NTFL 2021-22: St Mary’s secure finals double chance and Nightcliff earn big win over key rival
St Mary’s secure finals double chance while Districts and Nightcliff show strong form heading into the knockout rounds. ALL THE ACTION FROM NTFL ROUND 18.
Northern Territory
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A depleted Waratah faded after quarter time at a sodden Gardens Oval, effectively hand delivering Nightcliff a week off next Saturday, in a 35-point loss to the reigning premier.
In a battle billed as the match of the round between the NTFL’s top two, the home team - missing several stars including Abe Ankers, Cameron Arnold and Corey Rich - could only muster 1.1 over the middle quarters despite the tireless work of Robby Bartee.
In gloomy conditions, Waratah were tardy getting onto the ground and just as slow finding its rhythm as the Tigers pinched a dream start.
A super Bailey Edwards pass found John Butcher for the opening goal of the contest, then Shaun Wilson landed a beauty from just inside 50 and up against the boundary line, right by the Tiger diehards.
However, the home side found a steadier just before the game was temporarily halted for a series of lightning strikes.
Up the other end, and in an almost as awkward position, Lewis George’s set shot found a way home to give the Tahs’ stilted opening a much-needed jump start.
And the home team began to look more threatening the longer the quarter wore on - a lively Jayden Magro in particular - but could only produce five behinds for their efforts.
That was until the East Perth recruit nailed a monster roost from outside the perimeter, before a quick Tiger reply through Butcher’s second, just before the bell.
The game became more of an arm wrestle in the second with often a mass of numbers around the ball and every kick hard won.
In a rare passage of end to end footy, a defensive turnover was swiftly converted into a Ryan Mu goal, as the Tigers began to wrestle back some of that lost momentum from the first quarter.
The game was still very much up for grabs at half-time with a 13-point buffer in favour of the visitors.
However, the Tigers emerged from the change rooms the far dominant outfit as rain fell, with Wilson marking a penetrating, 50m plus kick from the raking left boot of Daniel Bowles, followed by a terrific snap from Zackary Derksen.
The Tahs finally registered their first goal since the first quarter through the impressive Bartee, eight minutes in, but it was no team-lifter as the Tigers kicked on.
A spilt James Arratta mark was pounced upon by Derksen for his second, and when Cameron Ilett converted from almost the same spot as Wilson a few quarters prior, the Tigers had opened up a relatively massive 40-point buffer.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Tahs launched a mini-revival - three of the four rapid-fire six-pointers came from the boot of the electric Magro - before it was ultimately snuffed out by Emery’s second.
Tigers coach Chris Baksh said with no injuries from the clash, positions would be hotly contested over the next fortnight.
“We’ll train pretty hard, we’ve done that the last three years,” Baksh said, with the club chasing its fourth consecutive flag.
He was not reading too much into the win, despite being pleased with its shut down of the Tahs for half the game, especially when Magro threatened early.
“That’s our game, to shut sides out,” he said.
“St Mary’s and Tahs are coming, we’ll watch them very closely on the weekend. We know Tahs had a lot out.”
SCORE:
Waratah: 2.5 2.5 3.6 8.7 (55)
Nightcliff: 3.3 4.6 9.10 13.12 (90)
GOALS:
Waratah: J Magro 5 L George R Bartee H Kitschke
Nightcliff: Z Derksen S Wilson 3 J Butcher K Emery 2 R Mu C Illett T Melville
BEST:
Waratah: R Bartee J Magro T Toma L George K Silver
Nightcliff: S Wilson D Bowles B Filo K Emery N Brown
Saints secure finals double chance
A DISCIPLINED and controlled game has seen St Mary’s secure the NTFL finals double chance with a dominant 23.12 (150) to 4.9 (33) win over Wanderers at TIO Stadium.
There were milestones right across the field with Thomas Motlop breaking Wanderers club record for games played (208) while teammates Mitchel Taylor and Shane Thorne lifted for their 150th games.
For St Mary’s it was the celebration of Henry Labastida’s 200th that had their attention but for both sides the main goal was the double chance.
A Shannon Rioli snap within the first minute got matters underway for Saints and their lead only became more secure when Jackson Calder nailed his first to become the first player of the season to pass 50 goals.
Dylan Landt and Nate Paredes were constants around the midfield getting their side on the front foot while Jack Kluske was a vital piece of supply for the Green Machine’s forwards.
In many ways the Muk Muks were their own worst enemies let down by ill-discipline giving away free kick after free kick.
A shining light for the Eagles was the return of former Gold Coast Suns player Liam Patrick who was dangerous up forward in the absence of Ed Simpson and Darren Shillabeer.
They had their moments elsewhere with the ever-consistent Brodie Newman never far away from the action and Marcus Totham giving more than one hard-nosed run.
But those efforts did little to hold back the tidal wave of scores coming from the Green Machine with Nick Yarran a constant threat with his sniping runs and Calder racking up goal after goal.
“It’s always great after a win like that. That’s what we came here to do to get the double chance so it’s great to get it done,” Labastida said.
“It’s a privilege and honour to get this milestone and become a life member of course but I would trade this milestone for a premiership flag that I can share with this team.
“We knew the finals were coming up so we needed momentum coming into them and we achieved that through our pressure and kicking our opportunities as they came.
