ALL four winners in the NTFL Men’s Premier League Round 4 action brought up the ton on the scoreboard in what was ultimately a one-sided round of action The four teams make up the top four on the ladder, with Nightcliff, Darwin, St Mary’s and Southern Districts all emerging as teams to watch in the 2023/24 season.

Crocs squish Ants after quarter time

After an even first term, Southern Districts slammed home 18 goals to two in the last three quarters to come away with a remarkable 109-point win over PINT. The Green Ants were above Southern Districts on the ladder, boasting a 2-1 record compared to the Crocs’ 1-2, but by the end of the match the result was comprehensive and Southern Districts leapfrogged their opponents into fourth.

NTFL Round 4 Rising Star Stanley Waistcoat booted five goals in the win, with ex-AFL duo Jed Anderson and Jarrod Brander kicking three apiece, and Nakia Cockatoo also chipping in with two. Matthew Mazzini and Jake McQueen were the pick of the Crocs in an outstanding win. PINT skipper Matt Ryan booted two goals, while Harrison Maher was named the Green Ants’ best.

Buffaloes go Beast Mode

The inclusion of some key ex-AFL players spurred Darwin Buffaloes ensured the Buffs’ winning streak continued, as they knocked off Palmerston Magpies by 32 points. Though the first half was so close the teams headed into half-time on level pegging, Darwin kicked nine goals to four and came away with the win, 15.13 (103) to 11.5 (71).

Rhys Mathieson had a day out racking up the ball with ease, working hard with fellow recently delisted Lion, Blake Coleman. Another ex-Lion and Blue Mitch Robinson had a big game, as did Nicholas Yarran, while Hassan Ahmat-Watkins slammed home six goals. Lucas Edmonds and Michael Driscoll were the pick of the Magpies.

Tigers roar over Bombers

A fast start from Nightcliff set the tigers up or a comprehensive 11-goal win over Tiwi Bombers at TIO Stadium. The Tigers kicked 11.7 to 3.4 in the opening half to lead by 51 points at the main break. Though the Bombers fought back in the third term to cut the deficit to 44 points at the last change, Nightcliff put the foot down in the last term with a five goals to one quarter and win, 18.12 (120) to 7.12 (54).

Brett Kennedy and Michael Mummery did the damage on the scoreboard with four goals apiece, with the former named best on ground Cooper Dahms and Lewis Rinaldi were also among the best for the yellow and black. Tiwi had seven individual goalkickers, while Kurt Dunn and Riley Bice tried hard all game.

Saints rise up

St Mary’s put the work in early to secure the four points against Wanderers, kicking seven goals to three in the opening term. The Saints lead by 28 points at the first change, and only increased it each quarter from there, before a four goals to one last quarter resulted in St Mary’s picking up the 18.21 (129) to 8.3 (51) victory.

Jackson Calder was outstanding in the win, slotting seven goals in a best on ground performance, while Jack Landt (three goals) was also prominent on the scoreboard. Joel Garner and Darcy Chirgwin were also among the better player on the ground. Max Johnson and Mahli King were named best-on for the Eagles.