Anthony Munkara stars in NTFL return

Jackson Clark Published October 10, 2023 at 3.30pm (AWST)

sport

Anthony Munkara has produced a best-on-ground performance in his return to the Northern Territory Football League. (Image: AFLNT Media)

Anthony Munkara has produced a best-on-ground performance in his return to the Northern Territory Football League.

The former Essendon-listed player kicked six goals for reigning premier Waratah in an 88-point win at TIO Stadium on Friday night.

The Warriors 19.12 (126) defeated Southern Districts 5.8 (38) in the NTFL's season opener, which was also a replay of the 2022/23 grand final.

Munkara was a surprise inclusion in the Waratah forward-line after plenty of speculation during the pre-season linking him to a return to his former club the Tiwi Bombers.

The 19-year-old was everywhere during the early stages of the contest but could not capitalise on opportunities in front of goal, finishing with 1.3 in the opening quarter.

He straightened the radar in the second quarter and by half time had kicked four goals as his team shot out to a comfortable lead.

*Anthony Munkara during his time at Essendon. (Image: Essendon Football Club)*

Waratah booted 11 goals to three in the second half, including eight unanswered goals in the final term to cruise to an easy win.

Munkara finished with six goals from 17 disposals and looms as a difficult match up for defenders in the NTFL this season with his size and strength a problem for smaller opponents, and his athleticism and nous around goals a tough challenge for bigger backman to combat.

Meanwhile Tiwi livewire Dwayne Kerinaiua finished with four and showed many impressive signs in his first Premier League game for the club.

Kerinaiua is coming off an eye-catching U18s grand final last season, where he claimed best afield honours after spectacularly kicking all five of his team's goals in a come-from-behind victory.

Jed Anderson also made his return to local footy, lining up in the midfield for Southern Districts.

The 99-game AFL player with Hawthorn, North Melbourne and the Gold Coast was a surprise signing for the Crocs after opting against returning to his junior team the Darwin Buffaloes.

*Jed Anderson playing for Southern Districts. (Image: AFLNT Media)*

He finished with 20 disposals and five clearances in his team's big loss.

In other NTFL news, former AFL player Matt Campbell made a surprise return for the Darwin Buffaloes in a 12-point win over PINT.

The ex-Kangaroos player finished with 11 disposals coming out of the backline.

Former Geelong and Port Adelaide player Steven Motlop also played in the game, finishing with 23 disposals despite close attention from the Buffaloes opposition.