 national championships.
The NRL NT Titans women's side went undefeated during the 2023 national championships.

The NT Titans women’s side laid the foundation for future touring sides after going undefeated in the NRL national championships.

Prior to the tournament the women were expected to make a real dent, but their attitude and results on and off the field took many by surprise.

Despite their average age of 21, the side took the tournament by storm leaving their first two foes scoreless, beating the Australian Defence Force 14-0 before seeing off South Australia 32-0.

And the wins kept coming from there with the women beating Victoria 28-12, before coming from behind to triumph 12-8 in the final against Western Australia.

Latoniya Norris and Nanise Vakacavu were both named in the team of the tournament, while Ellie Niki and Ilisapeci Bari also dominated throughout.

Gold Coast’s continued Darwin connection

Gold Coast Suns' Ben Long, Lloyd Johnston and Joel Jeffrey alongside club CEO Mark Evans at TIO Stadium.. Picture: Elise Graham.
Gold Coast Suns' Ben Long, Lloyd Johnston and Joel Jeffrey alongside club CEO Mark Evans at TIO Stadium.. Picture: Elise Graham.

The Gold Coast Suns hosted the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium as part of their ongoing partnership with Darwin.

The Suns both matches and got to show off their growing Territory talent including Joel Jeffrey, Malcolm Rosas and Ben Long.

Their other Territory listed players such as Lloyd Johnston and Jed Anderson also got a run out in the week in a historic VFL match against Footscray.

The side will return to Darwin during the 2024 season to play both Geelong and North Melbourne at TIO.

Johnston would make his AFL debut for the Suns later in the season against Carlton in what he called one of the “best feelings” in his life.

He alongside Jeffrey and Palmerston junior Sandy Brock would go on to play in Gold Coast’s first ever VFL premiership victory.

JUNE

Waratah win historic rep match against CAFL team

Waratah beat CAFL representative side in historic AFL curtain raiser. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Waratah beat CAFL representative side in historic AFL curtain raiser. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

For the first time in more than a decade a CAFL representative side took on NTFL premiers as the curtain raiser for Gold Coast’s AFL match against Adelaide.

The NTFL premiers came out on top on the back of a Dom Booth goal on the final siren which stole the 9.2 (56) to 6.15 (51) win.

‘Tah’s man Abe Ankers played for the CAFL rep team and was a standout in the contest winning the best on ground medal.

Cricket returns to TIO Stadium

Cricket will returned to TIO Stadium for the first time in 15 years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Cricket will returned to TIO Stadium for the first time in 15 years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cricket returned to TIO Stadium for the first time in 15 years when a drop-in wicket was installed.

The last time cricket was played at the ground was in a match between Australia and Bangladesh in 2008.

The wicket was placed ahead of a massive period for cricket in the NT, including the under-19 World Cup qualifiers, Strike League and the Top End T20 series.

Meanwhile, the under-12 cricket national championships brought the brightest young talent from across the country to Darwin.

City2Surf breaks records

More than 2000 entrants hit the pavement for the 50th Darwin City2Surf, breaking the previous record set a decade ago.

Tim Hewitt took out the men’s 12km category for the fourth consecutive year, while first-time competitor Corrin Demeo won the Women’s 12km race.

Hewitt took out the race by more than two minutes and has already confirmed he is targeting his fifth victory in 2024.

Finke champions crowned again

Toby Price won his ninth King of the Desert title at Finke.
Toby Price won his ninth King of the Desert title at Finke.

King of the Desert Toby Price further cemented his Finke legend status winning his third straight car title in dominant fashion.

The Red Bull racer, who had previously won six titles in the bike category, recorded a time of three hours 21 minutes 46 seconds, winning by more than six minutes over Greg Gartner.

David Walsh was in command of the bike race for all 452 kilometres across the two-day race, gapping the field by almost 2 minutes to claim his fourth King of the Desert title at Finke.
David Walsh was in command of the bike race for all 452 kilometres across the two-day race, gapping the field by almost 2 minutes to claim his fourth King of the Desert title at Finke.


Meanwhile, hometown hero David Walsh notched another win of his own sealing his fourth straight King of the Desert crown in the bike category.

Walsh clocked an impressive overall time of three hours 35 minutes and 48 seconds beating second-placed Callum Norton by almost two minutes.

