A 1-1 record didn't tell the whole story as the NTJFA enjoyed a successful weekend playing under-16 representative matches in the state's South.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The North's girls began the day in dominant fashion, cruising to a 12.9 (81) to 2.1 (13) win over the STJFL after a big second half.
North Launceston's Jorja Barron set the tone early, kicking two goals in the first term before the South hit back with the first two goals of the second quarter to pull the half-time margin back to 13 points.
But North Hobart Oval belonged to the NTJFA in the second half as the home side was held scoreless.
First-year South Launceston talent Liana Freestone defied her 14 years by completing a best-on-ground performance, while co-captains Aprille Crooks and Jemma Blair led from the front.
Ebonie Agostini finished with a couple of opportunistic goals and was joined on the goalkickers' list by Bonnie Waddle, Zoe Lewis and Daizi Blundstone.
RELATED: NTJFA set for Southern challenge
In the boys' game, the STJFL continued a five-year winning streak despite a huge third-term comeback from the North.
Trailing 51-19 late in the second term, the North looked in danger of suffering a heavy defeat until Prospect's Zane Fagan's goal in the dying seconds cut the half-time margin to 26 points.
A huge momentum swing then followed in the third quarter as the NTJFA piled on seven goals to one to march out to a 13-point lead.
But the tale had one final twist as the home side kicked four early goals in the last and held on late to win 12.12 (84) to 11.6 (72).
Key forwards Tyran Morton-Polden and Jeremiah Griffiths were the North's sole multiple goalkickers, while Henry Cox was named the visitors' best player.
"We weren't happy with our first half efforts and that showed on the scoreboard," Cox said in the post-match presentation.
"But I was really proud of how we came out in the third quarter and really came back got in front, but the South boys were too good at the end."
MORE FOOTBALL: Tarryn Thomas collects Rising Star nomination
FINAL SCORES
- GIRLS: NTJFA 12.9 (81) defeated STJFL 2.1 (13)
- BOYS: STJFL 12.12 (84) defeated NTJFA 11.6 (72)