It’s deja vu as men’s and women’s NTFL finalists play for nines glory
DARWIN’S footy stars showed their skills as they embraced new-concept sport footy nines, with the Nightcliff men and Darwin Buffettes winning the inaugural Darwin Nines event. Every participating team embraced the fledgling sport, fielding sides full of their NTFL stars ahead of their 2021-22 pre-season.
Interestingly, the Tigers came up against their NTFL grand final rivals St Mary’s in the grand final, which they won 14-5.
Kyle Emery got things started for Saints, booting the opener and the start of a slew of goals which also included contributions from Cam Ilett. The Green Machine did give plenty in return, with Nate Paredes, Jacob Long and Patrick Taban putting points on the board.
But all momentum was with Nightcliff, with the likes of Daniel Bowles and Brodie Filo taking their opportunities well.
“It’s an awesome concept. It’s high paced, high skilled and a really enjoyable way to play the game,” Ilett said.
“It’s just a really fun sport. There’s a real good scope to grow the sport not only in Australia but also around the world.”
The women’s match was a tighter affair, Buffettes beating 2021 WPL champions PINT 5-3.
The PINT side fielded plenty of firepower, including Jasmyn Hewett and Hillary Grubb, and it was them who struck first.
The Buffettes came back with a score late in the opening half before Tayla Hart-Aluni notched a hat-trick of goals.
Buffettes’ captain Kyle Duggan enjoyed the concept of the nines competition.
“It’s a good lead-up to the NTFL and something we should definitely continue in coming years,” Duggan said.
“It’s great for fitness as part of the preseason.”