ST MARY’S are on the hunt for yet another premiership after doing the unthinkable and reaching a Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League Grand Final from fifth spot on the table. The Saints finished well inside the finals spots on percentage but did end up last of those in the post-season series, though showed the tightness of the competition with three consecutive finals victories.

The Saints upstaged Nightcliff in the preliminary final on Saturday, winning 11.5 (71) to 5.9 (39) to bundle the Tigers out in straight sets and book their place in the grand final against ladder leaders and premiership favourites, Southern Districts.

Unfortunately for St Mary’s, a five-goal defeat at the hands of the Crocs was what sent the Saints tumbling down to fifth after looking likely for a double-chance. However wins over Waratah (fifth), Tiwi Bombers (third) and Nightcliff (second) in successive weeks saw the Saints complete the unlucky feat of reaching the last match of the season from fifth spot.

St Mary’s lead throughout the contest, increasing its advantage at each break from eight points to 11 by the main change, before going up to 17 by the last quarter and finally 22 points at the final siren. The win was made possible off the back of winning both contested and uncontested possessions, though incredibly had 11 less inside 50s than the Tigers but rebounded superbly (plus-17).

Jack Landt had a day out in front of goal, slotting five majors from 14 disposals as the dominant forward on the ground, while Connor West was best-on after 28 disposals, six marks, three clearances, three tackles, five inside 50s, three rebounds 50s and two goals in the win. Chad Harris‘ 26 touches, five marks, four clearances, seven inside 50s and five rebound 50s were vital as well.

Joel Garner (18 disposals, three marks, four clearances and five inside 50s) and Kieren Parnell (15 disposals, six marks and seven rebounds 50s) were crucial in transitioning the ball. Dominant goalkicker Jackson Calder slotted two majors but even outside of his contribution, the Saints just found a way to win and showed how dynamic they are with so many forward options.

Lachlan Tardrew was a standout for the Tigers with 28 touches, six marks, eight clearances, five tackles, five inside 50s and three rebound 50s in defeat. He and ex-Cat Brandon Parfitt (24 disposals, four marks, five clearances, three tackles and six inside 50s) were crucial through midfield, while Brodie Filo and Sean Hunter were also strong for the losers.

NIGHTCLIFF 1.4 | 4.4 |5.6 | 5.9 (39)
ST MARY’S 3.0 | 6.3 | 8.5 | 11.5 (71)

GOALS:
Nightcliff: B. Parfitt, B. Bailey, F. Greene, C. Ilett, B. Launder
St Mary’s: J. Landt 5, J. Calder 2, C. West 2, D. Grant, N. Yarran

BEST:
Nightcliff: L. Tardrew, B. Parfitt, B. Filo, S. Hunter, P. Politis
St Mary’s: C. West, J. Landt, C. Harris, J. Garner, K. Parnell