Northern Territory Football League Season 2013/14

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NTFL Premier League Wrap-Up:
By - Jackson Clark (Twitter @JClark182)
https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

It was a lopsided round of NTFL football this week with a number of one-sided games on Saturday.

Waratah cemented its spot in the top five with a comprehensive 41-point win over Tiwi Bombers in the early game of a double-header at Gardens Oval. Once again it was the lack of defensive effort from the Bombers that ultimately killed them. With a number of handy inclusions before the match, the Bombers were heavily fancied by most of the NTFL tipsters. But their disappointing performance on the weekend was an indication to how their season has gone this year. The loss means that the Bombers will miss the finals for the first time in its history. After a competitive opening term Waratah kicked away in the second term to take a small lead into the half time break. The Warriors maintained this lead and at three quarter time led by 19 points. The will to win was much stronger for the home side and their superior fitness led to a 19.13 (127) to 13.10 (88) victory. Harley Puruntatameri, in his first game in the Premier League in almost a month, put his hand up for finals selection with a seven-goal effort. He was supported well by fellow small forwards Paddy Heenan and Jake Farrell who combined for six goals.

Sixth-placed Palmerston dominated its match against Wanderers to record a 92-point win in the second game at Gardens Oval. When looking at the result alone, it seems like a massive upset but the Eagles side was without up to 15 of its best players. That is taking nothing away from the young Magpies who did everything that was asked of them by coach Dean Rioli. Resting so many players on the eve of the finals is an interesting tactic in mirrors that of what Fremantle coach Ross Lyon did this year in the AFL. There was plenty riding on this match from a Magpies perspective with a win keeping its finals chances alive. But the Waratah win earlier in the day means that it will take a miracle for Palmerston to push into the top five.

A strong Nightcliff side was simply far too good for Buffaloes at BM Insurance Oval on Saturday. The Tigers are steamrolling home in the lead up to the finals and the 130-point win was no exception. Just like recent weeks the Buffaloes came out hard in the opening term and the scores were level at quarter time. But from then on it was all one way traffic as Nightcliff took complete control of the match. In what is a promising sign for the future of the club, most of the Tigers’ best performers in the first half were its younger brigade and in particular Lachlan McKenzie and Kayle Kossack. In only his fourth game of the year Matt Rowe kicked seven goals and will be a valuable player in this season’s final series for the Tigers.

St Marys produced one of its best performances of the season winning by 96 points against Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday. The Saints put in an impressive four-quarter performance against a relatively strong Districts side. The Crocs were hurt by the late withdrawals of Jared Brennan and Richard Tambling but still fancied themselves a chance. The first 30 minutes of football was an even contest with neither side able to break away. Damian Cupido was clean below his knees and finished well in front of goal while Des Headland played with the usual class that you would expect from a former number one draft pick. But at about the ten minute mark of the second quarter the Saints kicked into gear to kick six late goals in the second quarter. The onslaught continued in the second half with St Marys outscoring the Crocs 12 goals to four. Cameron Ilett was superb with his strength in the contest and skill execution a feature of his game. Peter Macfarlane, who was well held the last time the two sides met, kicked five goals and took a couple of pack crashing marks.

Leading Goals:

59 - Justin Van Unen (St Marys)
51 - Troy Taylor (Southern Districts)
45 - Damian Cupido (Southern Districts)
45 - Peter Macfarlane (St Marys)
38 - Shane Thorne (Wanderers)


POSTEAMPWLDBFA%PTS
1St Marys17160012011976206.0564
2Wanderers171330114801202123.1352
3Nightcliff 171060115921230129.4340
4Southern Districts17871113681303104.9934
5Waratah1779011188138285.9628
6Palmerston 17610011242154080.6524
7Tiwi Bombers17411111547178986.4718
8Buffaloes1721401984176555.75
8
 
JDC! said:
NTFL Premier League Wrap-Up:
By - Jackson Clark (Twitter @JClark182)
https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

It was a lopsided round of NTFL football this week with a number of one-sided games on Saturday.