Earlier in the weekend, a Finke engagement event was disrupted when a buggy slammed into a fence at the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre.



Cricket umpire banned

NT cricket identities Ken Vowles, Marcus Rosas and Charlie King met with Himanshu Bhatia (middle right) who was banned after making an offensive comment.
NT cricket identities Ken Vowles, Marcus Rosas and Charlie King met with Himanshu Bhatia (middle right) who was banned after making an offensive comment.

NT Cricket banned umpire Himanshu Bhatia from all Cricket 365 matches after he made an offensive Facebook comment calling for the government to “stop feeding” Indigenous people.

When first questioned he claimed somebody had hacked into his account before stating his comment was to raise concern as a community member.

Bhatia later expressed his regret over the comment after a meeting with Indigenous advocate Charlie King and cricket identities Marcus Rosas and Ken Vowles.

It was one of many incidents throughout the Darwin Cricket Competition with multiple players banned for dissent, playing under false names, abuse or smashing their bats against a wall.

A Southern Districts official and a Darwin Eagles player both copped lengthy bans after fighting during a break in play in July.

JULY

Tom Menzies Australian selection

Territorian Tom Menzies was selected in the under-19 Australian cricket squad. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Territorian Tom Menzies was selected in the under-19 Australian cricket squad. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ambidextrous all-rounder Tom Menzies was earmarked as a future test star when he was selected as the youngest member of the national men’s under-19s teams to play England.

The 17-year-old from the Darwin Cricket Club became the first Territorian in more than a decade selected to represent his country.
It was at the under-17 national carnival in Tasmania in January where the swing bowler burst into the national conversation being named in the Team of Champions.






Salties Wheelchair team makes history



Tom O'Neill-Thorne has been a strong ambassador for wheelchair basketball in the NT for a long time.
Tom O'Neill-Thorne has been a strong ambassador for wheelchair basketball in the NT for a long time.

The Darwin Salties became the first NT team to clinch a national title winning the 2023 National Wheelchair Basketball League NWBL title in the most nail-biting of fashion.

In just their second season in the competition the side proved strong enough to go all the way beating the Wollongong Roller Hawks 74-71 in the grand final.

It was a special performance by the side with Jontee Brown, Clarence McCarthy Grogan and Tom O’Neill Thorne all standing out and piling on the points.

The latter two have been massive ambassadors for the wheelchair game in the Territory for a long time, and have both played for the national side and in international competitions.

Since Covid they have brought the game to Darwin with a regular wheelchair competition played during the season.

Thrilling Strike League finish

Desert Blaze celebrate winning the 2023 edition of the Top End Strike League. Picture: NT Cricket
Desert Blaze celebrate winning the 2023 edition of the Top End Strike League. Picture: NT Cricket

Desert Blaze secured the 2023 Strike League crown over City Cyclones in a grand final which came down to the final over bowled by the Territory’s 17-year-old prodigy, Tom Menzies.

Despite losing the big-hitting Josh Kann for a duck early on Blaze captain Angus Lovell (33 runs) formed a formidable partnership with Jack Wood (76) to steer the side through the power play.

The side finished with a healthy score of 5/140, and were further buoyed by sending the season’s leading run scorer Sam Heazlett out for just one run.

Cyclones still had a chance in the final over, but Menzies bowled Caelan Maladay out before conceding just a four when a six on the final ball made their final score 9/139.

Rodeo history made

Eileen Ostwald won her steer wrestling meet at the Robbie Robbins Reserve. Picture: Celina Whan Photography
Eileen Ostwald won her steer wrestling meet at the Robbie Robbins Reserve. Picture: Celina Whan Photography

Long-time cowgirl Eileen Ostwald made history when she became the first ever woman to win the incredibly tough Steer wrestling event.

In front of more than 3000 people at Robbie Robbins Reserve, Eileen Ostwald showed her stuff being the only one from a field of three to successfully catch and tackle her steer.

Ms Ostwald, known as Leeny, first arrived from Germany as a backpacker and became Australia’s first female steer wrestler about 10 years ago after meeting her now husband Johno Ostwald.

Deadly Cup

Territory All Stars captain Shae Muhleisen makes a break in the 2023 Deadly Cup Carnival. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Territory All Stars captain Shae Muhleisen makes a break in the 2023 Deadly Cup Carnival. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Deadly Cup returned for its fourth year with the Indigenous All Stars winning the men’s event, while the Territory All Stars triumphed in the women’s.

