The Darwin AFL Middle School competition returned with a bang, as reigning champions O'Loughlin Catholic College prevailed over Nightcliff Middle School whilst Palmerston College hold off Sanderson Middle School.
O'Loughlin Triumphs Over Nightcliff in Darwin Middle School AFL Opener!
The Darwin Middle School AFL season kicked off last Wednesday with a thrilling clash between O’Loughlin Catholic College and Nightcliff Middle School.
For O’Loughlin, the defensive duo of Harvey McCormick and Suwa Adakpoku stood out, consistently repelling Nightcliff's attacking efforts.
Meanwhile, midfield leaders Izac Labastida (Captain) and Jett Fawcett (Vice-Captain) provided crucial contributions to seize control of the game.
For Nightcliff, Sebastian Cunningham played an exceptional game on the wing, picking up possessions at will, whilst displaying his speed and skill.
Big centre half forward Duke Adamson was strong at the contest all game and Dallas Robertson also provided great support in the midfield.
In a tightly contested match, O’Loughlin emerged victorious with a final score of 35-13, with Noah Seiffert sealing the victory with a stunning long-range shot, stopping Nightcliff's late-game momentum.
Best wishes to Israel Tlonan, who broke his elbow during the game but showed incredible toughness.
Finally, a huge shout out to O’Loughlin Catholic College’s School Captain Samson Bament, who has again put his hand up to umpire our games, after his tireless work last season umpiring every game.
Well done to all the boys on a fantastic first round.
The game was played with great sportsmanship and skill.
Palmerton College outlast Sanderson Middle School
Sanderson Middle School made the trip out to Palmerston for our Round one match of the Suns Middle School Competition against Palmerston College.
In hot and humid conditions, the Sanderson Boys battled hard against a Palmerston team with some high-quality players, but it was Palmerston to kick off the season with a win.
For Sanderson, Tremaine Haynes had a great four quarter game in the backline and consistently rebounded the ball out of the defensive 50 with Calvin Cooper, Blair Hanley and Michael Farrow working tirelessly in the midfield throughout the game.
For Palmerston Nate Mullan, Jonty Klass and Landen Cole all displayed terrific skill and attack on the ball to guide their team to victory.
Dripstone Best Players: B.Hanley, T.Haynes, C.Cooper, M.Farrow, W.Bulsey
Palmerston Best Players: Nate Mullan, Jonty Klaas, Landen Cole, Tareeq May, Gabriel Garling and Quadre Ariuu-Ahfat.
The Haileybury Rendall's clash with Mackillop Catholic College was unfortunately forfeited.