Waratah cemented its spot in the top five with a comprehensive 41-point win over Tiwi Bombers in the early game of a double-header at Gardens Oval. Once again it was the lack of defensive effort from the Bombers that ultimately killed them. With a number of handy inclusions before the match, the Bombers were heavily fancied by most of the NTFL tipsters. But their disappointing performance on the weekend was an indication to how their season has gone this year. The loss means that the Bombers will miss the finals for the first time in its history. After a competitive opening term Waratah kicked away in the second term to take a small lead into the half time break. The Warriors maintained this lead and at three quarter time led by 19 points. The will to win was much stronger for the home side and their superior fitness led to a 19.13 (127) to 13.10 (88) victory. Harley Puruntatameri, in his first game in the Premier League in almost a month, put his hand up for finals selection with a seven-goal effort. He was supported well by fellow small forwards Paddy Heenan and Jake Farrell who combined for six goals.

Sixth-placed Palmerston dominated its match against Wanderers to record a 92-point win in the second game at Gardens Oval. When looking at the result alone, it seems like a massive upset but the Eagles side was without up to 15 of its best players. That is taking nothing away from the young Magpies who did everything that was asked of them by coach Dean Rioli. Resting so many players on the eve of the finals is an interesting tactic in mirrors that of what Fremantle coach Ross Lyon did this year in the AFL. There was plenty riding on this match from a Magpies perspective with a win keeping its finals chances alive. But the Waratah win earlier in the day means that it will take a miracle for Palmerston to push into the top five.

A strong Nightcliff side was simply far too good for Buffaloes at BM Insurance Oval on Saturday. The Tigers are steamrolling home in the lead up to the finals and the 130-point win was no exception. Just like recent weeks the Buffaloes came out hard in the opening term and the scores were level at quarter time. But from then on it was all one way traffic as Nightcliff took complete control of the match. In what is a promising sign for the future of the club, most of the Tigers’ best performers in the first half were its younger brigade and in particular Lachlan McKenzie and Kayle Kossack. In only his fourth game of the year Matt Rowe kicked seven goals and will be a valuable player in this season’s final series for the Tigers.

St Marys produced one of its best performances of the season winning by 96 points against Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday. The Saints put in an impressive four-quarter performance against a relatively strong Districts side. The Crocs were hurt by the late withdrawals of Jared Brennan and Richard Tambling but still fancied themselves a chance. The first 30 minutes of football was an even contest with neither side able to break away. Damian Cupido was clean below his knees and finished well in front of goal while Des Headland played with the usual class that you would expect from a former number one draft pick. But at about the ten minute mark of the second quarter the Saints kicked into gear to kick six late goals in the second quarter. The onslaught continued in the second half with St Marys outscoring the Crocs 12 goals to four. Cameron Ilett was superb with his strength in the contest and skill execution a feature of his game. Peter Macfarlane, who was well held the last time the two sides met, kicked five goals and took a couple of pack crashing marks.

Leading Goals:

59 - Justin Van Unen (St Marys)
51 - Troy Taylor (Southern Districts)
45 - Damian Cupido (Southern Districts)
45 - Peter Macfarlane (St Marys)
38 - Shane Thorne (Wanderers)


POSTEAMPWLDBFA%PTS
1St Marys17160012011976206.0564
2Wanderers171330114801202123.1352
3Nightcliff 171060115921230129.4340
4Southern Districts17871113681303104.9934
5Waratah1779011188138285.9628
6Palmerston 17610011242154080.6524
7Tiwi Bombers17411111547178986.4718
8Buffaloes1721401984176555.75
8
Click to expand...

JDC,
See Illets brother has pulled the boots on again, named in their best players... Also, this Mcfarlane, again starring.... what is his resume and any chance of playing with the Thunder.
 
stuyd1 said:
JDC,
See Illets brother has pulled the boots on again, named in their best players... Also, this Mcfarlane, again starring.... what is his resume and any chance of playing with the Thunder.
Click to expand...

Macfarlane is an absolute gun and without a doubt one of the best players in the competition. But he doesn't have the desire to play for NT Thunder so I highly doubt he ever will again. He played in Thunder's inaugural year and went really well.
 

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JDC! said:
Macfarlane is an absolute gun and without a doubt one of the best players in the competition. But he doesn't have the desire to play for NT Thunder so I highly doubt he ever will again. He played in Thunder's inaugural year and went really well.
Click to expand...

I agree he is the best mark i have seen by far, has improved his kicking style over the years
 
Islanda22 said:
I agree he is the best mark i have seen by far, has improved his kicking style over the years
Click to expand...

