The best NTFL premier league goal scorers since 2020
As the new NTFL season approaches, we take a look at the 40 top goal kickers of the past few years and how their performances set the game alight. Find out how your favourite player ranked here.
Northern Territory
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Territory football is known for its pace, its passion and for some of the most exciting goals you’ll ever see.
With the 2022-23 NTFL season only a week away we take a look at the top goal scorers since the turn of the decade.
Exactly 40 names have scored 20 goals or more over those two seasons including some legends of the Top End game and a couple of surprises.
Here’s a look at the best goal kickers from the past two seasons.
1. Jackson Calder (St Mary’s)
20/21: 49 21/22: 71 Total: 120
The most consistent goal scorer of the past two seasons.
He came alive at the end of the 2020-21 season and didn’t look back from scoring goals the following year.
Awarded the Dennis Dunn leading goal scorer award in a highly successful regular season in which he scored 58 goals.
Went on to cap off his unbelievable year in front of the posts with the best on ground Chaney Medal, after notching five more goals in Saints’ grand final win.
Has recommitted for what promises to be a big 22-23 season.
2. Kyle Emery (Nightcliff)
20/21: 61 21/22: 31 Total: 92
The Tiger returned to his junior club with a bang for the 20-21 season dominating in front of goal in a premiership winning season.
Known for his kicking style the gun forward became a marked man in the 21-22 season, but still bagged himself plenty of goals.
Though he now will make the move from Nightcliff to reigning premiers St Mary’s where he will form a deadly combination with Calder.
3. Brett Eddy (Wanderers)
20/21: 74 21/22: N/A Total: 74
The former Port Adelaide forward has been a prolific goal scorer in every league he has played in.
And that record holds equally true for his time in the Muk Muks jumper which he wore between 2017 and 2021.
His 2020-21 stint was among his best bagging 74 goals in a Dennis Dunn leading goal scorer year.
His dominance in that single season has him sitting above all but two players in this list.
4. Cam Ilett (Nightcliff)
20/21: 32 21/22: 33 Total: 65
It wouldn’t be an NTFL list without Cam Ilett.
The forward has appeared in the Big Dance 12 times between his St Mary’s and Nightcliff stints and has won nine.
The two-time Nicholls medallist has been a consistent scorer for Tigers over the past two seasons despite a heavy injury midway through the 2021-22 season.
Now with over 200 premier league games to his name he will be expected to once more be a vital cog in Nightcliff’s premiership hopes.
5. Trent Melville (Nightcliff)
20/21: 33 21/22: 28 Total: 61
Another consistent performer from a Nightcliff side that knows how to win.
In recent years it has been his grand final heroics that have stood out booting the match-winner in the 20-21 thriller, and taking home the Chaney Medal in the 19-20 final.
There was no grand final for the Tigers or Melville in the latest season after the side were knocked out in the prelim final.
But he still found time to slot a few between the posts throughout the season.
6. Brodie Foster (Buffaloes)
20/21: 55 21/22: 4 Total: 59
The Darwin Buffaloes spearhead was at the forefront of a strong start to his side’s 2020-21 NTFL campaign.
He slotted six goals against the Tiwi Bombers in the season opener and continued that form in the following weeks.
It was form he carried over from a 118 goal season for Glencoe in the 2019 Mid South Eastern Football League.
Unfortunately had less of the action as the season wore on and was unable to be a main feature for the double blues in the 2021-22 season.
7. Simon Bates (Wanderers)
20/21: 46 21/22: 8 Total: 54
Known for his pace Bates had a brilliant start to the 2020-21 season kicking goals left and right and making his presence known.
It was one of the early indicators the Muk Muks had returned out of the funk which had struck them in the previous couple of seasons.
Bates bagged his first ever haul of five goals in a single game against Palmerston at Cazalys Arena.
Did not play much in the 2021-22 season.
8. Eddie Simpson (Wanderers)
20/21: 13 21/22: 38 Total: 51
The Eagles forward was a big loss when he returned to his native Perth midway through the 2021-22 season.
He had kicked 38 goals from nine games up to that point and looked a strong contender for the coveted Dennis Dunn.
The year before he played a great supporting role for Brett Eddy.
Has recommitted to the Muk Muks for the 2022-23 season.
9. Jonathon Ross (Districts)
20/21: 8 21/22: 38 Total: 46
Ross was an important scoring option for the Crocs in the 2021-22 season.
His lanky frame made him a more than competitive option when taking a mark and his hunger to score saw him in plenty of frays for the ball.
Crucial in Districts’ push for finals football, he placed joint third in goals scored (38) from his 16 games and registered 26 scoring assists.
10. Shaun Wilson (Nightcliff)
20/21: 16 21/22: 26 Total: 42
A standout for the Tigers over the past two years.
Wilson has often proved himself one of the fittest among his Nightcliff squad, and in the competition as a whole.
