In a high-quality game, Tasmania just came out on top kicking 14.6 (90) to beat the Northern Territory 13.8 (86).
Sam Rundle kicked five goals for Tasmania, but the real star was Maverick Weller, who finished with 23 possessions and provided a lot of through the midfield.
For the Northern Territory Steven Motlop had a blinder kicking five goals, while Steven May also presented an imposing target, although he failed to capitalise in front of goal, kicking 1.4 and one into the man on the mark.
The Northern Territory started the game strongly but failed to convert, taking a narrow three point lead into the quarter time break.
Tasmania came out fired up in the second term, kicking five goals to one. Charlie Riewoldt, the brother of Richmond player Jack, kicked two goals in the second quarter both from strong marks in the goal square.
The third quarter was a real arm wrestle, with the Northern Territory fighting back slightly to go in 15 points down at the last change. At this stage Motlop had kicked four of the Northern Territory's eight goals.
The Northern Territory continued their charge in the last quarter but could not make up the difference in the end, with Tasmania getting home by four points.
Tasmania 14.6. (90) def Northern Territory 13.8 (86)
Goals
Tasmania: Rundle 5, Riewoldt 2, J Green 2, Radford, A.Green, Gillbee, Graves, Owen. Northern Territory: S.Motlop 5, Johnson 2, May, B.Motlop, Lawler, Kruse, Rossides, Taylor
Best
Tasmania: Hislop, Rundle, Weller, A.Green, Mott. Northern Territory: Gordon, Lawler, May, Taylor, Jones.
