Tasmania's dominance from start to finish was evident in the numbers, collecting 156 more (337-181) disposals than their counterparts to win 21.13 (139) to 3.3 (21) at Visy Park on Saturday.
Midfielder Eli Templeton, who was a level one AIS-AFL Academy scholarship holder last year, was everywhere in the win, finding 27 disposals for Tasmania through the midfield and kicking goal.
He ran with the ball, took it from half-back to half-forward, and set up many of his side's scoring opportunities with precise foot skills and some daring moves.
Templeton's mop of blond hair stands out but so does his attitude: he takes a few risks with the ball, and tries things others perhaps wouldn't.
Tasmania's top draft prospect, Kade Kolodjashnij, continued his strong championships, racking up 34 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. Kolodjashnij sweeps across half-back to help control the game but can also move forward and be damaging.
Toby Nankervis strengthened his draft hopes with five goals from 22 disposals, floating between the ruck and deep forward. Matt Hanson won the ball, and Zac Webster showed some dash from defence.
Northern Territory forward Willy Rioli slotted two goals in the first quarter but the Territorians had to wait almost three quarters before they kicked their next, which came via Marcus Hamilton midway through the final term.
Brayden McClean had 18 disposals, the most for NT.
Tasmania will meet NSW-ACT next Thursday at Victoria Park in a clash likely to decide the division two title.
Tasmanian Eli Templeton is tackled by the Northern Territory's Abraham Ankers at Visy Park on Saturday. Picture: AFL Media
NORTHERN TERRITORY 2.0 2.0 2.3 3.3 (21)
TASMANIA 4.2 9.7 13.10 21.13 (139)
BEST
Tasmania: Nankervis, Webster, K.Kolodjashnij, Templeton, Fox, Smith
Northern Territory: Hagan, Coombes, Cockatoo, Gordon, Musgrove
GOALS
Northern Territory: Rioli 2, Hamilton
Tasmania: Fox 5, Nankervis 5, Boscott 2, K.Kolodjashnij 2, Templeton, Hanson, Grey, Smith, Hibberd, Withers, Foon
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
