St Mary’s blessed as talented Kinthari makes his mark

RICK Nolan ( suspected he had a good one when Francis Kinthari arrived at the club in the offseason.

And the cat is out of the bag through two rounds of the NTFL Premier League season.

Wadeye-based livewire Kinthari slotted a pair of goals and was among St Mary’s best on debut last week. Even better was to come yesterday, with the 22year-old – who will fly in from Port Keats airport weekly – kicking a bag of six goals.

Kinthari booted three of the Saints’ four last-quarter majors as they ran down the Buffaloes for a 14-point victory.

He ended up at St Mary’s on the urging of his family, who all support the club.

Kinthari, who played one seasons for Tiwi Bombers in 2010, contacted Nolan on Facebook, asking for a chance to play for the Saints.

Nolan still laughs about the recruitment story now, but their rivals aren’t finding it quite as amusing. The rest is history, with St Mary’s arguably boasting the compe- tition’s top recruit so far.

“I can’t believe I kicked six goals in my second game,” Kinthari said.

“I was nervous and excited out there, because I’m playing only my second game, but the boys were all getting around me and encouraging me.”

Kinthari still dreams of playing at AFL level one day and hopes this Saints opportunity is the start of his journey to the top.

“Growing up in a community, I’m lucky enough to come to Darwin and I’ll be careful to keep my body right to play A-grade footy,” he said.

“I’ll listen to the great people here to hopefully play a couple of seasons.

“I need to focus on what Ricky’s saying, because St Mary’s are a professional team, so I’ll look after myself and keep out of trouble.”