A youthful South Fremantle fell brief in opposition to a star-studded Northern Territory Soccer League outfit of their first go to to Darwin in 25 years.
The Bulldogs blooded a dozen gamers with out league expertise for the pre-season conflict and after a promising first half, could not maintain it in humid situations as ex-Brisbane Lions arduous man Mitch Robinson ran amok within the 12-point consequence – 12.9 ( 81) to 10.9 (69).
There have been nonetheless loads of positives in a aspect lacking first-choice stars like captain Dylan Principal, tall ahead Jimmy Miller, prolific midfielder Jake Florenca and prized recruit Jordan Gallucci, who gave the NTFL a late scare with back-to-back targets.
Operating machine Tom Blechynden appears even fitter and located a whole lot of footy, signing Robbie Turnbull, who solely met the taking part in group lower than 24 hours earlier than the match, additionally spectacular within the midfield.
Turnbull performs domestically for Waratah the place he’ll end the season earlier than shifting to Perth.
Athletic 200cm huge man Solomon James led the ruck and competed properly in opposition to skilled opponent Brock Carter, whereas fellow uncapped tall Nathan Spooner confirmed a bit with two targets and Fremantle Subsequent Era Academy expertise Chase Bourne (two targets) was additionally busy and offered good stress.
Retired legend Haiden Schloithe had his moments, beginning within the midfield and in addition hung out inside 50 the place he kicked his first of two targets because the Bulldogs turned a nine-point deficit at quarter-time right into a three-point lead on the principal break.
Some acquainted faces have been distinguished for the hosts together with former Fremantle swingman Ryan Nyhuis, who performed in two successful grand finals for Peel Thunder and a shedding one for Claremont in opposition to the Souths.
Nyhuis, the second greatest participant on the bottom behind Robinson, marked the whole lot in his method down again and used it properly going the opposite method.
Former East Perth ahead Jayden Magro was harmful on the different finish, booting a objective in each quarter together with the sealer with lower than three minutes left.
Son of a gun Jaren Carr bought a chance late within the match, changing Darwin-based Bulldogs nice Ashton Hams who performed his first sport for the membership because the 2018 preliminary closing.
The match marked the 50th anniversary of South Fremantle’s first go to to the NT, one 12 months after late champion Sebastian ‘Sibby’ Rioli blazed a path by turning into the primary Territorian to play for the membership in 1972.
Scoreboard
Northern Territory 3.2, 6.6, 10.6, 12.9 (81)
South Fremantle 1.5, 6.3, 6.8, 10.9 (69)
GOALS
Northern Territory: J Magro four J Calder 2 D Hope 2 S Motlop H Bennell R Fejo N Yarran
South Fremantle: N Spooner 2 H Schloithe 2 C Bourne 2 Z Strom 2 T Blechynden C Stephens
BEST
Northern Territory: M Robinson R Nyhuis J Magro D Hope M Taylor D Landt
South Fremantle: T Blechynden R Turnbull S James C Bourne H Schloithe C Stephens
CROWD: About 2000 at TIO Stadium