“We absolutely feel we have the side to go all the way. Last year’s result is always at the back of our minds and that’s our motivation to go all the way and hopefully lift the premiership cup.”
SCORE:
St Mary’s: 8.3 12.6 20.10 23.12 (150)
Wanderers: 1.3 3.6 3.8 4.9 (33)
Goals:
St Mary’s: J Calder 9 D Landt 3 N Yarran 3 J Robinson 2 B Grenfell 2 A Marklew S Rioli E Bowden J Long
Wanderers: L Patrick 2 M Motlop L Garlick
Best:
St Mary’s: D Landt J Calder J Kluske N Yarran N Paredes
Wanderers: L Patrick B Newman M Totham T Motlop J Priest
Dominant display sets Districts up for finals
A DOMINANT mid field, rock solid defence and stunning forward set up – six goals each to Leigh Williams and Luke Smith and five to Jonathon Ross – ensured Southern Districts tuned up for next week’s Men’s Premier League
Elimination Final following a 27.11 (173) to 14.3 (87) victory against Darwin Buffaloes at Norbuilt Oval.
Districts skipper Dean Staunton was pleased with the effort and said it was an ideal performance prior to the finals.
“It was an ideal hit out for us because early on we had to work hard when Buff’s kicked the first three goals and the good part was, we steadied and led at quarter time,” Staunton said.
“It was a good team performance with our key forwards being on the end of some quality mid field footy including from the “candy man” which is what Beau Schwarze calls himself.”
Staunton was coy about changes for next week, saying: “next week’s side will be determined by Cannard (coach Matt Cannard), I reckon.”
It wasn’t an immediate Croc attack because Buffaloes dominated early possession and it paid dividends when Thomas Baulch cleverly dodged aroundhis opponent and slammed home the opening goal and when Gareth Remfrey got another one minute later, the double-blues were on fire.
But against the run of play, Districts forward Jonathon Ross found space and ran into an open
goal and when key forward Leigh Williams twice followed suit soon after, the Crocs were in business and went to the first break holding all the aces.
Despite the aerial supremacy of Buff big man Ben Archard, all the ground ball belonged to Districts mids and smalls and in the blink of an eye, Williams notched his fourth and fifth of the game inside two minutes of the second term commencement.
Notwithstanding the home side’s authority in most aspects, Buffaloes didn’t wilt under pressure and finished the quarter strongly with goals to Kyle McBean (twice), Thomas Jok and the busy Baulch but it was consecutive eight goal terms that elevated the Crocs to a 58-point lead at the long break which they extended to 86-points at the final siren.
SCORE
Districts 8.1 16.6 22.8 27.11 (173)
Buffaloes 3.1 7.2 10.2 14.3 (87)
Goals
Sth Districts: L Williams 6 L Smith 6 J Ross 5 J Farrer 3 B Schwarze 2 D Barry 2 D Staunton D McLachlan J Ganley
Buffaloes: T Baulch 3 K McBean 3 G Remfrey K Kossack T Jok A Stokes R Pendlebury B Archard J Briston C Watson
Best
Sth Districts: J Farrer J McQueen B Schwarze L Smith D Staunton
Buffaloes: B Archard T Baulch C Abala R Pendlebury N Cooper
Famous Wanderers name to break Eagles games record
This Saturday evening at TIO Stadium will have massive meaning for dual premiership star Thomas Motlop — in three different ways.
Taking on St Mary’s in the final round of NTFL matches in a battle for third place on the Men’s Premier League ladder, the Wanderers champion will also set a new playing record for the club — 208 Premier matches – surpassing the efforts of Poncie Cubillo.
It will also mark his 250th Premier match, after playing a few seasons with Nightcliff.
Motlop, who has been in mint form over the past fortnight – collecting a total of 53 possessions and five goals, including the matchwinner in a one-point thriller over Buffaloes – said he had tweaked his training methods in recent reasons to keep his career motoring.
“I’m playing good footy, I’m feeling fit, the body’s OK,” the 34-year-old said.
“LeBron James and Rafael Nadal are still competing (in their 30s)... obviously it’s another scale, (but) as long as I’m able to manage that, keep contributing in a decent way I’m happy to continue playing.”
The Motlop name has become synonymous with the Eagles, and there are traditionally numerous on the playing list any given Saturday.
“Playing alongside family in premierships has been a highlight,” he said, with 2015’s flag including five: Daniel, Aaron, Jerome, Marlon and Shannon.
Arriving at the club in 2000 as a junior when it was anchored near the bottom of the ladder, Motlop set out to make the Eagles a powerhouse and play in at least one flag.
“Now, I look around and there’s so many kids with Wanderers shirts on, our community has grown that much,” he said.
“It’s good to see people being proud of the Wanderers football club. That’s been the best part.
“And I’m obviously proud to contribute that number of games to the club.”
He said his fellow Eagles were gunning for a season-defining performance this Saturday, expecting a finals-like intensity in a bid to grab an “extremely important double chance”.
“In the past we’ve had a great rivalry with St Mary’s, it’ll be a good test for us before the finals,” he said.
Cubillo, who retired after the 1993-94 season, said he was not surprised Motlop had broken his record.
