PALMERSTON Magpies and Southern Districts remain the only undefeated sides in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Premier Men’s competition after three rounds of action. The Magpies won a thriller against Nightcliff, Southern Districts was too good for Waratah, while Darwin Buffaloes and PINT got the chocolates against Tiwi Bombers and St Mary’s respectively as the winless Wanderers had the bye.

NTFL MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 14.14 (98) defeated WARATAH 9.7 (61)

Southern Districts have won back-to-back matches in Season 2022/23 thanks to a 37-point triumph over Waratah. After the teams were even at quarter time, the Crocs slammed home 5.4 to 0.2 in the second term that was ultimately the difference. Both sides slotted six goals apiece in the second half, but the dominant second term proved key in the 14.14 (98) to 9.7 (61) result.

Former Port Adelaide listed player Kai Pudney racked up a match-high 25 disposals, as well as eight marks, five clearances, five tackles, two inside 50s and two rebound 50s in the win. Cam Ellis-Yolmen (24 disposals, four marks, three clearances and eight inside 50s) and Matt Shannon (22 disposals, three marks, four clearances, five tackles and four goals were also among the best.

Ed Morris helped himself to 19 disposals in the loss, and also had a game-high seven clearances to go with two marks, four tackles and five inside 50s for Waratah. Scott Carlin (15 disposals, five marks and three rebound 50s) and Jayden Magro (three goals from nine disposals and four marks) were also busy in the defeat.

TIWI BOMBERS 9.6 (60) defeated by DARWIN BUFFALOES 7.22 (64)

An inaccurate Darwin Buffaloes has escaped from a determined Tiwi Bombers outfit, denying the Bombers a chance to win their first game in three seasons. The Buffaloes had 29 scoring shots to 15, but struggled to convert, with the Bombers leading by nine points at half-time. Though the Buffs hit the front by the final change, Tiwi kept coming, but fell four points short of victory, 9.6 (60) to 7.22 (64).

Thomas Baulch racked up 30 disposals in the victory, taking 15 marks and providing plenty of outside run for the Buffs. There were remarkably five Darwin players who all had 20-plus disposals and 10-plus marks, with the others being Tanner Coulthard (28 disposals, 14 marks), Brad Stokes (28 disposals,15 marks), Ryan Pendlebury (23 disposals, 11 marks) and captain Jarrod Stokes (21 disposals, 10 marks).

For the Bombers, Sam Darley certainly made his presence felt, amassing 37 disposals, nine marks, three clearances, three tackles, seven inside 50s and four rebound 50s in the loss. He was well supported by former AFL player Harley Bennell (25 disposals, eight marks and a goal) and Nathan Scagliarini (19 disposals, four marks, four clearances, three tackles and four inside 50s).

PINT 13.5 (83) defeated ST MARY’S 7.10 (52)

PINT took full advantage of a struggling St Mary’s outfit, running away 31-point inners thanks to a dominant third term. Both sides were yet to win a game in the 2022/23 season, and went neck-and-neck throughout the first half. The teams were level at quarter time and the Saints lead by two points at the main break, before PINT piled on 5.3 to 0.2 in the third quarter to set up the win. The home side also won the last term to finish off strong and secure the 13.5 (83) to 7.10 (52) victory at DXC Arena.

Ethan Penrith recorded a team-high 18 disposals in the win, also have seven rebound 50s coming out of the defensive half for the Ants. Penrith teamed up well with Ben Smyth who had 12 rebound 50s to go with 17 disposals and five marks. Lewis George took control of the midfield with 16 disposals and seven clearances to steer his side to victory.

St Mary’s had the usual suspects step up with Dylan Landt (22 disposals, eight clearances, eight tackles and four inside50s) and Nathaniel Paredes (16 disposals, three marks, six clearances, four tackles, four inside 50s and two rebound 50s) both starring. Sam Fowler looked dangerous in attack, booting two goals from 16 touches, three marks and three inside 50s, as well as laying six tackles.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES 10.8 (68) defeated NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS 9.8 (62)

Palmerston Magpies remained undefeated in the season with a remarkable six-point victory over Nightcliff Tigers at Cazaly’s Arena on Saturday. The Tigers were strong favourites and bolted out of the blocks with four goals to one in the opening term, but the Magpies caught up in the second quarter to only trail by nine points at the main break. The home side booted four goals to one in the third term to hit the front by nine points, then held on nervously against the Tigers, recording the 10.8 (68) to 9.8 (62) win.

Baxter Mensch‘s great season continued in Round 3, collecting a match-high 31 disposals, 13 marks, five clearances and five inside 50s for the Magpies. Sam Clohesy (26 disposals, nine marks and six rebound 50s) and Phillip Wills (24 disposals, five marks and seven tackles) were also busy in the victory. Eddie Betts lit up the ground with five goals from 14 touches.

James Gow had 16 disposals, four clearances and two inside 50s in the loss for Nightcliff, while Brodie Filo had seven clearances from 16 disposals, working hard at the coalface. Sam Overall slotted four goals in a classy effort, while Ryan Nyhuis had a team-high five rebound 50s from 11 disposals.