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Top 15 NTFL Players

2nd January, 2016
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Roar Guru
2nd January, 2016
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1202 Reads

While nearly all football competitions across the country are in its off-season period, the Northern Territory Football League is just kicking into gear as we approach the all-important post-Christmas period.

But first, I thought I’d reflect on who I believe to be the top 15 performed players in the NTFL.

1 – Ross Tungatalum, 25
Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the Rocco Show. The 25-year-old is arguably one of the most naturally skilled footballers in Australia and regularly makes the impossible look easy. He sits second place on the NTFL goal kicking tally despite very rarely playing as a deep forward. Tungatalum has dominated the NTFL for a number of years now and it is scary to think that this has been potentially a career-best season.

2 – Jared Brennan, 31
Take one look at his football resume and it comes as no surprise to why Brennan is so highly regarded in the NTFL. The 173-game AFL player has played with a steely determination this season and is one of the main reasons for Southern Districts’ success so far with a flurry of early best on ground performances. The ultimate utility – Brennan can be equally as devastating for opposition clubs while playing as a rebounding defender, midfielder or up forward.

3 – Will Farrer, 27
The spring-heeled full forward has taken the Territory football world by storm in what has easily been his best NTFL season. Farrer looks destined to reach the illustrious 100-goal mark this season, which has only been achieved a handful of times in the competition’s century of existence.

He amazing vertical leap makes him an unorthodox footballer and one of the hardest forwards for NTFL defenders to match up on. The spearhead attacks the ball in the air and on the ground with ferocity and applies magnificent defensive pressure. Farrer is also a valuable player in the rare occasions he is shifted to defence.

4 – Leroy Jetta, 27
At his best, the former Essendon player is an unstoppable force for Palmerston. Despite copping a heavy tag most weeks, Jetta regularly has a massive influence on the match and is one of the few players in this competition that can take the game by the scruff of the neck. The strongly built midfielder has very few weaknesses in his game and will play a massive role for Palmerston if they are to make the finals this season.

5 – Brodie Filo, 25
It has looked like a one-man team in some games for Nightcliff, such is Filo’s dominance. The exquisitely skilled midfielder is the go-to man to set up forward plays for the Tigers. He would surely have to lead the competition for handball receives and with his lethal kicking on either side of the body, you cannot blame the Tigers for wanting to use him at every opportunity. A very talented footballer from the Bendigo region and he would have to be the recruit of the season thus far.

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6 – Thomas Motlop, 28
It was a memorable 12 months of football for Thomas Motlop, which culminated in an NTFL Premiership, Chaney Medal and also NEAFL flag with the NT Thunder. The utility has continued his solid form this season and has been the Eagles’ best player so far. Motlop is another one of those players that can be effective in defence, up forward or stints through the midfield.

7 – John Anstess, 31
Like a fine wine, the St Marys full back seems to get better with age. Anstess has been a lynchpin in defence for many years and has arguably been the NTFL’s best and most consistent defender of the past decade. Meticulous preparation in regards to his strength and condition as well as his diet has allowed Anstess to be a magnificent contributor to the Saints for such a long time.

The eight-time premiership player has an uncanny knack of getting to the ball before his opponent and has had to play this season under adversity with a persistent knee complaint.

8 – Matt Campbell, 28
The speedy midfielder regularly breaks the lines and sets up many attacking plays for the Buffaloes. After 82 AFL games and still only 28 years old, it is little surprise that Campbell is still able to have a huge impact for his side in the NTFL.

9 – Alan Obst, 28

The former AFL player has been a revelation for the Buffaloes in his five appearances this season. Arguably the most important player for the structure of the Buffs line-up, Obst provides a dangerous focal point in what is usually an undersized forward line. He is very hard to beat in a one-on-one contest and will play a big role for the Buffaloes as the season progresses.

10 – Darren Ewing, 28
A no-brainer selection when compiling lists of top players, the man known as Boof has been a terrific player for NT Thunder over the years. He has started the season in fine fashion with 24 goals from his five appearances but in recent times has added value to the side with solid defensive pressure.

11 – Jarrod Stokes, 21
Super quick footballer that is well-known to most in the Northern Territory. Stokes is a player that certainly has the potential to play at a higher level and has developed into a strong leader at the Buffaloes. He has the ability to accumulate the football through the midfield and has a knack of kicking important goals when his side needs him.

12 – Adam Tipungwuti, 19
Another underrated player in this competition. Tipungwuti has the ability to be a weapon for his side whether rebounding from defence or playing up forward. He has been a star contributor for the Bombers for a couple of seasons now and it is easy to forget that he is still only 19 years old.

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13 – Alwyn Davey, 31
The former Essendon livewire still plays a pivotal role for Palmerston whether up forward or through the midfield. The Magpies co-coach still possesses a deadly left foot and an uncanny goal sense.

14 – Justin Wilson, 33
The tenacious midfielder has enjoyed a great start to the season, despite struggling through injury. Undoubtedly one of the toughest and most courageous players in the league, the man known as ‘Ferret’ has spent more time up forward this season and contributed 22 goals from his seven outings.

15 – Damian Williams, 22
The Buffaloes young gun is one of the most underrated players in the competition. Williams was an outstanding junior footballer and he is starting to recapture the form that attracted plenty of attention from AFL scouts.

He is the prototype build for a player and possesses great strength and athleticism. His qualities as a utility makes him one of the Buffaloes’ most valuable players.

Visit – NT Football Scores and News with Jackson Clark on Facebook.

Twitter – @JClark182

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