“Just the way he goes about his footy, he keeps himself pretty fit and he’s well respected around the club,” Cubillo said.
“The junior players look up to him, and his teammates and supporters do too.
“Coming from a well-known and respected Darwin family, his dad and uncles, they were all champions.
“It’s no surprise he was going to be something special at the club.”
However, he doubted if the record would be a major focus for the number nine ahead of Saturday’s game.
“He’d be thinking about how many friends he can make at the club, than how many games he’s played,” he said.
“We’ve got some good people down at Wanderers.”
Meanwhile, Motlop said it was disappointing to see two Palmerston players suspended after a heated match at Cazalys Arena against Wanderers, with defender Desmond Corbett handed an 18-match suspension for serious misconduct.
“Regardless of umpiring decisions... it was a poor performance in being able to control themselves, really,” he said.
“It got out of hand.
“It’s bad because there really are some really good people involved in football.
“Then someone does an incident like this, it shines a negative light.”
He said 99 per cent of the football fraternity was doing the right thing in the NTFL.
“All the volunteers are doing the right thing, the one per cent put a bad light on it,” he said.
Watch all the Round 18 NTFL action live and exclusive with us on ntnews.com.au
Waratah, Wanderers enjoy pre-finals tune up
WARATAH survived a tight contest against a rampaging Darwin Buffaloes to win 12.13 (85) to 10.7 (67) and effectively seal their place in the NTFL top three.
It was the Buffaloes that started with all the urgency showed their leg speed and pace through the midfield to swiftly get the ball out to their forward 50.
Ruck man Ben Archard racked up the early disposals and hit outs to give his side every opportunity.
However, for all of the pressure and possession they had on their side they were unable to do any real decisive damage on the scoreboard.
Matters went further downhill for the Double Blues when captain Jarrod Stokes and key forward Jayden Kickett went off injured with very little of the match played.
Those key outs swung the game in favour of Tahs and the forces of joint captains Brodie Carroll and Robbie Turnbull provided plenty of goal opportunities.
Dylan Collis and Will Collis were busy with ball in hand, Kurtley Silver brought the x-factor to the Waratah forward line and Jack Hutchins was a constant steady hand in front of goal.
But still Buffaloes stayed in the contest with Luke Roberts and Tim Eldridge showing their class in front of goal while Thomas Clarke and Archard continued to busy themselves in the midfield.
An Adam Sambono double seemed to completely shift the momentum but Waratah stayed on the up and with the game close still tempers flared between the sides at the half time break.
Buffs had all the momentum to kick off the second half booting the first three goals without response including a marvellous show of skill from Nathaniel Cooper.
But further injuries to the important Clarke and Colin Wilson saw their bench emptied with a quarter still to play.
Waratah were able to squeeze out their advantage then to seal the game and their place in the NTFL top three.
“It was a pretty scrappy game but in the end that’s helped us finish top three which was one of our goals coming into the season,” Carroll said.
“Full credit to Buffs, they came out firing, but we stuck to our structures and our game plan and we came out with the result against a good side.
“The finals has come up pretty quick but I think we’re ready for it. We’ve got the personnel we need and are confident we can go all the way this year.”
Score:
Buffaloes: 2.3 5.5 9.5 10.7 (67)
Waratah: 4.2 9.3 10.9 12.13 (85)
Goals:
Buffaloes: H Ahmat-Watkins 3 A Sambono 2 T Eldridge 2 L Roberts N Cooper G Remfrey
Waratah: J Hutchins 3 C Rich 2 J Munro 2 B Carroll H Kitschke L George K Silver W Collis
Best:
Buffaloes: B Archard T Eldridge C Abala T Baulch H Ahmat-Watkins
Waratah: J Hutchins W Collis B Carroll D Collis K Silver
Wanderers enjoy pre-finals tune up
WANDERERS have enjoyed a solid pre-finals tune up, comfortably depositing a little-to-play-for Palmerston by 48 points at Cazalys Arena
Apart from a brief two-goal riposte from the home team, it was all Wanderers in the opening stanza with the Eagles getting on the board within a minute through the precise boot of Simon Bates, picking out Shane Thorne.
With lightning flashing on the horizon, the visitors also threatened to blow the game apart early, piling on four majors in next to no time while applying a tight defensive press to keep the ball locked inside its 50m arc.
Doing the most damage was the speed and slick hands of the Eagles’ smaller fleet in the Motlops - Thomas and Marlon - Thorne, Marcus Totham, Liam Garlick, Vincent Tassone and Keelan Feo (two goals), making the Magpies defenders appear slow, stilted and a little stunned.
Palmerston at least showed some dominance at the centre bounces with Matt Dennis unstoppable at times, although fellow big man Jobastin Priest had his moments too.
It took nearly 14 minutes for the Magpies to register a score through a Desmond Corbett set shot and goal, quickly followed by a Chris Williams six-pointer from the goal square.
However, with seemingly all the momentum, Wanderers could only scrounge two points in the second despite multiple entries as Palmerston began to inject a degree of flow into their game.
An end-to-end transition allowed Daniel Stafford to goal, followed by a brilliant left foot snap from Ryan Warfe, who loomed as a genuine threat at ground level.
Palmerston could have trimmed the margin further if not for a rare Dennis shank, which sailed to the left from 20m out.
