A Northern Territory Football League representative team went within a point of defeating AFL club, the Western Bulldogs.

Proving once again that the standard of Territory football is on the rise, the gallant Buffaloes threw everything at the Bulldogs but in the end they came up just short.

Played in damp, drizzly conditions on 6 February at Darwin’s Football Park before more than 7,000 enthusiastic spectators, the Territory team pushed their southern opponents to the final siren. In the end time was their enemy, the Bulldogs holding on to win 5:12 (42) to 6:5 (41).

Senior players Scott West, Luke Darcy and Nathan Eagleton were driving forces for the Bulldogs. New recruits Farren Ray, Adam Cooney and Jade Rawlings showed enough to suggest that the Bulldogs will be a hard act to beat this year.

For the Buffalos, local talent and Australian under-17 representative Richard Tambling proved he’s on track for an AFL career with a lively display in attack. His performance prompted Bulldog officials to hold talks with him after the match.

Tambling’s pace, wonderful ball skills and a keen work ethic was the springboard for many forward raids by the Territory team.

With support from Port Adelaide Magpie Corey Ah Chee, former Bulldog Shannon Rusca and NT captain and former Kangaroo, Shannon Motlop, Tambling and the NT Buffalos refused to concede to the Bulldogs.

Despite being sidelined by injury, former NTFL junior and now new Bulldog, Stephen Koops, knew exactly what the club could expect when they signed on to play the NT team.

“I certainly told the guys they had their work cut out because these guys, they’re playing for the pride of their State,” Stephen said. “It means a lot for these players from the Territory to play against AFL players.”

“The amount of Indigenous talent out there on display tonight from the NT, the skills they displayed, was just outstanding in the wet conditions, and one of our young players, Cameron Faulkner, also displayed a bit of his talent as well.”

Koops, a versatile player who can play almost anywhere on the field, is enjoying his new environment. He’s hoping the off-season move from the Fremantle Dockers to the Western Bulldogs will reignite an AFL career that has so far spanned 78 games.

In a move designed to expand the popularity of the game, the Western Bulldogs have agreed to play one home game a year for premiership points over the next three years in Darwin.
Based on the NT’s reception of the club during their February visit, their popularity appears certain to soar over the coming years.