The celebration of Indigenous culture through rugby league has become a tent pole event for NAIDOC week, and with more than 3000 fans at TRL Stadium, this year was no different.

Captain Blake Fletcher was a standout for the Indigenous men setting up tries and keeping the score ticking off his boot, and though the Territory men came late they lost 30-24.

The Territory women were absolutely dominant winning 42-6 with Sharks’ player Shae Muhleisen the star of the showing scoring two early tries to set up the win.

AUGUST

Darwin Cup Carnival

Tayarn Halter and Dick Leech at the 2023 Darwin Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Tayarn Halter and Dick Leech at the 2023 Darwin Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A stunning finish from Write Your Name secured Dick Leech the Territory Cups double, while at the age of 50 jockey Paul Shiers got his hands on the Darwin Cup for the first time.

The runner looked unbeatable as it burst out of the pack on the closing straight and led Heather Sanblas by three and a half lengths to win the $200,000 Darwin Cup.

Paul Shiers winner of Darwin Cup at the 2023 Darwin Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Paul Shiers winner of Darwin Cup at the 2023 Darwin Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It capped off a massive year for Leech who also won the Palmerston Sprint a couple of days earlier with Early Crow.

The 2023 edition of the Darwin Cup Carnival was among the largest in its history.

AFLNT Hall of Fame inductions

Russell Jeffrey was upgraded to legend status at the 2023 AFLNT Hall of Fame. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Russell Jeffrey was upgraded to legend status at the 2023 AFLNT Hall of Fame. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fourteen names synonymous with Territory football, as well as the 2003 NT Kites Women’s Championship side, were etched in history as the latest AFLNT Hall of Fame inductees.

Growing the game from the Tiwi Islands to Central Australia, the latest class of inductees join the previous 67 names who had been awarded Hall of Fame honours.

The likes of Willie Rioli Sr, Basil Campbell, Shannon Motlop and Alan Smith among others were recognised for their achievements, while Russell Jeffrey was upgraded to legend status.

Wallabies visit

NTRU CEO Nathan McDonald, Tua Reea and Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones as the Wallabies get around the NT Rugby Union community before the 2023 World Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
NTRU CEO Nathan McDonald, Tua Reea and Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones as the Wallabies get around the NT Rugby Union community before the 2023 World Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

While not as successful on the national stage, the Wallabies visit to Darwin did give plenty of aspiring players a chance to get up close and personal with professional players.

In an attempt to replicate a trip from 2003, the Australian side announced its squad for the 2023 World Cup while in Darwin.

Inaugural Indigenous Sport Awards

Timmy Duggan, Carol Stanislaus, Meaghan Lake, Lalwa May, Skye Lampton and Brendan Pettersen at the 2023 NT Indigenous Sport Awards. Picture: Celina Whan
Timmy Duggan, Carol Stanislaus, Meaghan Lake, Lalwa May, Skye Lampton and Brendan Pettersen at the 2023 NT Indigenous Sport Awards. Picture: Celina Whan

Success stories, up-and-coming sensations and valued volunteers were recognised in the inaugural NT Indigenous Sport Awards.

Golfer Skye Lampton was named Sportswoman of the Year after becoming the first Indigenous woman to represent the NT, while marathon runner Charlie Maher took out the sportsman accolade.

Equestrian rider Lalwa May, Central Australia BMX champion Cooper Drew, St Mary’s volunteer Carol Stanislaus and Hoops4Health Timmy Duggan were also recognised.

SEPTEMBER

Joseph Salmon arrest

Joseph Salmon was arrested in relation to a number of dosmetic violence charges. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Joseph Salmon was arrested in relation to a number of dosmetic violence charges. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Former St Mary’s star and NT rep player Joseph Salmon was arrested and charged with more than 30 domestic violence offences.

Investigations into the allegations began in February when the club separated themselves from the player.

His contract with the Essendon Football Club was also ripped up, however he continued to play for North Shore in the Geelong Football League.

Salmon is facing 44 charges in total – including 27 aggravated assault offences – surrounding his alleged treatment of an ex-partner from October 2022 to January 2023.