And his two goals played a key role in his sides blockbuster grand final win against St Mary’s in the 20-21 season.
Tigers’ fans will be glad to know he is back in the squad for at least another year, this time taking on leadership responsibilities.
11. Cam Arnold (Waratah)
20/21: 24 21/22: 17 Total: 41
Arnold is the highest ranked Tah on this list with his hard work paying off in points.
A consistent scorer across both seasons and contributing strongly in a side who are known for sharing goal scoring duties around.
The 2020 BRFL Doug Kelly Medal winner will once again be important as his side plots their revenge in the 2022-23 season.
12. Jayden Magro (Waratah)
20/21: N/A 21/22: 40 Total: 40
The 2021-22 NTFL newcomer made an immediate impression on the comp whether through his goal scoring, his hardness around the ball or his hair styles.
Picked up a bag on the opening night of the competition and didn’t let that hunger die at any stage of the season.
13. Matt Campbell (Buffaloes)
20/21: 31 21/22: 9 Total: 40
Whether as a coach or a player the former North Melbourne star has been a key contributor for Buffs in the past few years.
His presence in the forward line has been missed after making a move to Alice Springs.
14. Brodie Carroll (Waratah)
20/21: 18 21/22: 20 Total: 38
The Waratah captain has led from the front in recent years topping the tackles, making the disposals and ensuring the ball stayed in the hands of the Tahs.
And to cap it all off he showed that he was no slouch in front of goal making sure the scoreboard continued to tick in his side’s favour.
15. Kim Kantilla (Waratah/Tiwi)
20/21: 15 21/22: 23 Total: 38
The livewire forward was the x-factor for Waratah for so long creating scoring chances and taking plenty an exciting snap for himself.
Kantilla made the move to Tiwi for the 2021-22 season where he showed his skills once again.
Even as the Bombers struggled for points it was Kantilla who took the game on and put points on the board.
16. Nathaniel Paredes (St Mary’s)
20/21: 23 21/22: 16 Total: 37
The man that can do it all. Paredes took his game to another level after being named St Mary’s captain for the 2021-22 season.
Topping disposal counts, making clearances and getting involved in battle after battle for the ball.
And to add to all of that, well, he can score goals as well.
17. Liam Holt-Fitz (Nightcliff)
20/21: 19 21/22: 16 Total: 35
A proven dangerman in front of goal for Tigers over the past few years.
He won the Chaney Medal at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Didn’t get as much game time as he might have liked in the 2021-22 season, but a move to Buffaloes might see him get more time in front of posts.
18. Leigh Williams (Districts)
20/21: N/A 21/22: 35 Total: 35
Picked up in the later stages of the 2021-22 season after a shaky start to the year in front of the posts.
Formed a formidable partnership with Jonathon Ross as Districts pushed for their place in the finals.
19. Jack Landt (St Mary’s)
20/21: 34 21/22: N/A Total: 34
The Landt brothers were a force to be reckoned with in the 2020-21 season and its little wonder why they were seen as two of the best in their first year.
Jack didn’t make it back for a second go around in 21-22, but made more than an impression in his opening stint.
20. Nigel Lockyer Jr (Palmerston/Saints)
20/21: 14 21/22: 20 Total: 34
The Centralian has been one of the best young Territory talents in recent years.
So, it’s little wonder that he’s focused his time in the SANFL with hopes of going to the top.
But when he was in the NTFL he was an undeniable talent around the ball and in front of goal.
21. Daniel Stafford (Palmerston)
20/21: 6 21/22: 28 Total: 34
Looked a more assured presence in front of goal in his second year at the Magpie nest.
He’s just come off an incredibly successful CAFL season where he was rated among the best.
Should be another improved year for Stafford as Palmerston continue to make key signings.
22. John Butcher (Nightcliff)
20/21: 16 21/22: 16 Total: 32
A return of 16 goals two years on the trot after limited games is nothing to sniff at.
The former Port Adelaide gun has been another of the Tigers men to come alive in finals time and that is where he will hope to be again in the 2022-23 season.
23. Beau Tedcastle (St Mary’s)
20/21: 25 21/22: 7 Total: 32
The Saints’ young gun has long been mooted for his goal scoring talent.
As a 15-year-old he dominated the under-18s competition with 85 goals and a year later he burst into the premier league where his scoring didn’t cease.
Featured less thereafter as he moved down south for boarding school and now has his eyes set on a draft call up.
24. Corey Rich (Waratah)
20/21: N/A 21/22: 29 Total: 29
VFL recruit from Williamstown, not always the most reliable shot for goal but the amount of shots he has for a winger means he’s a scoreboard threat.
He was an important addition to the Waratah fold in his debut season and will bring his leadership again for the 2022-23 season.
25. Jarrod Stokes (Buffaloes)
20/21: 16 21/22: 10 Total: 26
The Buffaloes captain has been among his sides best for many a year now and has the goals to go along with it.
