2025-26 NTFL live stream: Dane Swan debut gives Waratah edge against Palmerston in Round 3
While he didn’t “kick 15 goals” Brownlow medallist Dane Swan’s on-field presence provided Waratah with the spark they needed to snag their first win in the new NTFL season. Watch the replay.
A Dane Swan-bolstered Waratah found their pace through the middle half of the match to seize their first win of the NTFL season against the Palmerston Magpies.
The Brownlow Medallist fought the Top End heat in his first match in the NTFL as the Tahs returned to their home deck at Gardens Oval in need of a win.
Though he wasn’t the star of the show, his on-field presence ensured a large home crowd and a big celebration when he got his goal to push the win out to a 13.12 (90) to 4.8 (32) score.
Swan played the majority of the first three quarters in the back line helping quell the few chances the young Magpies outfit had coming out of their own territory.
But prior to three quarter time as it became apparent the Tahs were on course for a win when he made the switch to the forwards where he was a focal point for his side.
A couple of chances went awry as Palmerston’s defenders appeared eager with a real focus to deny any opportunity he had.
His inaugural goal finally came when what appeared to be a wayward kick from Jayden Magro bounced into his palms.
This time he managed to beat his opposite and shoot true for a well-celebrated shot.
Waratah took control of the occasion midway through the second quarter as young gun Zac Withers delivered a great goal through the uprights.
SANFL player Cody Szust was a standout in the midfield alongside skipper Scott Carlin pushing the ball forward ensuring their forwards got plenty to work with.
Magro was busy and did score a major on the snap but there were a couple, particularly on the set shots that went wayward.
The Magpies had their moments with Waylon Davey nailing a snap while club captain Shaun Wilson was a constant trying to get his side on the front foot.
But failing to score more than two goals post quarter time against a strong Tahs defense and midfield had them way behind by the time they sprouted late resistance.
For Swan helping Waratah win was worth more than any personal recognition crediting the team for their efforts in warm conditions.
“It was hot, but you forget about it when you’re playing footy and I would rather play in that than the freezing cold,” he said.
“The standard was pretty good, I got used when I thought I should have, held my own just and we got the win which I care about more for these boys than I do my own game.
“I started off half back and got on the end of an easy one when it came and didn’t have to do a hell of a lot so all the heavy lifting was done by the other blokes.
“The mids were all really good and I know Mags moved well up forward, but really everyone held their own and it shows this side will be up the top end of the ladder later in the season.”
Swan also hinted this may not be his final game with Waratah this season eyeing a return or two should coach Rick Nolan allow him.
“Hopefully I can get up and play a couple more but you would have to ask the coach if I’ve held my spot first,” he said.
“I’m going to the United States for a bit and it depends on if the weekends line up but as long as they will have me I’m keen to come back.
“The boys all seem good and it’s a good place to be, I also wouldn’t mind seeing more of the Territory whether that’s fishing or other tourism stuff.”
Score:
Waratah: 1.5 6.7 11.8 12.12 (84)
Palmerston: 2.2 2.5 3.6 4.8 (32)
Goals:
Waratah:
Cody Szust 2, Darcy Hutchins 2, Jayden Magro, Zac Withers, William Zimmermann, Max Mahoney, Scott Carlin, Lochie Nash, Samuel Kenna, Dane Swan
Palmerston:
Waylon Davey, Shaun Wilson, Sam Donegan, Ned Ford
Best:
Waratah:
Cody Szust, Scott Carlin, Jayden Magro, Dan O’Dwyer, Darcy Hutchins
Palmerston:
Shaun Wilson, Ryan Warfe, Sam Donegan, Joel Munnich, Lucas Edmonds
PREVIEW
The inclusion of a Brownlow Medallist and a big crowd for its first home game of the season are set to give Waratah a much-needed boost heading into a clash with fellow winless side Palmerston on Saturday.
Every moment of the match will be live streamed from 4.30pm by The NT News and KommunityTV as part of our season-long coverage.
Collingwood legend Dane Swan will make his Top End debut for Waratah after initially being down to play back in the 2021-22 season.
This time the AFL Hall of Famer is certain to pull on the boots and will ensure plenty of activity at Gardens Oval for what will be a game carrying plenty of interest.
“It’s great up in Darwin, the weather is magnificent though I’m not sure how it’s going to feel when I’m actually playing,” Swan said.
“But meeting the boys, having a kick, hopefully getting a win and then having a few beers after that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
The 41-year-old has played with clubs across the country since his retirement in 2016 after 258 games and though he no longer bills himself as among the best sees it as his chance to give back.
“I’ve always said if someone is stupid enough to have me, I’m stupid enough to do it,” he said.
“I’m probably not suited to an office job and would probably spend most of my time in HR the way I go about things.
“I was drafted at 17 and have been in footy clubs my whole life, that’s what I know and love, I can’t play at the top level anymore but what I can do is help local footy clubs.
“I’m not going to go out and kick 15 goals every week but I can help, whether that’s the players bettering themselves or helping the club make some money.”
Swan is excited to mix it against the well-known explosive talent of Palmerston, which he is bracing to face off against the speed of.
“Most of them are going to be quicker than me so I’m going to have to use my brain rather than any physical strength I have left,” he said.
“It might take a quarter to figure it out but from what I’ve heard the game moves quickly, not a lot of defence but a whole lot of offense, which is exactly how I played.
“There’s some incredible Indigenous talent up here so hopefully none of them jump over my head or make me look stupid.
“It’s a pretty unique competition and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
The day doubles as Waratah’s Family Day complete with a Little Legends match at half time that president Rohan Langworthy said would make for a big occasion.
“Having Swanny here at Gardens is massive, not just for our players, but for everyone who loves Territory footy,” Langworthy said.
“He’s an AFL legend, and it’s fantastic to see him out there in the red and white inspiring our next generation.”
Coach Rick Nolan said the club was excited to have a modern great on-board as it hunted a first win of the season following defeats to PINT and Tiwi.
“We are very fortunate and looking forward to playing with one of the modern greats. It’s an honour to have Dane Swan at our club,” he said.
Scott Carlin and Robert Turnbull have been standouts for the Tahs so far this season, while 2023-24 season top goal scorer Jayden Magro made his return in Round 2.
Meanwhile, the Magpies are also winless after losing to the Buffaloes in their first match of the season in Round 2.
Lucas Edmonds and Sam Donegan were among Palmerston’s best for the match while Waylon Davey kicked three goals.
HOW TO WATCH
The NT News, KommunityTV and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to live stream both the men’s and women’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.
On game day, the live stream for this match will appear at the top of this story in the lead up to the first bounce.
To find other games from this round click the links in the schedule box above.
Alternatively you can head to www.kommunitytv.com.au and use the video player at the top of the site to watch all the action live and scroll through the most recent replays.
Only News Corp Australia full digital subscribers will have exclusive access to watch the action.
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