NORTHERN Territory’s most successful club will need to go the long way if it is to step onto the premiership dais once again, after St Mary’s missed out on a double chance in the last round of the season. Ladder leaders and premiership favourites Southern Districts proved too good, recording a five-goal victory in Round 18 of the NTFL Men’s Premier Division season.

St Mary’s came into the contest at Norbuilt Oval desperately needing the win to leapfrog Tiwi Bombers – who had a final round bye – in order to earn a double chance. The Saints were on the the ropes at quarter time but cut the deficit back to one point by the main break courtesy of a three goals to one second term.

Remaining neck-and-neck throughout the third term, Southern Districts edged ahead by just four points with a quarter to play. However when the pressure went up, it was the ladder leaders who found the extra momentum, kicking the last four goals of the game to run out 10.12 (72) to 6.6 (42) victors and denying the Saints a top three spot.

Steven Motlop lead the way with three goals for the Crocs, while Mitchell Bidmade and Beau Schwarze also helped themselves to a couple of majors each. Jed Anderson was best on ground, while Jordan Johnston and Thomas Clurey were strong for the home side. Goalkicking machine Jackson Calder was the only multiple goalkicker for St Mary’s with two, while Luke Davies and Chad Harris were named the Saints’ best.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 4.3 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 10.12 (72)
ST MARY’S 2.1 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 6.6 (42)

GOALS:
Southern Districts: S. Motlop 3, M. Bidmade 2, B. Schwarze 2, W. Farrer, W. Ryan, J. Sexton
St Mary’s: J. Calder 2, D. Grant, K. Hodges, D. Landt, J. Landt

BEST:
Southern Districts: J. Anderson, J. Johnston, T. Clurey, M. Bidmade, S. Motlop
St Mary’s: L. Davies C. Harris, J. Tuohey, L. Flagg, C. West

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Nightcliff capped off its season with a dominant 98-point win over Palmerston Magpies. The Tigers finished second on the ladder and showed no mercy against the wooden spooners in a 20.16 (136) to 6.2 (38) shellacking. Zackary Derksen and Cameron Illett both kicked four goals in the win, while Brodie Filo was named best on ground.

Waratah jumped over Tiwi Bombers with a final-round win over Darwin Buffaloes. The ‘Tahs secured a 66-point victory at Gardens Oval, largely thanks to a 11 goals to one first half. The margin did get out to 73 points at the final break, but the Buffs ended the year with a positive final term kicking four goals to three.

In the other match, PINT made light work of Wanderers at Tracy Village, storming to a 68-point victory. While essentially a dead rubber with no side able to make finals, it was PINT who finished on a high, getting up 15.15 (105) to 6.1 (37). Benjamin Brett (five goals) and Hugh Schmetzer (four) were the key goalkickers in the win.