However, the Eagles would reassert its authority early in the third through a Thorne mark and goal - the icing on an influential display - while last Sunday’s three-goal hero Thomas Motlop added two for the quarter.
Down back, the likes of Brodie Newman, Mitchel Taylor and Lloyd Johnston provided their standard volume of intercept, dash and rebound.
Then, Garlick’s second shut the gate for good.
SCORE
Palmerston: 2.2 4.4 5.5 6.8 (44)
Wanderers: 7.2 7.4 11.4 14.8 (92)
GOALS:
Palmerston: D Stafford 2 R Warfe C Williams D Corbett T Roach.
Wanderers: K Fejo T Motlop L Garlick S Thorne S Bates V Tassone 2 J Priest M Motlop.
BEST:
Palmerston: M Dennis E Guthrie C Williams R Warfe L Marlin
Wanderers: S Thorne S Bates B Newman T Motlop M Motlop
Nightcliff flex their muscles ahead of finals
NIGHTCLIFF travelled to Norbuilt Oval and with Men’s Premier League finals just around the corner, again flexed its collective muscle and overpowered Southern Districts by 53 points.
Playing an uncompromising brand of footy, the Tigers led at every change, winning 15.19 (109) to 8.8 (56).
Nightcliff started in the best possible manner when Bailey Edwards slammed a goal through inside the first minute and when Trent Melville twice repeated the dose, the Tigers were on the march.
Jonathon Ross was a saviour for Districts when he found space and goaled against the run of play which had been dominated by the visitors both up forward and in defence.
Cameron Ilett iced the cake for an inaccurate Nightcliff when strolled into an open goal late
in the term.
Leigh Williams got the Crocs going in the second with a solid mark and goal and when Beau Schwarze and Chris Tout both scored six-pointers, the home side were firing.
Jess Budarick finally broke through the bustling Districts defence led by Frazer Driscoll, Zach Zdybel and Ethan Maney and ran in a clever goal which was followed soon after by Ilett (twice) and Nathan Brown and the Tigers had stemmed the Crock attack at the long break.
A mark and goal to Melville early in the third set the visitors up for a solid term and although Districts had their share of the Sherrin, they couldn’t finish and with Nightcliff dominating the high ball and Brodie Filo returning to his best in the mid-field, the winning platform was set.
To its credit, Districts ran the game out but Nightcliff pretty much cruised to victory having Melville and Ilett up forward to pounce and score goals when needed.
With finals looming, Ilett, a three-time Nightcliff premiership player, wouldn’t be drawn on comparisons with past sides.
“This is a different group from past seasons and all the guys whether young ormore experienced need to be accountable,” Ilett said.
“We run almost 30 players deep, so we are all on notice and that’s the sign of a good footy club.
“We’ve got a bit of improvement in our goal scoring efficiency to correct – it could be crucial in crunch games during finals.”
SCORE
Districts: 1.1 4.3 6.6 8.8 (56)
Nightcliff: 4.7 8.10 14.13 15.19 (109)
Goals
Sth Districts: B Schwarze 2 J Ross 2 L Williams C Tout T Carroll L Smith
Nightcliff: T Melville 5 C Ilett 4 B Edwards J Budarick N Brown N Howe Z Derkson B Filo
Best
Sth Districts: F Driscoll Z Zdybel E Maney P Gallow B Schwarze
Nightcliff: C Ilett B Filo N Brown T Melville R Nyhuis
PINT express intentions of fielding 2022-23 Premier League team
THE PINT Football Club have officially expressed their interest in fielding a team in the 2022-23 NTFL Men’s Premier League.
PINT have been a near dominant force in the Division 1 competition in recent years winning the past two premierships and in a strong position to seal a rare threepeat.
As a whole the club dominated in the 2020-21 season taking out the flags in the Women’s Premier League, Men’s Division 1, Men’s Division 2 and Women’s Division 1.
It has long been speculated that the club alongside other Division 1 side Banks Bulldogs would at some stage be looking to make the move up.
And now their eyes are on getting a team in the top where they can be challenged each and every week.
Club president Spencer Harvey said the move had been a long time coming and a boost in junior teams for the new season had inspired the decision to strike now.
“This has been a long time coming. We identified this as a goal several years ago and started some serious discussions with the league in the offseason,” Harvey said.
“We put the time was finally right as we needed a pathway for our junior men to the top level and put in a formal application.
“Our playing group is up for the challenge each week and we want them to be challenged as well so this a way of rewarding those loyal players who have stayed with the club.
“We believe we have the people on and off the field who can keep a premier league up and that’s what we’re working on with the league.
“There’s no guarantee it will happen. We don’t want to wreck the hard work already in place and want to ensure the culture we have will still be there with a new team.”
In a statement on their Facebook page the club confirmed that they had signed off on their intentions to play at the top level of Territory football.
“The club will be working closely with AFLNT over the next few months to ensure it is in a viable position to make this goal a reality,” the statement read.
The club understands if the request is granted, it will be a significant adjustment and will require enormous amount of work to make it successful.
“It was also agreed it is the next step in ensuring the recently established PINT Junior program has a pathway to the top level of football in the NT for both boys and girls.”