Frank Johnson Awards

Ellie Niki and Caleb Niki were the big winners at the 2023 NRL NT Frank Johnson / Gaynor Maggs medal night. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Ellie Niki and Caleb Niki were the big winners at the 2023 NRL NT Frank Johnson / Gaynor Maggs medal night. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It was a family affair at the 2023 Frank Johnson / Gaynor Maggs medal night with siblings Caleb Niki and Ellie Niki taking out the top accolades.

The Darwin Brothers duo were standouts all season getting tries and points aplenty for their sides, while also fostering a cross-comp sibling rivalry.

Caleb scored 21 tries across 17 games and with points also coming off the tee posted a total of 206 points, while Ellie scored 17 tries and topped the women’s points tally with 130.

Leon Cleal won the coach of the year for his work with the Titans women, Litchfield Bears were named the club of the year and Dylan Mugadza from South Darwin won Rising Star.

NRL NT grand final

Northern Sharks celebrate winning the 2023 NRL NT grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Northern Sharks celebrate winning the 2023 NRL NT grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Northern Sharks reclaimed the NRL NT title in a dominant display of defence and offence against a young Litchfield side, who showed plenty of heart in 2023.

The Sharks made amends for their 2022 grand final loss and barely put a foot wrong as they charged to a 40-4 victory against Litchfield, with captain Mitch Burke among the standouts.

Darwin Brothers celebrate winning the 2023 NRL NT grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Darwin Brothers celebrate winning the 2023 NRL NT grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Meanwhile, the Darwin Brothers women won their second title in as many years beating rivals Palmerston 14-10, with Ellie Niki, Latoniya Norris and Leeanne Allia playing starring roles.

It wasn’t long before Norris had more to celebrate when she was called up to play for the PNG Orchids, while Litchfield’s Shari Togo was selected as an assistant coach of the Jillaroos.

Darwin Cricket grand final

Southern Districts took out its third consecutive Premier Grade cricket premiership after overpowering Darwin to win by six wickets.

Victorian bowling all-rounder Brodie Symons played a starring role taking 6/72 from 16 overs while Lochie Hardy (96 not out) was pivotal with the bat.

Nightcliff were the kings of the short form winning its second consecutive 50-over grand final against Waratah at DXC Arena earlier in the season.

PINT Cricket Club also had plenty to celebrate with the 2023 season marking the club’s 50 year anniversary.

Regional footy finals

Federal celebrate after winning the 2023 CAFL senior men's grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media
Federal celebrate after winning the 2023 CAFL senior men's grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media

Federal and Alkamilya were crowned premiers of the Central Australian Football League after unquestionably dominant seasons in their respective competitions.

The Feds turned a four-point, three quarter time deficit into a 22-point win against South Alice Springs, with captain Abe Ankers named the best on ground.

Alkamilya celebrate after winning the 2023 CAFL senior women's grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media
Alkamilya celebrate after winning the 2023 CAFL senior women's grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media

The Alkamilya women held on despite being reduced to 15 fit players against a surging West Alice Springs to win 5.2 (32) to 4.5 (29).

Meanwhile, Ngukurr snapped a 16-year premiership drought when they beat Katherine South in the Big Rivers grand final, laying to rest five grand final losses since its 2007 triumph.

The Ngukurr Bulldogs have won the 2023 Big Rivers grand final. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media
The Ngukurr Bulldogs have won the 2023 Big Rivers grand final. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media
Arnhem Crows won the 2023 Women's Big Rivers grand final. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media
Arnhem Crows won the 2023 Women's Big Rivers grand final. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media

Cedric Roberston won the coveted Morris Medal, while Arnhem Crows midfielder Jenna Lippo got best on ground in her side’s grand final win over Ngukurr.

It was Eastside who got the best and fairest honours as William Robinson won the Doug Kelly and Billie Byers took home her second women’s best and fairest.

Pints’ netball success

Pints won the top three senior division titles in the 2023 Darwin Netball season. Picture: Leithal Pictures
Pints won the top three senior division titles in the 2023 Darwin Netball season. Picture: Leithal Pictures

A focus on junior pathways into the senior ranks paid off for the Pints Netball Club, with their sides winning titles across the divisions.

Pints titles included the top three senior divisions as well as the under-15s division 1, while they also made appearances in three of the four junior grand finals and the senior men.

The premier league side were particular standouts dropping just two matches all season and winning the grand final against Tracy Village 49-35.

