The Northern Territory under-18 side has kicked off its NAB AFL Championship Division Two campaign with a dominant 69-point win over Tasmania at TIO Stadium on Friday night.
The Northern Territory under-18 side has kicked off its NAB AFL Championship Division Two campaign with a dominant 69-point win over Tasmania at TIO Stadium on Friday night.
Led by captain Ben Long, the NT side came out firing, booting six goals to three in the first quarter.
Many NT players starred in the comprehensive victory over a Tasmanian side fielding 12 under-age players.
Brandon Parfitt was a standout using the ball efficiently with every disposal while fellow midfielder Domonic Grant was consistent over the four quarters.
Fellow AFL Academy member Tony Olango impressed early in the ruck before moving forward and kicking two goals while teammate Ezekial Frank contributed with three goals and was strong overhead.
Backman Jamie Hampton played a strong role as a rebounding defender, running and carrying the ball forward, setting up play and orchestrating numerous Territory scoring opportunities.
Head Coach of the NT side Andrew Hodges said it was a solid team performance.
“With players coming in from all over the Territory, we were pleased with our team’s approach in the lead up to the match,” Hodges said.
“The squad’s preparation and professionalism going in to the game really impressed the coaching staff and credit to them all, it showed on the big stage.
“From a performance perspective, we had a strong first-half before we dropped off a little in the last quarter,” Hodges said.
Hodges said a combination of humidity and a five-day turnaround were factors in the slower last quarter.
In 30-degree heat and high humidity, AFL officials made the decision to reduce the quarter lengths for the third and fourth quarter.
Round Two will see NT face Queensland at Blundstone Area in Tasmania while Round Three and our final match of the Championships will be played against NSW/ACT at Metricon Stadium in Queensland.
NT 6.4 11.9 14.11 17.12 (114)
TASMANIA 3.2 4.2 4.2 6.9 (45)
GOALS
NT: Bricknell 3, Frank 3, Hagan 2, Grant 2, Shannon 2, Olango 2, Farrell-Nelson, Totham, Lawrance
Tasmania: C Smith 2, L Smith, Clifford, Buechner, Pearton
BEST
NT: Parfitt, Grant, Hampton, Frank, Long, Armstrong
Tasmania: Auckland, Tyrrell, Thompson, Palmer-Hughes, Gadomski, Clifford