AFLNT community football manager Leigh Elder said the league would work with PINT and key stakeholders to determine what the competition would look like.
“AFLNT is aware PINT Football Club is planning on submitting a request to field a Men’s Premier League side in the 2022/23 NTFL season and beyond,” Elder said.
“The NTFL acknowledges the Premier League competition is an important part of the Territory footy pathway and provides opportunity for players to reach the highest level.
“Once the submission is official, AFLNT will work with PINT and key NTFL stakeholders on determining the future composition of the competition.
“A final decision will likely be made in the NTFL offseason.”
Wanderers steal one-point win over buffaloes in ‘fairytale’ finish
THREE last quarter goals from Thomas Motlop - including one in the dying seconds - has seen Wanderers steal an important victory over Buffaloes by a point.
Buffaloes were left to rue a degree of indiscipline after Motlop was awarded a free kick for rough play after slotting a brilliant six-pointer from the boundary line in the final quarter, effectively getting two goals for the price of one.
It would repeat Buffaloes forward Thomas Baulch being the beneficiary of exactly the same offence in the second quarter.
Then, mere moments before the final bell, Motlop was awarded another free kick and cooly nailed the matchwinning major.
Darwin would also lament wayward kicking, registering 1.7 after half time with key Eagles defender Brodie Newman out due to suspension.
Motlopsaid there “wasn’t a lot in it” with his first free kick, but was happy to play the role of matchwinner in a “fairytale” finish.
“I was just there at the right time, bobbed up when it mattered,” Motlop said.
“I knew every goal in that last quarter mattered… there was a lot riding on it, in the context of the game, goals were hard to come by.”
Despite the thrilling victory, Motlop said Wanderers simply had to play better football if it was to do some damage come finals time.
“We needed to win to keep in touch with St Mary’s who just beat Waratah, it’s going to come down to the last game of the season who gets third spot,” he said.
“The ending was a fairytale but it wasn’t the best style of football (from us).
“If we want to go deep into finals… we have to play better football, full stop.”
Earlier, 150-gamer Jayden Kickett got his hands on the ball within a minute but his shot sailed wide as Buffaloes dominated early play.
The visitors then produced a team goal of the year contender, with Tim Eldridge cleverly keeping the ball alive along the boundary line before shovelling it out to Ryan Pendlebury whose left foot checkside sailed through.
But then Marlon Motlop produced some brilliance of his own from the right hand pocket, and made it two after a neat pass from the busy Daniel Clee.
For Buffs, big man Ben Archard was utterly dominant in the air – either through his tap work or marking prowess – providing the starting point for a number of Buffaloes assaults.
It was a heated contest at times, with a string of 50m penalties gifting Daniel Fuller, who was impressive down back, a major.
The Eagles could have enjoyed a wider buffer than a nine-point lead at quarter time though, with focal point Darren Shillabeer pumping the ball long inside its 50m arc on multiple occasions, but without conjuring a six pointer.
Some lax Buffaloes defence allowed John Tipiloura to mark and goal from the 50m line early in the second.
However, it would trigger six unanswered majors from Darwin as the Wanderers back six suddenly appeared under siege.
The highlights of that period included a Thomas Clarke special, swinging onto the left after a defensive turnover, and a full ground transition from an Aaron Stokes gather which resulted in Kickett’s second.
Wanderers managed to find a steadier through Clee’s tackle on Stokes.
The third quarter was largely a stalemate, and in perhaps an ominous sign for the visitors , Kickett fluffed the simplest of set shots just outside the goalsquare and it felt costly.
Buffaloes’ goal drought finally broke after their forwards pounced on a Mitchel Taylor spilt mark but Wanderers continued to drive the ball forward.
Motlop’s ice cool conversion would be the final act from an old fashioned, muddy arm wrestle.
SCORE
WANDERERS: 3.2 5.5 6.7 9.10 (64)
BUFFALOES: 1.3 7.8 7.10 8.15 (63)
GOALS
Wanderers: T Motlop 3 M Motlop 2 D Clee D Fuller J Tipiloura V Tassone
Buffaloes: T Baulch 3 J Kickett 2 T Clarke R Pendlebury N Cooper
BEST
Wanderers: T Motlop M Motlop D Clee D Fuller D Shillabeer
Buffaloes: B Archard R Pendlebury J Stokes B Stokes C Sharples
SAINTS SURGE LEAVES WARATAH FOR DUST
A SAINTS surge saw Waratah left for dust with the visitors running out the 19.13 (127) to 7.7 (49) winners at Gardens Oval.
As has been their custom in recent times St Mary’s used their pace and agility from the off to take control and a quick goal from the in-form Nick Yarran was the result.
However, Tahs managed to wrestle back control fairly quickly using their bigger bodies to beat Saints in the one-on-one contest.
And on the muddy ground at Gardens it was Corey Rich who scored the first for the red and whites inspiring a slew of goals for the home side.
Jayden Magro and Brodie Carroll were their usual busy selves on the ball and for a time it looked like they would be on for the win.
But the Saints were quicker again to start the second quarter bringing all the intensity pulling off a goal for the league’s leading goal scorer Jackson Calder almost immediately.
Young gun Joseph Salmon was another who put in plenty of effort and though his accuracy wasn’t always there in front of goal he inspired plenty of integral moves for the side.