Festival of Hockey

Jeremy Hayward playing in the Festival of Hockey match between the Territory Stingers and Brisbane Blaze. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Jeremy Hayward playing in the Festival of Hockey match between the Territory Stingers and Brisbane Blaze. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It may not have been as successful of an outing on the field as the Territory Stingers would have hoped, but the Festival of Hockey proved Darwin deserves an increased national presence.

Olympians Jeremy Hayward and Brooke Peris made their return to the setup for the two special games against the Brisbane Blaze, playing alongside players from across the Darwin competition.

Despite heavy losses both sides walked off with smiles having had the chance to play against elite opponents.

Banks captain Ayden Parkin, East Darwin captain Jess Martin-Brown, Commerce captain Shana Casimiro and Waratah captain Ben Tilbrook ahead of the 2023 Darwin Hockey League grand finals. Picjture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Banks captain Ayden Parkin, East Darwin captain Jess Martin-Brown, Commerce captain Shana Casimiro and Waratah captain Ben Tilbrook ahead of the 2023 Darwin Hockey League grand finals. Picjture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Meanwhile, Waratah triumphed in the Darwin Hockey League rising from the ashes of having no team at all the year before to beating minor premiers Banks 6-4.

Easts toppled perennial premiership powerhouse Pints in the women’s winning 3-2 with Isobel Cowell the difference maker early on.

Big NTFL signings

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti playing for the Tiwi Bombers against Palmerston Magpies in Round 3 of the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti playing for the Tiwi Bombers against Palmerston Magpies in Round 3 of the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Essendon cult hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was one of the big stories of the NTFL preseason when he announced his return to his junior club the Tiwi Bombers.

He was one of many big announcements in the lead up to the 2023-24 season with Jed Anderson heading to Southern Districts, while Steven Motlop and Liam Holt-Fitz jumped to PINT.

This season has seen an influx of interstate and former AFL talent join the league including Rhys Mathieson, Jarrod Brander and Ryan Clarke.

OCTOBER

Football grand finals

Hellenic AC MPL side celebrating their 2023 grand final win over Mindil Aces.
Hellenic AC MPL side celebrating their 2023 grand final win over Mindil Aces.

Hellenic AC and Mindil Aces FC battled it out in both the MPL and WPL grand finals, delivering two blockbuster matches.

Hellenic won 4-3 in the men’s final with Simon Bell tapping in a brilliant ball from Matthew McNab to get service underway, and though goals kept coming it was a margin they finished with.

Hellenic AC WPL side after winning the grand final.
Hellenic AC WPL side after winning the grand final.

The women’s final was equally as helter skelter with Hellenic again getting the win 3-2 after Sophia Makrylos got the scoring underway after 15 minutes.

As with the rest of the country Territory footballers were swept up in the Matildas craze during their World Cup run, and their success went a long way in inspiring many women’s players in the 2023 competition.

Hottest 7s

NSW Fijian Junior Under 16s celebrating after their maiden Hottest 7s title. Picture: Darcy Jennings
NSW Fijian Junior Under 16s celebrating after their maiden Hottest 7s title. Picture: Darcy Jennings


The Hottest 7s once again lived up to its name with players taking each other on in the blistering Darwin heat.

The visiting Tabadamu defeated Duiyasana in the men’s final, while the Lilian Amazons defeated the Billirrawarra to take out the women’s competition.

There was plenty of talent locally as well, particularly in the junior ranks, with the Darwin Dragons triumphing 19-0 in the under-16s boys contest against Toowoomba Grammar School.

Nova Peris Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Nova Peris was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Nova Peris was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dual Olympian and one of the Territory’s most recognisable sporting names Nova Peris became the first Territorian to be named in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

She was the first Indigenous Australian to win Olympic gold with the Hockeyroos in 1996, before switching sports to win Commonwealth gold in the 200m and 4x100m in 1998.

NOVEMBER

Trent Melville on concussion

Trent Melville shared his experiences a year on from getting concussed in a footy match. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Trent Melville shared his experiences a year on from getting concussed in a footy match. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NTFL Chaney Medallist Trent Melville bravely shared how his life changed one year after being concussed.

The Nightcliff Tigers player has been out from the game for more than a year after suffering a head knock against Palmerston in Round 3 of the 2022-23 season, the eighth of his career.

However, the knock continues to plague the 31-year-old’s life restricting not just his playing career, but his job, finances and social life.

