Magpies ready for ‘desperate’ Tiwi

PALMERSTON ruckman Matt Dennis rates today’s NTFL match against the Tiwi Bombers as a mini final and few people associated with both clubs would disagree.

The Magpies are in the top five with a 5-6 win-loss record and need to beat the unpredictable Tiwis to stay clear of a hunting pack that includes St Mary’s, the Bombers and Wanderers.

“It’s going to be a massive game, there’s no easy wins in this competition and to start with one over the Tiwis will be very good for us,’’ Dennis told the Sunday Territorian.

“They’ll be pretty desperate, having to win at least five of the last seven games to play finals, and they’ll definitely see this game as a winnable one.

“It’s an early finals game really – if we drop it we’re back in the pack and if we win it will potentially end their chances of finals footy.’’

The 2pm game at Tracy Village Oval opens a new door for the Magpies, who have never played a premiership match at the ground.

“Hopefully, playing on a smaller ground will help us with the inside contests,’’ Dennis said.

“Outside running Tiwi game style. is the

“It’s something that makes them exciting to watch with an emphasis on play on at all costs and plenty of running, hopefully we can close that down a bit.’’

Spearhead Kyle Emery booted seven goals in the Magpies’ 45-point win over the Bombers in Round 5, a feat Alwyn Davey and his coaching staff will be hoping he repeats.

At the other end of the ground Rodney Baird returns to full back, with the likely role of restricting Tiwi forward Ross Tungatalum’s influence.

The Tiwi forward line will create some headaches for the Magpies, with veterans Simon Munkara and Austin Wonaeamirri alongside Tungatalum.