IT was a significantly indifferent round of Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) results, with a draw and a whopping 154-point shellacking both occurring amongst the four games. St Mary’s handed Tiwi Bombers the massive belting after dropping its opening match of the season, while Palmerston and PINT could not be split. In other results, Southern Districts got up over Wanderers by 11 points, while Waratah took care of Darwin Buffaloes to the tune of 45 points.

NTFL MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

TIWI BOMBERS 7.9 (51) defeated by ST MARY’S 32.13 (205)

In the most one-sided match of the season last year’s reigning premiers put the reigning wooden spooners to the sword, romping to a 154-point victory. St Mary’s showed little mercy, piling on no less than seven goals in each quarter, with four of the Bombers’ seven goals coming in the second term. The visitors hit the 100 mark during the second term and had 110 for the half, finishing off the four quarter performance in style. The Saints had 170 more disposals, 31 more hitouts, 14 more clearances and 22 more inside 50s in an incredible display.

In a ridiculous one-two punch, Dylan Landt and Nathaniel Paredes combined for 85 disposals, 20 clearances and eight goals in the victory. Landt racked up 44 disposals – 20 contested – nine marks, 10 clearances, 13 inside 50s and booted 4.2, while Paredes had 41 disposals – 18 contested – six marks, 10 clearances, five inside 50s and 4.1. Jackson Calder slammed home six goals from 16 disposals and seven marks, while Ethan Bowden booted 4.1 from 22 disposals and six marks. Kim Kantilla (17 disposals, five marks, five inside 50s, three rebound 50s and four goals was the clear standout Tiwi player in the heavy defeat.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 13.5 (83) defeated WANDERERS 11.6 (72)

In a far closer contest, Southern Districts played its first game of the season and came away with the four points, knocking off Wanderers by 11 at Norbuilt Oval. The Crocs took the early advantage to lead by 18 points at the first break and then 28 by half-time, only for the Eagles to storm back into the contest courtesy of a 5.0 to 0.1 third term and hit the front by a point. With the game in the balance, the home team kicked 4.2 to 2.2 to ensure the narrow win.

Luke Smith was best-on in the win, picking up 25 disposals, 10 marks and slotting five goals in a huge outing. Dean Staunton (20 disposals, five clearances, four inside 50s, three rebound 50s and one goal) and Matthew Dennis (20 disposals, seven marks, 29 hitouts, five tackles, three inside 50s, three rebound 50s and a goal) were the other two prominent ball-winners. Ex-AFL talent Dallas Willsmore also booted three goals in the win. For Wanderers, Steven Motlop had a remarkable game with six goals from 28 touches, four marks, three clearances and three inside 50s to arguably take home the three votes in a loss. Daniel Clee (23 disposals, three marks, three clearances and four rebound 50s), Beau O’Connell (22 disposals, nine marks, four tackles, five inside 50 and three rebound 50s) and Dane McFarlane (22 disposals, five marks and eight inside 50s) were the other prominent players on the losing side.

WARATAH 13.8 (86) defeated DARWIN BUFFALOES 5.11 (41)

Waratah has remained undefeated in a battle of two of the league heavyweights, knocking off Darwin Buffaloes by 45 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Tahs’ trailed by seven points at quarter time, but clicked into gear after that, piling on 11.6 to 2.8, with the Buffs’ leaving their kicking boots at home. Winning 28 more uncontested possessions, 32 more disposals, 21 more hitouts and 13 more inside 50s, the red and whites proved too consistent for the Buffs, going on to record a 13.8 (86) to 5.11 (41) victory.

Robert Turnbull picked up a team-high 23 disposals in the win, while also having four marks, four clearances, three tackles, three inside 50s and a goal. Brodie Carroll (22 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles and four inside 50s) and Marcus Wattie (22 disposals, seven marks, three clearances and a goal) were also busy. Thomas Cree booted 3.2 from 18 disposals, five marks and three clearances, while Darcy Hope did the most damage on the scoreboard, slotting five straight goals from 11 disposals and four marks. Brad Stokes had a match-high 25 disposals to go with his five marks three tackles and five rebound 50s, with Tanner Coulthard (18 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s and four rebound 50s) and Kevin Maroney (16 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s).

PALMERSTON MAGPIES 8.13 (61) drew with PINT 8.13 (61)

In the most remarkable result of the weekend, Palmerston Magpies and PINT drew with 61 points apiece. The Magpies trailed by 21 points at quarter time and 25 points at the main break, looking down and out at the halfway stage of the match. Stepping up in the second half, the black and whites piled on 7.5 to 3.4 in the second half to draw level with 8.13 (61) apiece. The Magpies had 53 more disposals, 32 more marks, 10 more hitouts, and 11 more clearances, but kicked themselves out of the game early, before playing catch up to split the points in the game.

Baxter Mensch had another big game for the winners, picking up 28 disposals, eight marks, four clearances, four tackles, two inside 50s, three rebound 50s and a goal, while ex-AFL player Ashton Hams collected the 24 touches, five marks and four rebound 50s. Star forward Eddie Betts slotted three straight from 15 disposals, while Josiah Farrer booted 2.2 from 15 disposals and four marks. Tristen Waack was also productive with 22 disposals, five marks, 16 hitouts and five clearances. PINT co-captain Ben Smyth recorded a team-high 19 disposals, as well as eight rebounds and kicked a goal, while Andrew Ciavarella and Brayden Taylor both had 18 disposals. Co-captain Matt Ryan also kicked 2.3 from 11 disposals in the loss.