Yeah he's an amazing mark of the footy. He is definitely not a long kick but through plenty of time and effort after training he has got a routine that serves him well in front of goal.
 
NTFL Round 18 Wrap-Up:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

Nightcliff did just enough to fight off a determined Palmerston on Friday night at Northline Oval. It was far from its best performance in the lead up to the finals but the Tigers won 9.14 (68) to 7.10 (52). It was a slow start to the match with both sides struggling to find the goals. At quarter time the Tigers led by a goal but that was reduced to just two points by the main break. Light rain started to fall at half time which further evened up the contest. Palmerston had its chances in the third term but struggled to convert its forward fifty entries into goals as the Nightcliff defence held strong. The Magpies threatened a comeback early in the final term but could not find enough avenues to goal to look a serious chance. Todd Grima was best on ground playing as a tall defender while Kayle Kossack and Darren Guelfi were other solid contributors.

St Marys recorded an emphatic 110-point win over Wanderers in the first game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium. The Saints dominated almost every facet of the match and eventually won 21.19 (145) to 5.5 (35). Despite the impressive win, people should not read too much into the result with Wanderers missing a handful of its best players. The Eagles were without Liam Patrick, Josh Cubillo, Marlon Motlop, Aaron Motlop, Daniel Weetra and a host of others. St Marys were also missing a number of players with at least five stars expected to return for their first final in a fortnight. Justin Van Unen kicked seven goals in a classy display to seal the Dennis Dunn Trophy for the competition’s leading goal scorer. Karl Lohde gathered 23 possessions through the midfield while Kane Leerson provided run from the back half and locked down on Chris Dunne. The big news story from the match was the facial injury to Saints hard nut Justin Wilson. The man known as Ferret collided with Wanderers defender Michael Dalla’s knee in a big collision late in the third quarter that halted play for almost ten minutes. He was taken to hospital with a concussion and possible jaw fracture but he will await results from a scan later this week.

Southern Districts returned to the winners’ list with an eight point win over Tiwi Bombers in the middle game. It was not all smooth sailing for the Crocs as the Bombers took it right up to them in the first half and refused to lie down. It was a fiery contest which saw Bombers utility Rikki Newton sent off for being reported on two separate occasions. Richard Tambling was a clear best on ground as the former AFL player exhibit plenty of class through the midfield to set up many forward opportunities. Jason Puruntatameri rebounded the ball well all game to be Tiwi Bombers’ best performer while Gerry Cunningham booted four goals.

In the late game it was Waratah that recorded a four-goal win over Buffaloes. It was a match where both sides had little to play for and this was reflected in the standard and crowd interest in the match. Buffaloes were competitive but a slow start to the match meant they were never a chance of stealing a victory. The Warriors kicked the first five goals of the match with small forward Harley Puruntatameri proving to be a real livewire in attack. Buffs spearhead Luke Clark was a presence but missed a few shots in front of goals. Sam Godden found plenty of the football while no one could lay a hand on speedster Jake Farrell. It was the usual suspects that played well for the Buffaloes with Matt Campbell and Steven Anderson named their best.

LEADING GOALS:

66 - Justin Van Unen (St Marys)
52 - Troy Taylor (Southern Districts)
45 - Damian Cupido (Southern Districts)
45 - Peter Macfarlane (St Marys)
38 - Shane Thorne (Wanderers)

LADDER:

1St Marys181700121561011213.2568
2Wanderers181340115151347112.4752
3Nightcliff 181160116601282129.4944
4Southern Districts18971114571384105.2738
5Waratah1889011261143188.1232
6Palmerston 18611011294160880.4724
7Tiwi Bombers18412111628187886.6918
8Buffaloes18215011033183856.208
 
PREVIEW OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE, DIVISION TWO, U18 AND WOMEN'S FINALS:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

PREMIER LEAGUE FINALS PREVIEW:

We have finally arrived at the time of the year that every footy fan eagerly awaits. The NTFL finals series kicks off this week with two blockbuster games on Saturday at TIO Stadium. Here I’ll look at how the final five sides are faring at this stage of the season.

St Marys are in the box seat to claim premiership number 30 after a stellar season that saw new coach Rick Nolan guide his side through undefeated. The Saints have won 36 consecutive matches with its last loss coming from Central Australia in the first round of the 2012/13 season. Nolan has his side playing a well-drilled, disciplined style of football, which should hold them in good stead during the finals. The Saints boast a number of players in career best form and have a relatively healthy list with plenty of playing depth.

