IT was a largely one-sided opening round of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League with a triple-digit belting and a 10-goal thrashing. The closest result was 22 points, while reigning premier St Mary’s on the end of the 101-point shellacking in a less than ideal start to the season for the Saints.

NTFL MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

WARATAH 21.12 (138) defeated ST MARY’S 5.7 (37)

A dominant nine goals to nil first half set up a massive 101-point win to Waratah against St Mary’s in a disappointingly one-sided grand final rematch, running out 21.12 (138) to 5.7(37) victors. Tom Banuelos slotted four goals for the Tah’s alongside Edward Morris – who helped himself to a game-high 29 disposals – while Jayden Magro kicked three.

Former GWV Rebels and Vic Country representative Scott Carlin had 28 touches and three clearances in the red and white, while Marcus Wattie (18 disposals, four inside 50s and two goals) and Arnold Kirby (19 disposals, 21 hitouts, six tackles and three inside 50s) were among the better players on the winners.

St Mary’s midfield duo of captain Nathaniel Paredes (23 disposals, 11 clearances, eight inside 50s and three rebound 50s) and Dylan Landt (26 disposals, six marks, six clearances, seven tackles, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a goal) tried hard in defeat.

PALMERSTON 16.13 (109) defeated TIWI BOMBERS 7.7 (49)

Palmerston Magpies kick-started their season off with an impressive 10-goal victory over the reigning back-to-back wooden spooners Tiwi Bombers. The Magpies kicked seven goals to one in the first half, and while the Bombers did managed to kick six goals in the second half, it was never going to be enough.

Baxter Mensch had a ridiculous day out, accumulating 43 disposals, 14 marks, five inside 50s and booted 3.3. Ex-AFL talents Eddie Betts and Cameron Pedersen both slotted three goals for the winners, as did former Morrish Medal winner Josh Scott.

Sam Clohesy (25 disposals, six inside 50s) and Eric Guthrie (24 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and seven inside 50s) and Tristan Waack (21 disposals, five marks, 32 hitouts, four clearances, five tackles and four inside 50s were also outstanding.

Travis Tambling was named best-on for Tiwi by his coaches after working hard in defence for nine disposals, two marks and four rebound 50s, as Adam Tipungwuti (19 disposals, five marks and three clearances) and Dion Munkara (19 disposals, five marks, four clearances and four rebound 50s) were the more prolific ball-winners.

DARWIN BUFFALOES 12.7 (79) defeated WANDERERS 8.9 (57)

Darwin Buffaloes did enough to grind out a 22-point win over Wanderers in the closest match of the weekend. The Buffs won each quarter by six, six, three and seven points respectively in what was a hard-fought contest between the sides. In the end, despite Wanderers dominating the clearances (plus-14 clearances, plus-15 hitouts), and inside 50s (plus-15) Darwin’s defence held up to secure the four points.

Bradley Stokes (27 disposals, five clearances, seven tackles, four inside 50s and five rebound 50s) and Ryan Pendlebury (24 disposals, seven marks, four clearances, seven rebound 50s and a goal) were the two dominant midfielders for the winners, collecting almost half of the team’s clearances. Kaine Riley (16 disposals, four rebound 50s) and Hayden Brown (15 disposals, seven rebound 50s) were both strong in defence, while Liam Holt-Fitz slotted three goals in a close game.

Steven Motlop turned out for his first game of the season, slotting two goals from 26 touches, three marks, eight clearances, six tackles and six inside 50s in an enormous effort. He teamed up well with Braedon McLean (25 disposals, three clearances, four tackles, five rebound 50s and one goal) and Beau O’Connell (21 disposals, five clearances, four tackles, six inside 50s and a goal) were also among the better Eagles.

NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS 9.9 (63) defeated PINT 5.4 (34)

Nightcliff was able to come away with a hard-fought win over newcomers PINT, thanks to a six goals to two opening half. The Ants were able to regain greater control of the match after the main break with five goals to three, but it was a case of too little, too late. The Tiers had 64 more disposals, 19 more contested possessions and 15 more inside 50s in the 29-point victory.

Cameron Illett (19 disposals, three marks, six clearances, 14 tackles and three inside 50s) and Brodie Filo (16 disposals, three marks, four tackles and seven inside 50s) were unsurprisingly among the Tigers’ best. Shaun Wilson had a game-high 21 disposals, three clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal, while captain Ryan Nyhuis had 13 touches, three marks and four rebound 50s in defence.

Elliot Chambers was best-on for PINT, recording 16 disposals, four marks, six clearances and three inside 50s, while Ben Smythe was a rock in defence on his way to 12 disposals, three marks and eight rebound 50s. Up forward, Alex Harvey was the Ants’ sole multiple goal kicker with two majors from 10 touches.