The Scorpions 15.8 (98) defeated the Thunder 10.10 (70). In the first of the double-header at Carlton, Queensland led for the majority of the day, but it wasn't able to truly shake the Territory from snapping at its heels until the final term, when it booted four goals to two.
Queensland, a state that is expected to be bountiful for draftees this year, had several standout performers. And it was those prospects that stood tall.
Ricky Petterd was outstanding with 28 disposals - the most for the match - while Albert Proud, rated one of his state's best draft prospects this season, and the pony-tailed Gavin Urquhart, who was an All-Australian at this level last year, were terrific.
The courageous David Armitage, who suffered a nasty injury to his ear against NSW/ACT in the Challenge Cup on the Queen's Birthday yet played against the Territory with a helmet, was one of his side's best. Former basketballer Kurt Tippett, at 199cm, is also one to keep an eye on, as he impressed with some strong marking in front of goal.
Forward Chris Smith was lively in the first half and finished with three goals, while key tall Jesse Smith also finished with three to his name.
Northern Territory skipper Joe Anderson won 16 disposals before the main break, before ending the match with 26 to his name - he was arguably Northern Territory's best - while Trevor Oliver and Nathan Djerrkura impressed. Jethro Calma-Holt was also impressive up forward with three goals.
Queensland started off strongly with the opening three goals of the match, while Northern Territory peppered the scoreboard but was unable to capitalise. Enter the diminutive Stewart Rioli, continuing a great Territory football name, who beautifully chipped a soccer goal for his side's first major. And when Charlie Sharples followed up with another Thunder goal, the margin was just three points at quarter-time.
Patrick Fittock made it three in a row for the Territory - putting his side in front for the only time in the match - when he kicked off the second term. But when the Scorpions answered with six of the remaining seven goals before half-time - including three to Smith - Queensland took a 28-point lead into half-time.
The only sour note for Queensland during that period was the yellow card handed out to Dzufer, who was sent off after being involved in a scuffle, which resulted in him being reported for striking. He was sent from the ground for 15 mins, returning in the second half.
After the long change, Northern Territory made a bright start when it booted the first three goals of the second half to reduce the deficit to just 10 points. But two quick goals from the Scorpions gave them some breathing space. Yet when Territorian Peter Rolfe threaded through a brilliant goal from the boundary at the Legends Stand end as the siren was sounding, the Thunder were still within touch at three quarter-time.
Although Queensland took control in the final term, the undoubted highlight of the term was a classical hanger to Calma-Holt - sure to feature in the DVD highlights for years to come.
NORTHERN TERRITORY: 2.5 4.6 8.7 10.10 (70)
QUEENSLAND: 3.2 9.4 11.6 15.8 (98)
GOALS - Northern Territory: Calma-Holt 3, Rolfe 2, Djerrkura, Fittock, C.Rioli, S.Rioli, Sharples
Queensland: Smith 3, White 3, Armitage 2, Tippett 2, Dzufer, Lawler, Marchant, Proud, Renouf
BEST - Northern Territory: Anderson, Calma-Holt, Djerrkura, Oliver, Stokes, C.Rioli,
Queensland: Petterd, Urquhart, Tippett, Dzufer, Proud, Smith
UMPIRES - Craig, McCarthy, Pattinson
VENUE: MC Labour Park, Carlton
