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Sports Minister Matthew Bonson today commemorated the 20^th anniversary of the NT Buffaloes’ phenomenal win at the Australian Football Carnival ahead of this weekend’s Grand Final.

 

This Friday officially marks the 20^th anniversary of the NTFL taking out the 2^nd Division in 1988 during the Bicentennial Championships.

 

“Twenty years ago the NT Buffaloes did the unthinkable – they completely annihilated the southern states in the 2^nd division of the Bicenntennial Cup in South Australia,” Mr Bonson said.

 

“The NT Buffs crushed other Second Division states by an average of 10 goals.

 

“This set up our top footballers, catapulting the likes of Michael Long, Dennis Dunn, Willie Rioli, and Joe Ah Mat into household names .. in the same context as Maurice Rioli, Michael McLean, Mark and Paul Motlop.”

 

Mr Bonson said AFL personality Kevin Sheedy would be in Darwin for the 20^th anniversary dinner this Friday – which will see the former glory reunited for the evening.

 

“How fantastic that we celebrate the anniversary on the eve of the NTFL Grand Final – and what a game that will be as the Waratah’s and St Mary’s battle it out at Footy Park,” Mr Bonson said.

 

“The last time these two came together in a Grand Final was in 1999 when Waratahs unleased a massive 66 point win … so I am pretty sure there are some unsettled scores there!”

 

Mr Bonson will officially toss the coin at this weekend’s Grand Final match at TIO Stadium.

 

 

 

 

 

Contact: Maria Billias 0401 119 746

Related files:
bonson bicentennial.pdf ( 1.08 mb )