World Footy News

I recall the 1981 VFL season so well. After six rounds, Essendon sat with a solitary win and faced the prospect of a lean year. Things changed, however, and they won their next 15 matches in succession to reach the finals. It was certainly strong evidence that much can change as a season progresses, and a positive attitude can turn things around.

However, after six rounds, certain patterns can be seen which give an indication of what is to come and the Northern Territory Football League is at that stage now. One third of the season played and already there are some strong themes emerging. Following is a brief on each of the Premier League sides so far this season in current ladder position which can be mulled over at leisure.

St Mary’s

Undefeated and have put every team to the sword so far. Last year’s premiers, and the most successful NTFL team, are hell bent on back to back flags. There is little to suggest that they will be stopped to date, though their 21 point win over Wanderers in a low scoring match proved that they can be contained. Clearly flag favourites.

 

Nightcliff

By far the biggest improver in season 2013/4. After missing last year’s finals, the Tigers have impressed with their only loss being to St Mary’s, and having recorded some impressive big wins along the way so far. On current form they appear certain to play a big part in the finals this season.

 

Wanderers

Have also improved this season and like Nightcliff have lost only once this season – to St Mary’s also. Started the season with a bye, but have been remarkably consistent since, even holding St Mary’s to their lowest score for the year. Certainly appear finals bound again in 2013/4.

 

Southern District

After a patchy start – an impressive first up win against Nightcliff, then successive losses – they have since enjoyed two big wins, albeit against two of the bottom sides. Need to make a statement in upcoming games against St Mary’s and Tiwi Bombers to avoid an ongoing battle for a finals berth.

 

Waratah

Have enjoyed a very consistent season to date – three wins and two relatively close losses. Yet to play either of last year’s grand finalists, but have already put themselves into finals contention should they hold the same course. A last start hammering of Palmerston would give them some added zip in the lead-up to the Christmas break.

 

Tiwi Bombers

Far too early to dismiss this team, but two wins from their five starts has been less than spectacular. A big win against Palmerston and a narrow win against Buffaloes is negated by emphatic losses to St Mary’s and Nightcliff. Liam Jurrah’s addition to the squad may be a catalyst for change, but that change needs to hurry before the Tiwi side falls behind others.

 

Central Australia

Their eight game 2013 experiment is almost complete.  With their expanded participation this season they have reached a goal of winning one game and almost winning a second. Their recent win against Buffaloes would give them confidence – and incentive – to see out their season with back to back wins against the struggling Tiwi Bombers and Palmerston Magpies.

 

Buffaloes

A strong first up win against Palmerston has been negated by a series of heavy defeats in their last three outings. No team should be dismissed after just 6 rounds (as shown in the introduction to this article) but Buffaloes need to find a spark and quickly to avoid a wooden spoon shootout with Palmerston.

 

Palmerston

The Magpies pushed the Buffaloes in a narrow loss to open their season, but since then they have struggled against all comers. They need something significant to alter the course of their season, and their Round 8 match against the Redtails might jump start them. If not, this is shaping as a long season for the boys from Palmerston.

World Footy News will  look closely at the season again at the Christmas/New Year break. As Essendon proved in 1981, things can change. But it is equally true that the patterns seen so far this season are strong pointers to the remainder of the season. Time will tell.