World Footy News

There are certainly some advantages to be found playing footy from October to March, or thereabouts. Whilst other leagues have wound down and turned their attention to cricket, tennis or anything else other than footy, those leagues whose seasons commence later get to have the immediate Christmas/New Year period, and more, to regroup or reassess.

A case in point is the NTFL (Northern Territory Football League). Their season begins in October and runs through until March. They are currently in the midst of a three week break where festivities can be enjoyed, but also injuries can be eased and plans can be re-developed.

According to the NT News, bottom placed Waratah has a new goal. Their coach, Tim Weatherald, has set a new goal of winning four of their remaining seven matches after a winless season to date. They will be rested and will have new plans in place, so they can finish an otherwise disappointing season on a high ready for next season. Article: http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/local-...bedfe62b0b

Wanderers sit second last on the ladder, or equal fourth depending on how you look at it. The NT News also reports that their coach, Dean Rioli, concedes his team has a lot of work to do but has a history of strong finishes to seasons. He is right, as last year’s premiers were drubbed by the Tiwi Bombers in Round 16 last season and sat in sixth place. But from there they were unbeaten on the way to a premiership. Wanderers proved that if you refocus and keep winning, anything is possible. Article: http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/local-...aa425906c3

At the other end of the ladder, Darwin Buffaloes are keen to fight for a top two spot or better. After seven straight wins that saw them holding second place at one stage, two consecutive losses leading into the break have seen them fall a little. They would be seen by lower teams as the weak link that needs to drop for them to see finals action. Their coach, Mark Motlop acknowledges that his players should enjoy the holiday time, but need to return their minds to the run home if they want the club’s first flag in 10 years. Article: http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/local-...4b01e18ba0

This makes for a fascinating run to the finals after the break. Those teams in the top five will have cleared their minds and cured their ills ready to hold their ground. Those teams outside the five have had a chance to re-imagine their seasons and set new achievable goals. The three week break is something that most leagues do not have. An odd bye or a weekend off for all teams is not always enough to come up with a new plan and rehearse it. For the NTFL teams, three weeks sees a chance to forget what has happened to date and write a new ending to the script.

As it stands, from here on in all teams have something to gain from the coming weeks.

Round 12 of the NTFL season commences on January 9th.