However, it has been a downer for his side that he has missed games over the past two years to injury.
A fit and firing Stokes will put goals on the board and give his side another real shot at finals footy.
26. Abe Ankers (Waratah)
20/21: 12 21/22: 14 Total: 26
There’s no doubting that Abe Ankers will go down as one of the best NT footballers of the past decade.
The Waratah stalwart has often been at the centre of his side’s big plays with his sweeping kick either nailing a waiting forward or slotting the ball through the posts.
27. Brodie Filo (Nightcliff)
20/21: 19 21/22: 6 Total: 25
Few have been more prolific in the NTFL in the past few seasons than two time Nichols medallist Brodie Filo.
Though neither of our subject seasons clash with his Nicholls wins he has still been a pivotal cog in both years.
He has everything needed of an elite footballer from leg speed to vision and a thumping kick to find a waiting teammate or even a goal on the odd occasion.
28. Harley Puruntatameri (Tiwi)
20/21: 18 21/22: 6 Total: 24
Explosive pace, all around skills and the uncanny ability to score from anywhere.
Puruntatameri has been another of the shining lights in a struggling Tiwi outfit, and despite playing less in 2021-22 still managed to notch a couple of goals.
29. Jae McGrath (Waratah)
20/21: 20 21/22: 4 Total: 24
The lively forward has often been a benefactor of the Tahs strong midfield but puts in the hard work to get the ball in his hands.
Started off the 2020-21 season strongly with a four goal haul against Palmerston in a game honouring fallen teammate Alex Aurrichio.
30. Nick Yarran (St Mary’s)
20/21: 3 21/22: 20 Total: 23
The 2021-22 joint NT News Player of the Year brought his all for St Mary’s throughout the season.
The previous year had been a quieter one for the speedy forward, but Yarran brought his game back just as he needed it.
Often the catalyst in an early goal whether working it to one of his fellow forwards or taking it himself, Yarran was never far away from scoring.
31. Will Collis (Waratah)
20/21: 13 21/22: 10 Total: 23
The blond haired midfielder is unmistakable – except when playing beside his brother – when playing for Tahs.
Always busy with ball in hand he has become an integral part of the current Waratah outfit and it’s no wonder he has managed to bag a few goals along the way.
32. Toshie Kurnoth (Palmerston)
20/21: 23 21/22: N/A Total: 23
Had an impressive season in front of goal for a Magpie side that has so often struggled for consistent goal scoring options.
Unfortunately, for Palmerston, he did not feature the following year.
33. Jackson Paine (St Mary’s)
20/21: 22 21/22: N/A Total: 22
The former Collingwood and Brisbane player has put in more than one elite goal scoring performance for St Mary’s.
Kicked eight goals in a 75-point demolition of Palmerston early in the 2020-21 season.
34. Brandyn Grenfell (St Mary’s)
20/21: 14 21/22: 7 Total: 21
Grenfell is more than versatile able to slot in across the midfield, in the ruck or up forward when required.
Proved a secondary option to Calder in his brief appearances across the 2021-22 season with his high marking ability beating most defenders.
35. Chris Williams (Palmerston)
20/21: 11 21/22: 10 Total: 21
The 2021-22 Palmerston captain has made an impression since joining the Magpies from Buffaloes.
His experienced head has helped bring composure to the side hungry for success and he has also been able to contribute on the scoring end.
36. Andrew Boseley (Districts)
20/21: 20 21/22: N/A Total: 20
The tall forward looked to be the replacement for Districts’ injured star Will Farrer in the early stages of the 2020-21 season.
Made the move down back later that season and did not return for the 2021-22 season.
37. Ryan Mu (Nightcliff)
20/21: 10 21/22: 10 Total: 20
Another excitement machine who knows how to tricky goals like no one else.
The speedster scored ten goals in both years with those scores usually coming from out wide and at angles.
38. Joseph Collinson (Buffaloes)
20/21: 16 21/22: 4 Total: 20
Kicked off his 2020-21 season with a bang and three goals against the Tiwi Bombers and kept a steady flow of goals as the season went on.
Scored two goals in another match against Tiwi, this time in the 2021-22 season, to celebrate his 100th game for the double blues.
39. Jake Sutton (Waratah)
20/21: 20 21/22: N/A Total: 20
Sutton was a consistent performer for Tahs throughout the 20-21 season often muscling his way into his side’s best.
The centre-half forward was one of the constant targets for his side always offering himself as a strong chance to take a goal.
40. Harrison Kitschke (Waratah)
20/21: N/A 21/22: 20 Total: 20
A newcomer to the Waratah scoring in the 21-22 season replacing Sutton’s 20 goal haul from the year before with his own.
Offered himself for scores when needed and played his role well in a Waratah side that liked to share the scoring.
More Coverage
Originally published as The best NTFL premier league goal scorers since 2020
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