Game 1
Tiwi Bombers 7.4 11.6 14.13 17.18 (120)
St Mary’s 1.0 3.3 3.5 4.9 (33)
GOALS
Tiwi Bombers: Austin Wonaeamirri 4, Jason Puruntatameri 4, Simon Munkara 3, Bradley Palipuaminni, Shane Tipuamantmirri, Patrick Heenan, Randy Mungatopi, Ross Tungatalum, Christian Burgess
St Mary’s: Baden Nicholls 2, Mathias Liddy 2
GAME ANALYSIS
At their home-away-from-home, the Bombers ran all over the Saints on Tracy Village Oval.
Q1
The Bombers put on the pressure early, slotting four unanswered goals before the Saints got their first and only goal for the quarter through Mathias Liddy who bombed a big kick on the run just outside of 50. Austin Womaeamirri played the opening term at his usual best, with two goals to his name already. Good tackling presser was seen from Dion Munkara for the Bombers and the same can be said for Jimmy McMurtie for the Saints.
Q2
The ball fluidly moved around the oval that quarter but found itself the hands of Tiwi Bombers players more than it did the Saints. The Bombers peppered on four goals through Jason Puruntatameri (2), Austin Womaeamirri and Pattrick Hennan. While, the Saints did their best defensively but Ex-AFL Player, Nathan Djerrkura was using his agility and ball smarts to add an exta dimension to the Bombers forward, leaving the Saints stunned. Despite this, Jack and Jacob Long have both been working hard around the contests for the Saints.
Q3
The Bombers managed to keep the Saints goalless that quarter in wresting play. The Bombers were working hard as a team that term but fatigue seemed to be creeping in with seven behinds kicked. Michael Dunn has been a valued asset for the Bombers, with his quick feet he's able to move the ball with speed down the wings. While opponent Ryan Smith has been doing his bit for the Saints and won plenty of the ruck contest that quarter.
Q4
It was a dominate performance from the start for the Bombers which has lead them to today's victory. Jason Puruntatameri had an outstanding hit rate in front of goal today, ending the game with four goals to his name and likewise did teammate Austin Womaeamirri. Braxton Ah Mat was a trying player all day for the Saints and teammate Braden Nicholls kicked the lone goal for them in the second half. St Mary's now bow out of the competition whereas the Tiwi Bombers will now progress to the first week of finals.
Game 2
Waratah 3.2 9.6 15.7 19.9 (123)
Darwin Buffaloes 4.1 6.2 7.4 7.5 (47)
GOALS
Waratah: Henry Kerinaiua 4, Thomas Toma 2, Sam Godden 2, Joseph Arundell 2, Cameron Barrett 2, Zach Westerberg 2, Luke Davies, Brodie Carroll, Shem Tatupu, Brendon Minkulk, Kim Kantilla
Darwin Buffaloes: David Johnston 2, Adam Sambono 2, Patrick Boles, David Paull, Malcolm Rosas
GAME ANALYSIS
The Buffaloes were leading in the first quarter before the Tahs put on a dominate performance in front of a home crowd at Gardens Oval.
Q1
Waratah had the better of the centre clearances to begin the game but it was the Buffs who pressed harder, with six of the first seven forward 50 entries. It wasn't until the seventh minute though when Adam Sambono, in his 50th Men's Premier League game, was able to swoop at the back of the back and quickly record the first goal. With the Tahs not as clean as they'd like the Buffs were able to press on, David Johnston getting his hands to everything but not quite holding the mark but managing to kick Darwin's second with a snap. Sam Godden continued to throw his weight around in the centre for Waratah and it led to a strong mark and beautiful set shot goal to Zach Westerberg. Before the quarter closed out both Johnston and Westerberg added another set shot goal to each of their names and teams. Johnston's from 45 metres out on a slight angle, Westerberg's 35 metres out and directly in front. The highlight in between the two big men's goals was little Mally Rosas, who used his quick feet to spin and with one hand swooped on the footy to snap a goal. Only moments before the siren Tom Toma found some space in the Tahs' forward 50 and it's only a five-point game.
Q2
Waratah snatched the lead in the opening 80 seconds of the second quarter when Henry Kerinaiua ran along the left boundary and centred the ball perfectly to Shem Tatupu who managed to outmuscle the usually unmoveable Joe Anderson at the top of the goal square, allowing the big man to go back and kick his first goal. But just like earlier in the game, the Buffs' run and carry got on top and it was ruckman David Paull who found himself in space when the pack converged, to kick a goal on the run. Three more lead changes came when Sam Gooden (WAR), Patrick Boles (DBFC) and Joseph Arundell (WAR) all kicked goals in quick succession. The jaw-dropper being Boles' booming kick from just outside the 50-metre arc, not too far from the right boundary. In the 14th minute, the scores were all square but five minutes later Cameron Barrett, who had been working tirelessly all game, found Henry Kerinaiua in space. With the jets turned on and a couple of bounces heading directly towards goal, Kerinaiua had his first goal of the game. Barrett was rewarded for his effort with the next two chances, missing one but kicking the second. To finish the quarter off Kerinaiua kicked his second, dancing around opponents in the pocket and on the siren Tatupu was the recipient of a down the ground free kick but just missed to the left.