Wanderers have had a shaky past fortnight but make no mistake, the Eagles are still a definite premiership threat. Whispers amongst NTFL followers have suggested that the Eagles have ran out of legs and will struggle in the finals. I am of the complete opposite opinion. Paul Motlop is a smart coach and his tactics of resting a number of their better players over the past couple of weeks mirrored that of Fremantle coach Ross Lyon in the AFL this season. The Dockers were thrashed by the lowly St Kilda in the final week of the minor rounds but made a host of changes the following game to beat Geelong in the first final. I think a similar thing will happen this week and Wanderers will beat Nightcliff. With players such as Chris Dunne, Eddie Sansbury, Marlon Motlop, Nathan Djerrkura, Shane Thorne … the list goes on … the Eagles have a seriously talented playing list and are as good as any side in the competition when everything clicks.

Nightcliff finished the season on a roll with four wins in a row. Coach Damian Hale and the rest of his team are confident in leading the Tigers to its first premiership in 50 years. But will the season but the year that Nightcliff breaks its agonisingly long flag drought? Seb Guilhaus has arguably been the best ruckman in the competition this season and he will be tapping the ball down to players like Toby Stribling and Troy Coates, who are top notch players in their own right. With Troy Kelm another rucking option, it is likely that the Tigers will control the majority of the ruck contests tomorrow. Nightcliff will look to capitalise on the Eagles’ lack of size in defence. With star forwards Aaron Cornelius and Daniel Dzufer an ominous presence in attack, the midfielders will look to get the ball in the forward fifty long and deep and hope crumbing players Baydon Ngalkin and Kayle Kossack get to their feet.

Southern Districts are similar to Wanderers in that they have a star-studded side on paper with plenty of ex-AFL talent. The Crocs will be looking at making amends for last season’s embarrassing finals series and coach Shannon Rusca will be hoping the experience of the playing group will get them through. Everyone knows that Districts are capable of playing some quality football. After almost ending St Marys’ unbeaten run early in the season, the Crocs have produced some high-class performances against good opposition. Unfortunately, it is inconsistency that has influenced their form this season. Still, with players like Des Headland, Troy Taylor, Damian Cupido and other stars in the side, one would expect them to beat Waratah and advance past the first week.

Waratah has been the surprise packet this season. During the pre-season the general consensus was that the Warriors were in for a lean year on the field and not many predicted them to make the finals. But Brenton Toy has a proven track record as coach and his side’s good start to the year has held them in good stead at the business end. The recruitment of speedsters Davin Hall and Jake Farrell has given the forward line plenty of enthusiasm and excitement. They will enter this week as the underdog but it is a tag that the boys from Gardens Oval have embraced on many occasions this year.

FINALS WEEK ONE:

Saturday 22nd February

Qualifying Final: Wanderers vs. Nightcliff (TIO Stadium) 3:15PM
Elimination Final: Southern Districts vs. Waratah (TIO Stadium) 5:30PM

PREMIERSHIP PREDICTION:

St Marys

NICHOLS MEDAL TIPS:

Phillip Wills (Buffaloes), Seb Guilhaus (Nightcliff), Peter Macfarlane (St Marys)
 
PREVIEW OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE, DIVISION TWO, U18 AND WOMEN'S FINALS:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

DIVISION ONE PREVIEW:

There is no doubting that Nightcliff is the team to beat in the Division One competition this season. The Tigers looked unstoppable during the early stages of the season before a big loss to St Marys knocked them around. Further losses to Southern Districts and Waratah meant that they finished the season with a 15-3 win-loss record but remained in top spot to earn the double chance and all-important week off in the first week of the finals. The side is mostly filled with interstate players and the majority of them have rotated through the Premier League at stages throughout the season. If the player points rule was not introduced this season, many of these players may have been permanent Premier League players for the Tigers. While there is not a lot separating the top sides in the Division One, Nightcliff remains the Premiership favourites due to the luxury of finishing in top spot.

