Southern Districts kicked clear in a controlled performance against a Buffaloes side that brought the pressure for their skipper’s milestone.
The Double Blues were geared up to mark game 239 for their great captain Jarrod Stokes, which equalled the club record for premier league games.
But it was Southern Districts fielding a brimming both with proven and junior talent that managed to get away to stay top in as torrential conditions began to win 11.11 (77) to 6.4 (40).
The Buffaloes pressure game, which worked to trouble Nightcliff the week before, again played a part and resulted in the first goals of the first two quarters to Brodie Foster and Joseph Wesley.
As so often happens Stokes played a key role in how the Double Blues operated while the rest of his side ensured they turned it up for him.
However, the reigning premiers were by no means out of the contest and came to the fore when they needed to with a very strong game out of the middle from Jed Anderson and Matt Johnston.
Districts’ forwards Beau Schwarze and Will Farrer were troubled early by the quick defence of the Buffs, but they both broke through for multiple scores.
Schwarze was particularly potent in the second quarter scoring two on the bounce with his streak broken by club debutant Sydney-Jack Baker.
Baker was one of two Crocs debutants alongside Isaac Herold, while other club juniors Benjamin Barnard, Harry Sage and Taj Stanley also featured.
Districts appeared to be pulling away come midway through the third term when Schwarze had scored his fourth and defensive heavyweight Connor Giddings knocked through too.
But again the Buffaloes came back at them finding some clean deliveries out of the middle and pushing forth into the forward 50 where Tashaun Wright starred.
It was a push that narrowed the score to 22-points come three quarter time just in time for the rain to turn up, and it quickly turned into a downpour.
The bigger bodies of the Crocs dominated in that time with Anderson explosive, and ensured the two scoring forwards of Farrer and Schwarze saw the game through.
PREVIEW
Darwin Buffaloes skipper Jarrod Stokes has described himself as “very fortunate” as the club great prepares to equal the Double Blues’ games record on Saturday.
The man who started his senior career as a 15-year-old in the 2010-11 season will reach 239 games for the club when it faces Southern Districts, equalling the tally long held by legend Peter Reid.
Every moment of the match will be streamed live from 1.30pm on Saturday by The NT News and KommunityTV as part of our season-long NTFL coverage.
A goal in his first match for his family club not only capped off a memorable debut and certified the talent Stokes had long been noted for, but signalled the success that was to come.
Across his career he has always been a club standout with explosive pace and the skills to match that so often opposition sides have found too much to handle.
Stokes’ accolades since include a Chaney medal in the heartbreaking one-point grand final loss to Districts in 2018-19, six club best and fairest titles, representative honours, the 2022-23 NT News player of the year and consistent top 10 Nichols Medal placings.
“This milestone is a huge honour, starting as a 15-year-old it’s been a while but I’m very fortunate to be able to play this many games for this club,” Stokes said.
“It’s not something I set out to do, but I love to play footy and I wasn’t going to play anywhere else so I knew I would rack up a few games and have had a pretty good run injury wise.
“I was lucky to kick a goal in that first game, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my career and a special moment to go out and join family that had played with Buffs before me.
“I remember watching Peter as a 10-year-old run around for the Double Blues, he was a skilful, smooth player, so to share this moment with him will be special occasion.”
The son of former Manly NRL player Frank Stokes has mixed it with brothers and cousins such as Bradley and Cameron during his Buffaloes career and said those connections have been a highlight.
Tim Eldridge is another player he’s always enjoyed playing alongside as well as getting to experience playing with the likes of Matt Campbell and Joe Anderson who have been to the top
All the while Stokes himself has been a mainstay, barely missing a match, and consistently someone able to catch the eye with his work rate he’s always thinking of the team as a whole first.
“Timmy is the first person that comes to mind, we’re a similar age, started at the same time and been through the ups and downs together,” he said.
“Being captain of this side for about eight years is a big responsibility but having learned from my cousin Cam and have learned a lot in terms of leadership that I hope to pass down to who’s next.
“When I first started playing it was mainly off talent and flair, but has time has gone on I’ve realised the importance of rehab and preparation, looking after my body and being professional to stay fit.
“The prelim win to get into the grand final was a highlight on the field but for me the best has been the lifelong friendships I’ve made and being able to run out there with my teammates each week.”
The challenge of Southern Districts, who are reigning premiers and sit top, is a significant one for the Buffaloes in the milestone match but they will take confidence from a four-quarter effort against Nightcliff last round.
While Double Blues aren’t on track for finals this year, young talents such as Tashaun Wright and Nathan Spry and the buy-in from playing-coach Phil Wills has the side poised for more.
“Wills coming back and the young guys coming through has the future looking pretty bring for Buffs,” Stokes said.
“As an older player now my job is to help develop their leadership qualities and hope that the success is around the corner for them.
“Last week was a really good four quarter effort from the team and we’re hoping to carry that forward to this week.
“We know Districts will bring a quality side with a lot of big names, but I think if we can switch on from first bounce we’re every chance.”
HOW TO WATCH
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