Q3
Henry Kerinaiua started the second half like he ended the first, with clean hands and a goal for his third goal. As the Tahs continued to win the clearances they also got on top with more efficient, clean disposal compared to the Buffs whose kicks in hope weren't quite hitting targets. The Tahs extended their lead to 34 points when Tom Toma kicked his second goal for the game, coming off the back of an intercept at centre half forward. A rare forward 50 entry for the Buffs saw Adam Sambono kick his second, but a quick reply from Kerinaiua took only 22 seconds and he moved on to four goals for the game. The Tahs kicked on with the next three goals through Joseph Arundell, Kim Kantilla, Brendon Minkulk but snatching third from the Tiwi Bombers who now have it in their grasp will be hard - they would need to keep the Buffs scoreless and add another eight or so goals to their tally.
Q4
An awesome win but just not enough to steal third place! Continuing to run harder and work smarter, the Tahs through Sam Godden kicked the opening goal of the final quarter to make it a 58-point lead. As the quarter progressed and the dark clouds came over the historic Gardens Oval the contest became a bit of a stalemate. Joe Anderson and Cam Stokes continued to fight hard in Darwin's defence, while the Waratah defenders were cleaning up everything with ease. In the 15th minute, Luke Davies got Waratah rolling again before Cameron Barrett popped up for his second goal and Brodie Carroll, who had been prolific all game booted his first. A resounding victory for the Tahs who will play the Buffs again in an elimination final next week, falling only in 1.3% short of snatching third and the double chance.
Game 3
Nightcliff 3.3 9.6 16.9 21.13 (139)
Southern Districts 2.1 6.1 7.2 7.7 (49)
GOALS
Nightcliff: Brodie Filo 4, John Butcher 3, Trent Melville 3, Liam Holt-Fitz 3, Cameron Ilett 3, Beau Black, Roger Morris, Shaun Wilson, Phillip Wills, Hugo Drogemuller
Southern Districts: Michael Mummery, Will Farrer, Charles McAdam, Jess Koopman
GAME ANALYSIS
In a top of the table clash, it was a pretty one-sided match with Nightcliff coming away with the win over the Crocs and being crowned 2018/19 TIO NTFL minor premiers.
Q1
Crocs got the first clearance and Jess Koopman quickly got the ball into the forward line however the Crocs were unable to convert and Tigers worked the ball into their forward line. Beau Schwarze was good in defence for Crocs but Tiger Michael Hagan received a free kick in front of the canteen and then another was paid down field for John Butcher to have a shot from the boundary but he missed. Butcher had his second shot from almost identical position and didn’t miss that time getting Tigers on the scoreboard. Butcher then kicked his second after Shaun Wilson got quick hands out of a pack. Phillip Wills ran onto a tap down from Hugo Drogemuller for the Tigers third but it was ruled to hit the post. The Crocs pulled up their socks and worked the ball into Koopman who was able to return fire and kick his first goal of the match. Phillip Wills then got his first with a quick snap off the pack. Another goal to Crocs by Michael Mummery just before the siren saw a 7 point margin going into the first break. Crocs have gone into the game without Ed Barlow and Dylan McLachlan and their absence has hurt the red, white and black so far but the likes of Brandon Rusca and Lee Dale have stepped up while Michael Hagan and Brodie Filo have been very busy for the Tigers.
Q2
The Tigers came out firing after the quarter time break and Hugo Drogemuller had a shot within 30 seconds of the second quarter and didn’t miss. Tigers followed up with another goal to Brodie Filo after he pushed forward. Then the Crocs worked the ball down thanks to Lee Dale and Jess Koopman who hit Michael Mummery 30 metres out and he kicked his second and the Crocs much needed third. Liam Holt-Fitz and Beau Black then goaled for the Tigers and the margin was suddenly out to 28 points. Dean Staunton and Steve Rusca stepped up and worked the ball into the Crocs forward 50 and Charles McAdam snapped a ripping goal from the pocket. Michael Mummery then kicked his third showing a lot of composure and the Crocs had the margin back to 16 points. Within second the Tigers had the ball in their forward line and Liam Holt-Fitz kicked his second. In a high scoring quarter Mummery then had another set shot to kick his fourth straight through the middle. Filo kicked his second after a quick handball from Holt-Fitz. Matty Rosier worked hard in the middle that quarter for Crocs while Cam Ilett has been a welcome inclusion to the Tiger team after missing for a month with injury.
