Game 1
Tiwi Bombers 7.2 10.4 11.5 15.7 (97)
Waratah 1.0 2.1 4.6 6.10 (46)
GOALS
Tiwi Bombers: Austin Wonaeamirri 4, Gary Puruntatameri 2, Harley Puruntatameri 2, Adam Tipungwuti 2, Dionysuis Munkara, Jack Munkara, Simon Munkara, Albert Tipungwuti, Ross Tungatalum
Waratah: Brock Orval 2, Abraham Ankers, Kim Kantilla, Jamie Smith, Zach Westerberg
GAME ANALYSIS
This was set to be the game of the round as it was a must win for both teams as they were fighting for fifth spot and a chance to play in next week’s finals.
The Bombers got off to a flying start. Finally, at the 11-minute mark Tahs got their first goal from a free kick given to Zach Westerberg which make it only an eight-point difference. However, the Bombers found some magic with four different goal scorers acing it through the big posts including two to Austin Wonaemairri. By quarter time the Bombers had a whopping 38-point lead with both Adam Tipungwuti and Simon Munkara displaying some fantastic ball handling skills.
To begin with the second quarter was taken at a slower pace as the first goal was not scored until half way through, going the way of Adam Tipungwuti and then Harley Puruntatameri. Tahs made some changes. Justin Beugelaar switched to defense as Sam Weddell went into the forward line. The switch worked out well as Weddell helped set Brock Orval up in the last couple of minutes of play for the Tahs only goal in the second quarter.
Early in the third term Waratah looked as though they were gaining momentum, with Brock Orval scoring the first goal for Tahs. However, Tiwi’s pressure proved too strong with Gary Puruntatameri snapping an unbelievable goal from off the ground. Then Abraham Ankers kicked Waratah’s second goal to end the quarter.
At full time Tiwi Bombers 15.7.97 defeated Waratah 6.10.46. Austin Wonaeamirri, Albert Tipungwuti and Jack Munkara were the goal kickers for the Bombers in the last quarter. Whilst Kim Kantilla and Jamie Smith slotted one each for Tahs. Tiwi have had a massive turnaround this season. They finishing eighth (last) last season to fifth this season thus they will be playing in the 2017/18 NTFL finals.
Game 2
Palmerston 1.0 3.3 6.7 7.7 (49)
St Mary’s 4.8 9.13 13.15 23.20 (158)
GOALS
St Mary’s: Peter Macfarlane 6, Francis Kinthari 3, Michael Coombes 2, Nathaniel Paredes 2, Henry Labastida 2, Jordan Cullen, Josh Heath, Jack Long, Simon Richardson, Ben Rioli, Shannon Riloi, Ryan Smith
Palmerston: Samuel Autio, Hayden Burge, Joshua Lione, Samuel Talbot
GAME ANALYSIS
Sam Talbot got Palmy off to a good start with a great grab and the first goal but then it was all Saints with Ben Rioli, Henry Labastida, Francis Kinthari and Nate Paredes all kicking truly. Big Sam Autio got plenty of the ball for the Magpies while Jack Long and Johnny Anstess controlled the backline for the green and gold.
At half time Palmerston Magpies 3.3.21 trailed St Mary's 9.13.67. Saints kicked four goals to two that quarter to take a 46 point lead into the major break. Talk timber Ryan Smith dominated around the ground and also kicked goals for Saints while coach Alwyn ‘Froggy’ Davey provided plenty of leadership around the ground for Palmy.
At ¾ time Palmerston Magpies 6.7.43 trailed St Mary's 13.15.93. In a good quarter for the Magpies, Misha Perry lit up the forward line kicking two great goals while Keidan Holt-Tubbs slotted another. The Saints still managed to increase their lead a little more with Shaun Edwards and Shannon Rioli providing plenty of good passages of play.
By the final siren St Mary's 23.20.158 defeated Palmerston Magpies 7.7.49. Saints slammed on 10 goals to one in the last quarter to record a convincing win. Peter ‘Noodles’ MacFarlane ended up kicking seven goals for Saints followed by Francis Kinthari with three.
Game 3
Southern Districts 1.4 6.10 11.12 15.16 (106)
Wanderers 0.0 1.2 2.2 4.3 (27)
GOALS
Southern Districts: William Farrer 4, Leroy Jetta 3, Dylan Mc Lachlan 2, Jared Brennan, Charles McAdam, Lionel Ogden, Matthew Rosier, Beau Schwarze, Izaak Wyatt
Wanderers: Thomas Motlop 3, Patrick Fairhead
GAME ANALYSIS
Southern Districts eased to a comfortable at home on Norbuilt Oval with the wet weather holding off making for ideal playing conditions. It was tight in the first quarter and this was evident on the score board with only 10 points going Crocs’ way before the quarter time siren. The only goal in the first term was slotted by Lionel Ogden.
Despite all of Wanderers efforts they couldn’t deliver the win for veteran Aaron Motlop in his 150th Men’s Premier League game in the Blue and Gold. Even though it is too late for these youngsters to play finals for Crocs, Izaak Wyatt and Dylan McLachlan, made their debuts in halfback against the Muk Muks. Wyatt even kicked a goal despite his playing position, all promising signs of Southern Districts heading into finals.
Game 4
Nightcliff 0.1 3.4 3.5 4.7 (31)
Darwin Buffaloes 2.8 3.9 4.10 5.12 (42)
GOALS
Nightcliff: Wade Derkson, Zackary Derksen, Jai Fitzpatrick, Faron James
Darwin Buffaloes: Adam Sambono 2, Steven Anderson, Nick O’Neill, Cameron Stokes
GAME ANALYSIS
In the muddy conditions at the PSC BM Oval the home ground advantage that Nightcliff might’ve had was gone with the ball becoming increasingly slippery and heavy. The ball was in the Buffs forward 50 for majority of the first quarter as the double blues seemed to be more physical in the contest as well as cleaner and keeping their feet better in the conditions. First quarter goal scorers were Nick O’Neill and Adam Sambono from Darwin Buffaloes.
At 1/2 time Nightcliff 3.4.22 trailed Darwin Buffaloes 3.9.27. It was a reversal of the first quarter, with the Tigers showing more poise in the second term. They had nine inside 50s, including three marks to Darwin’s two entries. Jai Fitzpatrick was first to goal, then Scott Freeman for the Tigers, but Adam Sambono kicked his second to keep the Buffs ahead, which was important as Harry Williams also goaled for the Tigers to make it a five-point game.
Inside 50s and tackles were pretty even in the third term, the Buffs with one more inside 50, the Tigers with one more tackle but the difference was less turnovers and the Buffs looked cleaner. Joe Anderson was impressive in the midfield while Buffs co-captain Cam Stokes was the only goal scorer at the 15-minute mark.
At the final siren, Darwin Buffaloes had done enough to claim third spot on the ladder. The two teams will meet again next Saturday night in a qualifying final. Steve Anderson celebrated his fourth-quarter goal in style, as will the Buffs fans celebrate this win.
At the end of the Tye/Bonson Memorial game it was Nick O’Neill judged best afield for Darwin Buffaloes and Zack Derksen for Nightcliff.
