NTFL 2022-23: Watch Waratah vs Southern Districts grand final livestream
The league’s two best sides Waratah and Southern Districts met in what can only be described as an EPIC grand final on Saturday. See the epic photos from the clash.
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Waratah have broken their 23-year premiership drought after beating minor premiers Southern Districts in a truly epic NTFL grand final.
Tahs came into this encounter with the longest title drought of any club in the NTFL, while Crocs were targeting just their fourth premier league trophy.
WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
But using the lessons learned from last year’s grand final defeat Waratah kept their composure against near-constant fight back to hold on and win 10.10 (70) to 7.10 (52).
The Warriors had the lead almost from the siren, scoring the first goal after just 18 seconds on the back of an Adam Gulden charge into the forward 50.
And though Waratah had made the first score in such a flurry, further goals didn’t come as easily for either side.
Crocs’ ruck Matt Dennis was everywhere in the middle constantly getting his hands on the ball, and booting it long when needed, and despite the loss it was little wonder he went on to win the Chaney Medal.
And his dominance gifted Districts many chances, with Dean Staunton, Ronald Fejo and Matt Shannon ensuring their forwards got plenty of ball, and soon they had the leveler through Dylan Barry.
But it wasn’t always as simple for the Crocs, as Dan O’Dwyer limited tall forward Sam Dunstan impact, and the Waratah defenders were able to transition the ball back in their favour.
Skipper Brodie Carroll had his impactful moments sneaking a goal of his own, and setting another up for livewire Jayden Magro moments later to keep the red and whites ahead.
Districts’ defence was much more concrete from the second quarter onwards, and from there they were able to make plenty more inroads forward.
Frazer Driscoll was a big contributor once again torpedoing the ball downfield while Cam Ellis-Yolmen threw his weight around.
The club’s best and fairest Luke Smith snapped up the ball from there and with two quick goals Districts were right back in the contest.
Meanwhile, Waratah vice-captain Dylan Collis took a heavy knock and wasn’t able to give the same defensive influence he has become known for.
And with Districts upping the pressure from Dennis forward Waratah’s defence were forced to defend for their lives.
Kieran Andrew, Jack O’Sullivan and Jake Bowd were standouts in the Tahs’ backline absorbing Districts pressure as kick after kick threatened the goal posts.
When given the chance the Tahs’ midfield including Scott Carlin and Ed Morris made their mark, while Arnold Kirby was a workhorse all night long.
But it was an Abe Ankers delivery to Robbie Turnbull that gave Waratah their first goal since the second quarter to relieve some of the pressure.
The Crocs, who had fought on all day, weren’t giving up and another Barry score put them in touching distance, with Staunton given the chance to level only to hit the posts.
However, a pivotal handball from Smith gave Dunstan his first bit of clean ball of the match and he kicked true to put Districts one point ahead.
But there was more to come and a crucial bit of link-up from Turnbull to Morris gave the tall Tom Banuelos a clean mark dead in front, and Tahs were ahead once more.
Ankers made sure he was on the board as well rushing through to kick another, and just to secure the win in fitting fashion was the captain Carroll with the final goal.
Any other digs made by Districts were cut off with Waratah able to run down the clock at the death to end their drought and claim the trophy.
“It’s unreal to get the win, the boys dug deep and now the droughts over,” Carroll said.
“To have played in last year’s grand final and not win it was a bit of a blessing in disguise, it’s made this win a 100 times better.
“It just came down to determination. We just dug deep and had that fire in our belly from not winning it last year.”
Waratah coach Ryan Ayres was riding every moment of the thrilling final quarter from the sideline, after moving down from the coach’s box.
“It was a bit scary at the end there when they hit the front, but credit to our boys we responded again,” he said.
“I came down to the sideline to relay messages a bit quicker, and to experience that comeback there was unbelievable.
“Last year’s loss was a drive in the back of our minds the whole year, you don’t want to put your goals out there but they all wanted to come back and win a premiership.”
Districts coach Shannon Rusca called it an unreal game, and while his side lost this match he was sure they would be back on the big stage for years to come.
“It was an unreal game. Game down to the 90 minute mark, we finally hit the front, but Tahs just kept coming and hit a couple of consolation goals off hard work,” he said.
“They got a really good start and we had to slow down their run, everyone played their part. It was a physical game and a real arm wrestle, the tackle count will be huge from both sides.
“I’m so proud of these boys. We’re going to be on this big stage for a while. They really showed some heart and showed what they’re made of.”
Score:
Waratah: 4.3 5.4 5.8 10.10 (70)
Districts: 1.1 4.4 5.7 7.10 (52)
Goals:
Waratah:
Adam Gulden 2
Brodie Carroll 2
Darcy Hope 2
Jayden Magro
Robbie Turnbull
Abe Ankers
Tom Banuelos
Districts:
Luke Smith 3
Dylan Barry 2
Jack Mentha
Sam Dunstan
Best:
Waratah:
Robbie Turnbull
Scott Carlin
Brodie Carroll
Jack O’Sullivan
Jake Bowd
Districts:
Matt Dennis (Chaney Medal)
Luke Smith
Frazer Driscoll
Matt Shannon
Dean Staunton
LIVESTREAM
Waratah are gunning to end their premiership drought, but minor premiers Southern Districts will have a thing or two to say about the matter
And the NT News will be there to livestream every minute of the game for you from 6.45pm, Saturday.
For Waratah this is a chance to break a 23-year premiership drought, the longest time between titles for any side in the league.
And they’ve certainly got the side to get the job done having finished runner-up last year, and earning straight passage to the grand final again this season.
The red and whites have been the best side in finals so far and have a complete side full of weapons, including proven goal kickers Jayden Magro and Darcy Hope.
Minor premiers Southern Districts are no slouches though, and proved in a dominant win over St Mary’s in the prelim why they’ve been at the top all year.
There’s plenty of big game players across this side from standout defenders to big goal kickers, and almost five years on from their last title they will want more than anything to claim another.
Ruckman Matt Dennis will be crucial for the side, while captain Dean Staunton is expected to have another big showing in the midfield.
If you are attempting to cast the livestream or replay to a television, the best result can be achieved by either using a laptop/computer or a mobile phone.
The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to livestream Men’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.
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Originally published as NTFL 2022-23: Watch Waratah vs Southern Districts grand final livestream
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