The game had by then twisted well and truly in Saints favour with an avalanche of goals coming their way.
Matters slowed down in a big way throughout the third period with neither side really able to enter their opposition 50 cleanly.
The backlines showed their heads there with Ryan Smith and Matt Wilkinson holding down for Saints while Amyas Ross and Nick Gooch controlled the tempo from Tahs end.
But just as they did in the second Saints burst into life in the fourth and this time it was the killer blow.
Dylan Landt and Nate Paredes led the show around the midfield while Brandyn Grenfell made his presence known in the forwards.
Calder and Yarran both added to their tallies while Zachery Robinson was another busy player around the forward line.
Waratah however for all their early promise only managed a single goal in the second half of the game leaving their hold on second place much looser than before.
“It was great to get the win over Waratah at their home ground, it was a great result for us,” Salmon said.
“We knew we had to come out here and win it, put our head over the ball and get it out to the big forwards to shoot our goals which is basically what we did.”
SCORE
Waratah: 3.2 6.4 6.5 7.7 (49)
Saints: 2.4 9.8 10.12 19.13 (127)
Goals:
Waratah: C Rich 2 J Bowd 2 J Magro J Hutchins T Cree
Saints: J Calder 4 N Yarran 3 B Grenfell 2 D Landt 2 A Marklew 2 J Long S Rioli J Salmon B Hodges Z Robinson J Robinson
Best:
Waratah: J Magro J Hutchins A Ross C Rich B Carroll
Saints: N Yarran D Landt J Salmon B Grenfell N Paredes
Nightcliff pull off resounding win over Palmerston
NIGHTCLIFF tuned up for another Men’s Premier League finals tilt following a resounding 101-point win over Palmerston at Darwin Mazda Oval.
Playing in the third Warren Berto Memorial Shield match between the two clubs, the Tigers who had not been at their best recently, finally found the right gears and went on to record a 20.13 (133) to 5.2 (32) victory.
Tiger forward Tom North opened proceedings with a spectacular left foot curling goal inside the first minute of play and courtesy of a warranted 50m penalty, Luke Collins goaled from the line to square up the contest which opened in a lively manner.
North got another and then following a clever piece between Cameron Ilett and Sam Harper, the Tigers were again rewarded for a mountain of possession.
A long goal to Magpie Chris Williams opened the scoring in the second and when Kobe Priest added another, Palmy displayed some serious resistance, however, Ilett, Shaun Wilson and Trent Melville got the Tigers back on track with a six-pointer each midway through the term.
Adam Wines got the Tigers going early in the third when he casually slotted the ball home and when Harper repeated the dose less than a minute later, it was all Nightcliff.
Although Palmerston continued to press, they kept running into the defensive home team brick wall and could manage only a solitary goal in the second half.
SCORE
Nightcliff 6.5 10.7 13.11 20.13 (133)
Palmerston 1.0 4.2 4.2 5.2 (32)
Goals
Nightcliff: T North 4 A Wines 3 T Melville 3 C Ilett 3 S Harper 3 S Wilson 2 B
Edwards L Holt-Fitz
Palmerston: L Collins 2 C Williams K Priest E Guthrie
Best
Nightcliff: N Brown C Ilett R Mu S Wilson A Wines
Palmerston: L Marlin E Guthrie M Liddle T Todd L Flanagan
Tiwi Bombers withdraw from competition
THE Tiwi Bombers Football Club will not return for the remainder of the 2021-22 NTFL season due to the Territory wide Covid outbreak.
After consultation with Tiwi Land Council, the NT Government and other key stakeholders the club decided it was in the best interest of the community for the club to withdraw.
The Tiwi Bombers have not played since their Round 12 game at Wurrumiyanga Oval on December 18 instead forfeiting their games since due to travel restrictions.
Tiwi Bombers President Dean Rioli said the health and safety of the Tiwi Island community was of the most importance.
“Even though we were really looking forward to playing out the rest of the season, safety comes first, and we need to ensure travel is limited in order to minimise the Covid risk to the community,” Rioli said.
“I wish to thank AFLNT, Tiwi Bombers Board Members, NT Government, Tiwi Land Council and other key community stakeholders for their advice and ongoing support.
“We will now take this opportunity to press pause, reset and get ready for a big return in season 2022-23 season.”
AFLNT Community Football Manager Leigh Elder said the league will continue to work closely with the Tiwi Bombers to ensure ongoing support is received.
“AFLNT are committed to continue supporting the Bombers through this trying time,” said Elder.
“AFLNT staff will continue to work closely with the Bombers and committee members while our Remote Development Manager based on the Islands will remain heavily involved.
“While the ongoing pandemic continues to impact and challenge our competition, we will continue to work closely with each club and will remain led by the advice to ensure the safety of our footy community and progressing the season as safely as possible.”
All remaining Tiwi Bombers fixtured matches will be deemed as forfeits.
The Tiwi Island Football League is also currently on hold due to Covid.
Lightning strikes as Saints nabbed victory over Crocs
LIGHTNING pace and lightning disruptions defined St Mary’s 14.13 (97) to 6.8 (44) win over Southern Districts at TIO Stadium.