He has since started working closely with specialists for treatment to get his life back to normalcy, and hopes his situation helps drive awareness and education around concussion.

Olympians in Katherine

Olympians and scholarship coaches run training sessions for Katherine youth at RAAF Base Tindal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Olympians and scholarship coaches run training sessions for Katherine youth at RAAF Base Tindal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A host of Aussie Olympic heroes toured remote schools across Katherine and Maningrida to share their stories and inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

Nova Peris, Mack Horton, Patrick Johnson and Brad Hore were among those who made the trip sharing tales of hardship and encouraging healthy lifestyles and choices in kids.

The Olympics Unleashed program takes elite sportspeople to help aspiring sportspeople, while in 2023 a host of scholarship coaches from across the country got to learn from the best in sport too.

Landt makes 56 touches

St Mary's captain Dylan Landt has had a stellar start to the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media
St Mary's captain Dylan Landt has had a stellar start to the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

St Mary’s skipper Dylan Landt has long been regarded as one of the top talents in the NTFL, since first making the trip up in the 2020-21 season.

He’s won a premiership, the Nichols medal and the NT News player of the year, and in Round 7 he broke the record for most touches in a single NTFL game with 56 against Tiwi.

His other stats included 17 ground ball gets, 13 clearances, three score assists and two goals.

Meanwhile, Saints stalwart Shannon Rioli was unable to return to his junior club from the Tiwi Bombers after an off-season rule change.

Having played four games for Tiwi in the 2022-23 season he would cost the club four points, rather than zero as would have been the case in previous years.

AFL Draftees

William Rowlands was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: SANFL/Cory Sutton
William Rowlands was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: SANFL/Cory Sutton

The 2023 AFL Draft was a fruitful one for Southern Districts juniors with Patrick Snell and William Rowlands both picked up.

Snell was drafted to the Sydney Swans as pick 53, while Rowlands was selected by the Gold Coast Suns in the Rookie Draft.

NTFL affiliated players Shaun Mannagh, selected by Geelong, and Sam Clohesey, selected by the Gold Coast, also got to lives out their footy dreams on draft day.

More recently Annabel Kievet was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in the AFLW draft joining Ashanti Bush who won the 2022 Goal of the Year.
Danielle Ponter also found success on the national stage named in the All Australian squad after a big year for the Adelaide Crows.

Darwin Salties

Darwin Salties announce Matt Nason as the club's inaugural full-time general manager. Picture: Contributed.
Darwin Salties announce Matt Nason as the club's inaugural full-time general manager. Picture: Contributed.

The Darwin Salties improved their chances of becoming the next NBL franchise after signing born and bred Territorian Matt Nason as their inaugural general manager.

The talented administrator has vowed to take the club to the next level with an aim of a home finals for the 2024 NBL1 North season.

It came as NBL chiefs arrived in Darwin to inspect the city’s viability to host the next team in the big league.

The women’s side, which went on an unbeaten run early in the 2023 season, have also been bolstered with the signing of WNBL and NBL1 North champion Courtney Woods.

DECEMBER

NTFL rep sides announced

The best players from across the men’s and women’s NTFL competitions were selected to take on the Essendon VFL and VFLW squads in the annual representative fixture.

The NTFL men’s side has gone undefeated since the return of representative footy having beaten SANFL opposition Glenelg and Woodville as well as WAFL foes South Fremantle.

The match will take place at TIO Stadium on January 24 against Essendon, a squad the Territory has beaten in each of their four previous encounters.

Tiwi women grand final

History was made as the Muluwurri Magpies beat the Tapalinga Superstars in the inaugural 2023 Tiwi Islands Football League women's grand final. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media
History was made as the Muluwurri Magpies beat the Tapalinga Superstars in the inaugural 2023 Tiwi Islands Football League women's grand final. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media


The Muluwurri Magpies created history when they came from behind to beat the Tapalinga Superstars and claim the inaugural Tiwi Islands Football League women’s competition.

The women’s competition has been a massive success for Tiwi with more than 300 players taking part in the nine-round competition throughout the season.

Supporters were out in force to see the historic tournament come to an end, with 1000 Tiwi Islanders and a full ferry of spectators from Darwin.

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/your-complete-guide-to-northern-territory-sport-in-2023/news-story/5526be1648cdcd07d3a0d8ea33202fa2