The Hawks were able to keep tabs on the Tigers for most of the night played in warm conditions in front of a small crowd at Nitmilik oval.

Final scores: Nightcliff Tigers 13.6 (85) d Big River Hawks 12.4 (76).

Coach Greg Bain said the Hawks side was a composite of juniors and seniors with an eye to the future.

“It was more of an exhibition match, the side was mostly seniors with the few of the Under 18s,” he said.

It had been hoped during the week a girls’ exhibition match could have been scheduled as well.

Mr Bain said the long-term aim of the local AFL was to promote a senior side to compete in the Northern Territory’s AFL competition.

“We think we have the players but it’s just a matter of sponsors and the NT’s support for it,” he said.

“It’s probably still a few years away but with games like Saturday we could see how competitive we would be.”

Mr Bain said the teams were locked at 70 points apiece close to the end of the game.

“It was a tight contest for the whole night, there was no blowout at the end.”

Mr Bain said midfielders Kayle Kossack and David Turner were star performers for the Hawks on the night.

Centre half forward Liam Patrick and defender Paddy Kossack were also among the better players on the night.

“It was a pretty good game I thought, and showed the quality of the players we have here.”

After falling one game short of the grand final last year, the Big River Hawks under 18s side will have their first hitout against Palmerston in the first match of the season next Saturday.

After the opening away game, the Hawks enjoy a second round bye before hosting two consecutive home games in Katherine which Mr Bain said the players were looking forward to.

Mr Bain said the October 15 and 22 girls and boys matches should be a good showcase of local AFL talent and he was looking for local support at Nitmiluk Oval for the matches.

“We have a young squad for the Hawks but there is still a strong core of kids who have spent two or three years with the side so we think we have a well balanced side.”

Mr Bain said after reaching the preliminary final last year the Hawks were determined to go one better this season.

“We think we have the talent, or course we’ll have to see the opposition and judge where we’re at after that but based on last season we think we have progressed.” 

Training will restart for the Big River Hawks under 18s girl side from 5pm sharp at Nitmiluk Oval on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.