Waratah are arguably the in-form team of the competition after finishing the season with five consecutive wins. Gun forward Stuart Cooper certainly knows where the goals and he produced a quality performance in his side’s four-point win over Nightcliff a couple of weeks ago. The on-ball brigade in Tomas Mount and Michael Smith plus David O’Sullivan and Brad Rayson floating across half forward is enough to worry any opposition midfield. The Warriors are perennial finalists in the Division One and coach Paul Carroll knows how to lead his side to a flag.

Southern Districts are the real dark horses for this season’s flag. There is no doubting that a full strength Crocs side is more than capable of knocking off the two teams above them on the ladder. Districts’ success in the finals may be largely dependent on how far its Premier League side goes into the finals. They have plenty of size and strength around the stoppages which usually results in them winning the clearances and giving their forwards a good chance at the goals. Through in the class of Shannon Rusca and Ben Ah Mat and it is a really strong looking side.

Banks have not been as impressive this season as they were last year but they are peaking at the right time. The Bulldogs have a midfield of serviceable, hard-working players and what they lack in class they more than make up for with spirit and determination. Their biggest strengths as a side is the formidable forward duo of competition leading goal scorer Mark Hamilton and Aaron Knapman. These two players know where the goals are and opposition defenders will need to work hard to lock them down.

St Marys finished the season in fifth place which is an accurate reflection of their up and down season. The Saints will face a big challenge this week in an elimination final against Banks. NTFL finals eligibility rules have hurt them with a number of players unable to play this week due to playing too many games in the Premier League throughout the season. If they can get past this week, they will be a real threat to the other sides.

FINALS WEEK ONE:

Saturday 22nd February

Qualifying Final: Waratah vs. Southern Districts (TIO Stadium) 1:00PM

Sunday 23rd February

Elimination Final: Banks vs. St Marys (Gardens Oval) 2:00PM

Division One (Mitch Lee) Medal Tips:

Kyle Simpson (Tracy Village), Jaise Coleman (Nightcliff), Andrew Ciavarella (Southern Districts).
 
BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

DIVISION TWO PREVIEW:

Olympic finished on top of the ladder and will enter the finals series as premiership favourites. The Spartans have enjoyed an almost impeccable season with their only loss coming from a surprise thrashing from Southern Districts midway through the year. NT Thunder player Chris Smith is one of, if not, the best player in the competition and he alone could have a massive role in this season’s finals campaign. They also have the two most prolific goal scorers in the league with Thomas Antulov (72 goals) and Robert Goldsmith (54) dangerous in front of the big sticks.

Jabiru finished the season in second position but a lacklustre finish has seen many people doubt their chances of winning a premiership. The Bombers were the competition’s benchmark during the early and middle stages of the season but have lost their past two matches against Banks and Olympic. Hopefully for the Bombers supporters their side can prove the doubters wrong and rise to the challenge. Defeating Banks this week in the qualifying final will go a long way in doing exactly that.

Despite Olympic’s successes at the top of the ladder, many Division Two pundits have rated Banks as the premiership favourites. The Bulldogs went on an 11-game winning streak before its upset loss to University last week. Opposition teams will be hoping that University exposed a chink in its armour but the professionalism of the Banks side should ensure that they bounce back this week.

Waratah have slipped under the radar but will compete in its first Division Two finals series. The Warriors will be hoping that the Division One side strengthens so that some players can filter down and bolster the Division Two. Big forward Ryan Fowler has looked unstoppable on occasions in attack and will make even the best defenders nervous.

Last season premiers University have overcome a slow start to the season to qualify for the finals. A couple of weeks ago most people would have said that they are simply making up the numbers but last week’s performance proved that is far from the case. Andrew Davidson has been in great form this season and his last month in particular has been a feature.

FINALS WEEK ONE:

Saturday 22nd February

Qualifying Final: Jabiru vs. Banks (TIO Stadium No. 2) 3:30PM

Sunday 23rd February

Elimination Final: Waratah vs. University (Gardens Oval No. 2) 1:00PM

Premiership Prediction:

Olympic Spartans

Division Two (Lancaster) Medal Tips:

Chris Smith (Olympic), Richard Lindner (Jabiru), Andrew Davidson (University), Thomas Antulov (Olympic)
 
PREVIEW OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE, DIVISION TWO, U18 AND WOMEN'S FINALS:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

U18 FINALS PREVIEW:

There is much anticipation surrounding the U18s finals series with all five sides staking claims at being legitimate chances for the premiership.
Palmerston finished the minor rounds in top spot on the ladder, finishing just above Nightcliff on percentage. The Magpies only lost two games for the season with both of those losses coming from the Tigers after the Christmas break. The side boasts a number of players with Premier League experience this season and their inclusion into the finals line up will strengthen them immensely. Keidan Holt-Tubbs and Jordan Jeffrey form a dangerous combination up forward and Gavin and Lochlan Dhurrkay have provided plenty of run and flair all season in a few different positions. There are plenty of positives from the Magpies camp but on a more negative front, injury concerns have plagued arguably their best player in Riley Hogan and he is no certainty to play in the final series. On a better note, Tyron Baden has been a revelation for his side in what is apparently his first full-season of Australian football.

Many avid U18s followers still consider Nightcliff as firm premiership favourites. It is hard to dispute this with the Tigers in scintillating form recording 14 wins on the trot. There is no debating that their full-strength outfit has more than enough talent to win the premiership. One observer has stated that coach Nathan Brown’s biggest challenge this finals series will be on Thursday nights when he tries to pick his best 22. The Tigers had a shaky start to the season with two losses inside the first three weeks but they have not looked back since then. There may be questions marks over the availability of its better players, with some arguably in the Premier League best 22. Koko Niki has been in top form in the Premier League and his return will boost the midfield while Ryan Nyhuis is always reliable in defence. There is also a high likelihood of Daly Shannon and Mickitja Onus returning for the grand final, if the Tigers make it all the way.

Big River Hawks are an unknown quantity with such a large number of players coming through its playing ranks this season. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what the best 22 looks like but they have proven on numerous occasions that you cannot afford to write them off. The Hawks started the season on fire but a big loss to Nightcliff sent them crashing back down to Earth. Skipper Caleb Clyden has undeniable talent and finished the season as the competition’s leading goal kicker. It faces a big test against Nightcliff this week and only after that match will we truly know where the Hawks are at in the context of this season.

Southern Districts are still an outside chance for the flag but will have to do it the hard way after failing to secure a double chance. Finishing outside of the top three is a massive obstacle to overcome under the final five system. The Crocs have not had a lot of luck in the U18 competition in recent seasons. They lost to St Marys in a grand final a couple of seasons ago in one of the most amazing games of football you are likely to see and also lost last season to Big River Hawks despite going into the decider as hot favourites. Districts have a solid backline while Sam Smith and Peter Chisholm-Espie are as good as any on ballers in the competition.

The Buffaloes are the fifth team in line for the flag and will need everything to go right from here onwards to win the premiership. The double-blues have plenty of talent with Michael Hagan and Jalen Clarke amongst the most highly rated players in the Northern Territory for their age group. They have come agonisingly close to knocking off Nightcliff on a couple of occasions this season and they have the belief amongst the coaching staff that a premiership is still within their grasp.

FINALS WEEK ONE:

Saturday 22nd February

Qualifying Final: Nightcliff vs. Big River Hawks (TIO Stadium) 11:15AM
Elimination Final: Southern Districts vs. Buffaloes (TIO Stadium No. 2) 12:00PM

Premiership Tip:

Nightcliff

U18 (Abala) Medal Tips:

Koko Niki (Nightcliff), Caleb Clyden (Big River Hawks), Tyron Baden (Palmerston).
 
PREVIEW OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE, DIVISION TWO, U18 AND WOMEN'S FINALS:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

WOMEN'S FINALS PREVIEW:

Much of the focus on this season’s Women’s competition has been the individual exploits of Waratah forward Abbey Holmes, and deservedly so. Holmes made national headlines when she became the first woman footballer to kick 100 goals for the season in a recognised competition. She achieved the feat a fortnight ago against Tracy Village but that is now behind her and her attention will be focussed on delivering Waratah a premiership. You could excused for thinking that the Warriors are a one-woman side but this is not the case. They defeated third placed Buffaloes on the weekend in Holmes’ absence and players like Sue Nalder and Bendigo recruit Angela Foley have been excellent all season.

The Warriors’ biggest challenger is set to be Palmerston, a side that has finished the year in top form with seven wins on the trot. Natasha Medbury and Bo De La Cruz are class footballers while Nicole Simons has been deadly in front of goal.