Saints came out quick with the electric pace of Nick Yarran and Lachie Taylor was clear for all to see from the off with the pair forcing their foes on the back foot right away.
It was natural then that Yarran scored the first on an angle leading into an avalanche of goals for the Green Machine.
Playing his 100th game skipper Nate Paredes was an ever-present around the ball through the midfield while Aaron Heppell brought some extra pace to a side full of quicks.
But the Crocs weren’t going to lie down and it was in those trying moments that the skill and determination of captain Dean Staunton and Michael Bowden shone through.
Their link-up play turned the game and it was all Districts for the second half of the opener kicking cleanly down the line to the big body of Leigh Williams.
The game was much more an arm wrestle from there with neither side able to truly break into their opposition’s forward 50 for much of the term.
However, the big men up front in the competition’s leading goal scorer Jackson Calder and the newly returned Brandyn Grenfell gave the Saints the targets they needed.
And those targets became increasingly as important as the rain began to bucket down further into the game.
Jonathon Ross and Jack Ganley gave Districts some opportunities when they had their chances.
But it was the Green Machine that weathered the storm better earning themselves more than one penalty to widen the lead goal by goal.
Lucas Jellyman-Turner and Dylan Landt were massive in the wet weather with their run and carry as well as their ball supply constantly putting the Saints on the front foot.
But it was an around the corner goal from the big full forward Calder that got the biggest shouts all but securing the win for his side.
At the strike of three quarter time a bolt of lightning was spotted nearby forcing the players and officials off the ground.
Play resumed 20 minutes later but the disruption had by then effected the energy and pace of both sides.
For Saints the only question left was if they could get their captain a goal on his milestone but unfortunately it was not as lightning called the game once more 16 minutes in, this time for good.
“It was a tough contest, we knew it was probably going to be wet so we were ready for that,” Paredes said.
“It’s another game and every game is important for us on the way to finals. It’s a bit of a race to the top three which is where we need to finish if we want to win the flag so every win is important.
“We know we have a lot of pace and like to use it around the outside. That falls away a bit in the wet so the game structure changed.
“As it did we knew we had to be clean with the footy and that’s what we did. And our forwards did the rest, look at Jacko Calder kicking five in the wet. For a big guy in the wet that’s unbelievable.”
Score:
St Mary’s: 5.2 6.5 12.8 14.13 (97)
Districts: 3.2 3.5 5.7 6.8 (44)
Goals:
St Mary’s: J Calder 5 J Salmon 2 S Rioli 2 N Yarran 2 A Heppell B Grenfell J Kluske
Districts: L Williams 4 J Ganley 2
Best:
St Mary’s: N Yarran L Jellyman-Turner N Paredes J Calder D Landt
Districts: L Williams D Staunton M Bowden J Ross J Ganley
Kickett stars as Buffaloes down Palmerston
THREE first quarter goals from Jayden Kickett before a monsoon descended on Cazalys Arena proved decisive in a 24-point win for Darwin Buffaloes over Palmerston.
Pickett was everywhere in the opening stanza, slotting three goals for the visitors before the heavens opened shortly after quarter time.
Up the other end, the Magpies’ tall timber of Cam Petersen and Daniel Stafford loomed large before the weather set in.
While the field kicking was sloppy at times, shooting for the big sticks was deadly accurate with just one point registered for seven majors for the term.
A brilliant roving goal from Brodie Foster was perhaps the most mercurial as both sides had an even share of the ball and opportunities to score.
However, a 19-point lead at quarter time could have felt like 90 for the waterlogged Magpies as the rain belted down.
But Palmerston hit back hard through Petersen’s second, a precise kick in teeming rain.
The former North Melbourne forward further showed off his dexterity with a one-handed grab on the wing that David Warner would have been proud of in slip.
At times it was hard to score let alone mark the ball with big man Ben Archard missing the lot from about 20m out, as the contest quickly became a matter of driving the ball forward, any way possible.
But Buffs eventually reasserted its first quarter authority with an opportunistic Brodie Foster soccer off the soaked turf, before a clever Joseph Collinson intercept of a Magpies defensive exit gave the visitors further breathing space.
Buffs had finetuned its game plan by the end of the half, hitting up Kickett with a pair of precise chest marks, even if both set shots sailed wide.
The game was stopped for approximately 15 minutes early into the third following several lightning strikes.
But it quickly became the Cam Petersen Show on resumption, immediately roosting one long deep into the forward line which was pounced upon by a crumbing Max Sutton.
Palmerston was suddenly back in the contest when Jaymie Youle, Pedersen and Broderick Church slotted three in succession, cutting the margin to a gettable eight points at the final break.
However, it took a classy and clutch running goal from Jarrod Stokes to provide the visitors an invaluable steadier.
And it was fitting Kickett’s fourth put the game beyond any doubt.
Score:
PALMERSTON: 2.0 3.2 7.2 8.5 (53)
BUFFALOES: 5.1 7.6 7.10 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Palmerston: Petersen 4 Sutton Stafford Youle Church
Buffaloes: Kickett 4 Ahmat-Watkins Vrodos Collinson Foster Baulch J Stokes B Stokes
BEST
Palmerston: C Petersen E Guthrie N Jetta Youle E Liddle
Buffaloes: J Kickett J Stokes C Abala B Archard P Boles
Big start key to Districts women’s win
A FIRST quarter surge enabled the Southern Districts women to take full control of the their match up against St Mary’s to win 6.6 (42) to 1.2 (8),
After a brief spell inside St Mary’s 50m arc, the match was largely contested across Districts’ attacking end, getting on the board through a push in the back free kick to Abby Hewett who converted.