Q3
Tigers banged on three straight goal in the opening minutes of the third to Drogemuller, Ilett and John Butcher. The Crocs finally worked the ball into their forward line and Mummery had a shot from the boundary but it went across the face of goal. Ilett kicked his second for the quarter and then his third from the exact same spot and the margin was out to 63 points midway through the third. Trent Melville then marked and goaled from 15 metres out and the Tigers were roaring. Roger Morris kicked another running into goal booting it off the ground. The Crocs finally scored a goal to Willie Farrer just before the siren but it was all black and yellow that quarter, Simon Deery exceptional in defence.
Q4
Brodie Filo again showed his brilliance absolutely dominating the midfield and kicking a big goal to start the Tigers for the last quarter. Melville snapped on goal with a high kick which eventually went through much to the delight of the Tigers supporters on the balcony and minutes later kicked another goal from a set shot. Young gun Liam Holt-Fitz kicked yet another goal and the Tigers romped home holding Crocs goalless in the last quarter and with the win have earned the next week off as we go into finals. Mitch Pemberton and Sean Martin were kept busy in defence for Crocs while Cam Ilett and Matty Bricknell were also good for the Tigers.
Game 4
Palmerston 1.4 3.5 5.8 9.10 (64)
Wanderers 3.1 7.8 8.9 16.12 (108)
GOALS
Palmerston: Mark Williams 2, Alwyn Davey 2, Matthew Dennis, Mishai Perry, Jai Jeffrey, B Church
Wanderers: Joel Jeffrey 4, Dillen Browne 2, Beau O’Connell 2, Jayden Eldridge, Ronnie Fejo, Aaron Motlop, Jerome Motlop, Thomas Motlop, Shannon Motlop, Gabrielle Marika, Daniel Weetra
GAME ANALYSIS
Wanderers dodged the 2018/19 TIO NTFl wooden spoon after their winning performance over the Magpies at Asbuild Oval.
Q1
Wanderes scored within the first minute with Beau O’Connell kicking the goal from a set shot. Palmerston kicked one a couple minutes later with Alwyn Davey breaking from the pack. Neither team kicked a goal for 10 minutes, with the ball living inside Palmerston’s forward 50. Palmerston had several shots on goal with them falling short, going across the face or kicking a point. Wanderers then managed to clear their defensive 50 with Beau O’Connell kicking his second for the quarter. Dillen Brown would add to the Muk Muks’ tally a couple of minutes later. Both teams have been strong defensively, taking plenty of intercept marks, Wanderers have just been slightly cleaner going forward.
Q2
Joel Jeffrey was on fire in the first couple of minutes for the Muk Muks taking a couple of high flyers and kicking a goal. Wanderers were making their intentions known with a high level of intensity and pressure. The ball lived inside Wanderers’ forward half before the Magpies transitioned and kicked a goal through Sandy Brock. Dillen Brown kicked his second for the match with a clear run in front of goal. Wanderers had set up a zone which made it difficult for Palmerston to clear defensive 50. But a tackle by Jai Jeffrey on Joel Jeffrey allowed Palmerston to clear the zone and Michaelis Mcmasters goaled. It didn’t take long for Wanderers to kick their next through Shannon Motlop. The wind really picked up with a storm looming and Wanderers kicking with the wind.
Q3
Both teams struggled to get a clear shot on goal in the first five minutes of the quarter. It took a 50 metre penalty for either team to have a shot for goal, with Joel Jeffrey kicking truly for the Muk Muks. Matt Dennis broke the drought for the Magpies with a goal from the pocket. Palmerston then really had the momentum with the ball living inside their forward half. Alwyn Davey kicked the next to get the Magpies within 20 points. Palmerston were applying strong levels of pressure but struggled to kick accurately in front of goal, which has been the story of the match.
Q4
Broderick Church opened the campaign for the Magpies, kicking a goal in the first two minutes. Alwyn Davey had a shot from the centre clearance, but it drifted left. Thomas Motlop put a stop to Palmerston’s charge with a goal from 50 on the boundary. Mark Williams kicked the next to get Palmerston within two goals. A set shot goal from the pocket by Ronald Fejo gave Wanderers breathing space at the 10 minute mark. Wanderers kicked the next two with goals to Gabriel Marika and Jerome Motlop, before Mark Williams kicked his second for the quarter. Wanderers continued to lock the ball in their forward half which resulted in goals to Aaron Motlop and Joel Jeffrey. Jai Jeffrey then kicked a goal for the Magpies with a kick from outside 50. Joel Jeffrey added to his tally with a karate style goal in the air which was reminiscent of Daniel Wells' goal in 2004. Jayden Eldridge put the stamp on the match to give the Muk Muks a 44 point win.