Buffaloes are still a chance for the flag and are the only side that has beaten Waratah in the past three years. That alone should give the double blues plenty of confidence heading into the finals. Bianca Stokes, Jaylene Boundry and Alexandra Bryan are regularly amongst the best players and will be hoping for a big couple of weeks.

Tracy Village has had a good season but look to be a step behind the other three clubs.

FINALS WEEK ONE:

Saturday 22nd February

Semi Final 1: Waratah vs. Palmerston (TIO Stadium No. 2) 1:45PM

Sunday 23rd February

Semi Final 2: Buffaloes vs. Tracy Village (Gardens Oval) 12:00PM

PREMIERSHIP TIP:

Waratah

WOMEN’S COMPETITION BEST AND FAIREST:

Abbey Holmes (Waratah)
 
Have been watching the NTFL on ABC iveiw all season and I'm loving getting my weekly footy fix in our off season as I'm a Victorian. Very impressed with the standard and overall professionalism of the comp! What's the news on Justin Wilsons' injury from last weeks' match? He showed, as always great courage but it looked pretty serious. Good luck to all finalists. I'm tipping a Saints Wanderers grand final!!
 

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stuyd1 said:
JDC,
See Illets brother has pulled the boots on again, named in their best players... Also, this Mcfarlane, again starring.... what is his resume and any chance of playing with the Thunder.
Click to expand...
Stuyd1 McFarlane played in Dimboolas' premiership in the Wimmera league last year but is originally from Sale in the Gippsland league. Has been VCFL rep a number of times. Definetly in my top ten players in country Victoria!!
 
AYJSKK123 said:
Have been watching the NTFL on ABC iveiw all season and I'm loving getting my weekly footy fix in our off season as I'm a Victorian. Very impressed with the standard and overall professionalism of the comp! What's the news on Justin Wilsons' injury from last weeks' match? He showed, as always great courage but it looked pretty serious. Good luck to all finalists. I'm tipping a Saints Wanderers grand final!!
Click to expand...

He'll be fine mate, he won't play this weekend but should be right after that.
 
NTFL FINALS WEEK ONE WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182

Wanderers have silenced the critics and moved on to a grand final qualifier after a comprehensive win over Nightcliff on Saturday at TIO Stadium.
The Eagles started well and always looked a step ahead and eventually won 20.7 (127) to 12.8 (80).

The first quarter was marred with controversy as big man Troy Kelm was sent from the field after being reported twice. Kelm was first cited for a late elbow on Nathan Djerrkura and will likely cop a suspension for that. Bizarrely, his second report was for making contact with an umpire.

Nonetheless, the Eagles better adapted to the finals intensity to lead by two goals at the first change. A dominant individual display from Thomas Motlop in the second quarter ensured his side stretched its lead at the main change. After struggling for form at times during the year, Motlop played easily his game for the year kicking four goals in the second term en route to six for the match.

It went from bad to worse for the Tigers with Seb Guilhaus tearing his hamstring early in the third quarter and forcing Julian Lockwood into the ruck. The injury capped off an interesting day for the big man, who did not take part in his side’s warm up due to being stuck at work.

A flurry of Wanderers goals made the margin insurmountable by the final change as both sides looked ahead to next week.

Marlon Motlop was one of the best on the ground with four goals from his 17 disposals. Nathan Djerrkura’s lightning pace allowed Wanderers to cut through the Nightcliff midfield while the undersized Liam Patrick battled hard in the ruck to break even in the tap outs.

Toby Stribling battled hard for the Tigers while Aaron Cornelius and Daniel Dzufer looked ominous at times. Youngster Koko Niki acquitted himself well in his first Premier League final but may be in trouble with the tribunal after a late strike on Chris Dunne in front of the grandstand in the last quarter.

In the second game, Waratah recorded an upset elimination final win over Southern Districts. The Warriors entered the match as underdogs but simply outworked Districts to record the 13.15 (93) to 5.9 (39) win.

There was some unsettlement in the Districts camp in the lead up to the match. The Damian Cupido saga that has plagued the club throughout the season reached its climax on the Friday night with the revelation that the playing group did not want him to play again. To compound issues, the classy Des Headland was a late withdrawal who reportedly opted to stay home to celebrate his son’s birthday.

After a competitive opening term, the scores were all tied up at quarter time. Ngukurr pair Jake Farrell and Davin Hall began to put on a show in the second quarter as the Warriors got out to a comfortable half time lead. The Crocs looked in with a chance at getting back into the contest but it just was not working out for them as the persistent Waratah side was able to keep them at bay.

