Nightcliff has ended St Marys’ 42-game unbeaten streak in a thrilling contest at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers played with plenty of passion and determination and eventually won the match 15.12 (102) to 14.11 (95) in what was an exciting finish. In what is a promising sign for the future of the club, the win can largely be attributed to the performances of the younger brigade. Lachlan McKenzie was instrumental with his reading of the play and precise kicking off the half back line while Ryan Nyhuis has been one of the big improvers so far this season. Brandan Parfitt has all the makings of a future AFL star and his composure around the football was a highlight. But by no means were the Saints disgraced and there were positives to take out of the match. Big man Pat Walton played arguably his best game for the club at centre half back, but will likely face scrutiny by the NTFL tribunal after being booked during the match.
In the later game at TIO Stadium, Wanderers defeated Tiwi Bombers by 50 points in what was a goal fest. The attacking fair of both sides was on display in what was an entertaining game of football. Both sides kicked extremely accurately on goal in the opening term with not one behind registered and Wanderers leading nine goals to five. It was a similar brand of football up until half time but in the second half the Eagles attempted to control the tempo of the game and restricted Tiwi getting its hands on the footy. Thomas Motlop continued his good form with a bag of nine goals while the returning Adam Cook kicked six.
A seven-goal best on ground performance from Will Farrer was enough to get his Southern Districts side over the line against Waratah at Gardens Oval. He formed a dangerous duo with Troy Taylor, who supported him well with four goals en route to a 25-point win. Despite the inclusions of former AFL stars Steven Baker and Brent Guerra, the Warriors could not register a win. Guerra and Baker failed to have a major impact on the match but will be better for the run after adjusting to the Darwin weather conditions. The speedy Jake Farrell was Waratah’s most dangerous player and he finished off well up forward with three goals. There were interesting scenes after the match with Warriors coach Tim Weatherald having stern words with the umpires as they were walking from the ground after the match.
Palmerston recorded its first win of the season in what was a celebration of inspirational skipper Pierce Liddle’s 100th senior appearance in the NTFL. The Buffaloes tried hard and mounted a spirited come back during the third quarter but ultimately it was not enough. It was a typical Northline Oval match with plenty of crowd banter involved from the “Palmy Army”. New Magpies recruit Josh Bennett was a handy target up forward and finished the game with five goals. At the other end, Centralian Daniel Stafford kicked six goals in his first game in double blues colours this season.
About Jackson Clark
Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.
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It may sound like a rude question, but having been part of a team that has broken a long losing streak I guess I could ask it. How different does the dressing room feel following a loss that breaks a long winning streak?
It feels very different, I can tell you that! Nah but in all honesty there’s mixed emotions. I felt pretty average because I was disappointed with my own game as well so in a way it felt like losing a final. But at the same time you need to take a step back and realise that it is only one game. Maintaining “the streak” was never really mentioned inside the club, it was more of a media thing.