Played in gloomy conditions at TIO Stadium, the lights were flicked on early in the first quarter as the rain began to tumble.
And Crocs forward Keely Waterbury played the slippery conditions to perfection, soccering successfully off the turf for Districts’ second.
However, the attacking highlight of the term belonged to Grace Whittaker who slotted a brilliant goal from the pocket.
Down back, Malory Nankervis intercepted almost every Saints attacking move — ably supported by Kiyanah Toy’s physical influence.
In the second term, Districts fluffed multiple chances to ice the game early with Waterbury a constant threat.
Taking a terrific sliding mark inches above the turf, she was symbolic of her team’s superior strength and attack on the ball.
She could have easily had four goals for the quarter, too, if not for wayward kicking.
Just like the opening term, Nankervis continued to clunk everything in sight while Toy was the architect behind several forward thrusts.
However, the quarter belonged to Chiarah Koops, whose brilliant roving goal capped off the visitors’ utter first half dominance.
Later, Whittaker’s candy selling would have rivalled Koops’ effort for polish, if not for another wayward shot on goal.
Fortunately for St Mary’s, they finally registered their first score in the 16th minute through a Olivia Krygger major, while pocket rocket Emily Forshaw never stopped toiling down back.
The third quarter was a territory battle early with the ball locked in Districts’ forward 50 for several minutes.
Saints had a few chances to score – with forward Nikita Long emerging as a major influence on the game – but were unable to grasp them.
And a final goal from Sophie Berry sealed the deal for the Districts contingent.
Score
St Mary’s 0.0 1.0 1.2 1.2 (8)
Southern Districts 3.1 5.5 5.6 6.6 (42)
Goals
St Mary’s: O Krygger
Southern Districts: K Waterbury 2 C Koops G Whittaker A Hewett
Best
St Mary’s: E Forshaw N Long G Marsland J Anderson O Krygger
Southern Districts: M Nankervis K Toy K Waterbury G Whittaker R Hewitt
Saints skipper proud to notch NTFL ton
ST Mary’s skipper Nathaniel Paredes will bring up a century of NTFL Premier League games when he leads out the club he has grown to call a “second family” against Southern Districts.
Paredes first came to St Mary’s in the 2016-17 season and was an instant hit, playing a massive role in their premiership-winning side.
He went on picking up best-and- fairest awards left and right at his club and is constantly at the top of the stats each week.
As of the 2021-22 season he was named the St Mary’s skipper.
“I’m really proud, it’s a huge honour to get the milestone with St Mary’s,” Paredes said.
“When I first came to the club six years ago I instantly fell in love with the club and loved playing with them. There’s a real family feel here and I love that.
“Saints have become a second family for me and everyone here has welcomed me with open arms and to this day winning that 2016-17 premiership is the highlight for me.
“Just to be around this group and watch some of these young guys like Maurice Rioli Jr, Jacob Long and Braxton Ah Mat grow as players has been brilliant.”
It has been a big season for the skipper and his Saints, who currently sit fourth.
On its day the Green Machine has shown it can defeat anyone, with Jackson Calder the competition’s leading goal scorer while Lachie Taylor and Nick Yarran have provided plenty of pace.
“The captaincy has been great and is a huge honour, but just being a member of this squad has been massive for me,” he said.
“It has been a pretty good season even though there’s been disruptions with Covid and weather. As a squad we’ve just loved playing together and the feeling among the boys has been great. Everyone has bought into the team and it shows on the field.
“The likes of Lachie Taylor and Nick Yarran have been unbelievable this year, Calder has been awesome upfront, while it has been great to see Dylan Landt and Kieran Parnell back in recently.”
Coach Anthony Vallejo was full of praise for his captain.
“He has always been an absolute star of the footy club and with the captaincy has taken that to another level this season,” Vallejo said.
“He’s the fittest he has ever been and to have reached this many Premier League games is just reward for the effort he has put in.
“Naturally he is growing into the captaincy. He said from day one that he isn’t that captain who yells and screams but leads by example, and he does that, leading the stats.”
Ahead of St Mary’s lies a challenge in Southern Districts, who the Green Machine beat 23.15 (153) to 4.7 (31) last time out in round 12 at Norbuilt Oval.
But Paredes knows not to underestimate his next rivals, who have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks.
“We’re expecting a big challenge against them, they took it up to Nightcliff a couple of weeks ago so we know to expect a tough one,” he said.
“We played them before Christmas but won’t be underestimating them. We know this is a whole new game and we can’t rely on that result.
“We will look to our pace and our outside run through the likes of Lachie Taylor to get the game going and keep the ball moving as we did.”
Subscribe to ntnews.com.au to watch the livestream of the St Mary’s v Southern Districts game at TIO Stadium from 6.30pm.
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Originally published as NTFL 2021-22: St Mary’s secure finals double chance and Nightcliff earn big win over key rival
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