Tempers flared in the second half as both sides engaged in a few little fights around the ground.

Travis Hayes, who is not a noted goal kicker in the NTFL, bobbed up for four goals while Abraham Ankers was exceptional when he had the footy in his hands. Paddy Heenan set up many forward opportunities with his bullet like passing from the defensive half of the ground.
 
JDC! said:
NTFL FINALS WEEK ONE WRAP-UP:

BY - JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER - @JClark182

Wanderers have silenced the critics and moved on to a grand final qualifier after a comprehensive win over Nightcliff on Saturday at TIO Stadium.
The Eagles started well and always looked a step ahead and eventually won 20.7 (127) to 12.8 (80).

The first quarter was marred with controversy as big man Troy Kelm was sent from the field after being reported twice. Kelm was first cited for a late elbow on Nathan Djerrkura and will likely cop a suspension for that. Bizarrely, his second report was for making contact with an umpire.

Nonetheless, the Eagles better adapted to the finals intensity to lead by two goals at the first change. A dominant individual display from Thomas Motlop in the second quarter ensured his side stretched its lead at the main change. After struggling for form at times during the year, Motlop played easily his game for the year kicking four goals in the second term en route to six for the match.

It went from bad to worse for the Tigers with Seb Guilhaus tearing his hamstring early in the third quarter and forcing Julian Lockwood into the ruck. The injury capped off an interesting day for the big man, who did not take part in his side’s warm up due to being stuck at work.

A flurry of Wanderers goals made the margin insurmountable by the final change as both sides looked ahead to next week.

Marlon Motlop was one of the best on the ground with four goals from his 17 disposals. Nathan Djerrkura’s lightning pace allowed Wanderers to cut through the Nightcliff midfield while the undersized Liam Patrick battled hard in the ruck to break even in the tap outs.

Toby Stribling battled hard for the Tigers while Aaron Cornelius and Daniel Dzufer looked ominous at times. Youngster Koko Niki acquitted himself well in his first Premier League final but may be in trouble with the tribunal after a late strike on Chris Dunne in front of the grandstand in the last quarter.

In the second game, Waratah recorded an upset elimination final win over Southern Districts. The Warriors entered the match as underdogs but simply outworked Districts to record the 13.15 (93) to 5.9 (39) win.

There was some unsettlement in the Districts camp in the lead up to the match. The Damian Cupido saga that has plagued the club throughout the season reached its climax on the Friday night with the revelation that the playing group did not want him to play again. To compound issues, the classy Des Headland was a late withdrawal who reportedly opted to stay home to celebrate his son’s birthday.

After a competitive opening term, the scores were all tied up at quarter time. Ngukurr pair Jake Farrell and Davin Hall began to put on a show in the second quarter as the Warriors got out to a comfortable half time lead. The Crocs looked in with a chance at getting back into the contest but it just was not working out for them as the persistent Waratah side was able to keep them at bay.

Tempers flared in the second half as both sides engaged in a few little fights around the ground.

Travis Hayes, who is not a noted goal kicker in the NTFL, bobbed up for four goals while Abraham Ankers was exceptional when he had the footy in his hands. Paddy Heenan set up many forward opportunities with his bullet like passing from the defensive half of the ground.
Click to expand...
 
JDC,
whats the go with Cupido? Seems every club he goes to he creates friction and trouble, and this is already happening at the new club he is playing coach for this year be it Shepparton East in the Murray football league.
 
stuyd1 said:
JDC,
whats the go with Cupido? Seems every club he goes to he creates friction and trouble, and this is already happening at the new club he is playing coach for this year be it Shepparton East in the Murray football league.
Click to expand...

Not sure mate, I don't know the bloke personally so it'd be unfair to make any assumptions. But he definitely must have created plenty of friction for Districts to not want to play him in the most important game of the year for them.
 
stuyd1 said:
JDC,
whats the go with Cupido? Seems every club he goes to he creates friction and trouble, and this is already happening at the new club he is playing coach for this year be it Shepparton East in the Murray football league.
Click to expand...
pretty straight forward,not a team player,its all about him. to have kicked over a hundred goals the season before and not needed for an elimination final by his teamates speaks volumes
 

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