NTFL 2024-25 live stream: Watch Waratah v Southern Districts Round 1

Southern Districts’ star-studded line-up, featuring the likes of Steven Motlop and Jarrod Brander, was too much for Waratah in Round 1 of the NTFL. Check out the REPLAY.

Southern Districts had a successful first run out of their much-vaunted line-up with spearhead Jarrod Brander scoring six against Waratah.

The Crocs lineup was regarded as one of the best teams on paper to take the field in an NTFL Round 1 fixture in some time, and they took out the victory 12.9 (81) to 7.3 (45).

Among them were former AFL players Brander, Jed Anderson and Steven Motlop, as well as returning stars Matt Shannon and Will Farrer, though the combinations needed some testing.

They got that test against a Waratah outfit known for starting seasons strong and with plenty of proven performers it was a constant contest until Crocs broke free to win

Jed Anderson for Southern Districts against Waratah in the opening round of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Tahs caught their foes by surprise early on, with the clearance battle going their way despite the noted ability of Districts’ rucks Matt Dennis and Wyatt Ryan.

The red and whites locked Districts in their forward 50 and did the early damage through the exciting Declan Singh-Lippo and the ever-busy Scott Carlin.

Districts did eventually pop out of trouble as Motlop controlled the backline and with Anderson and Shannon getting plenty of it in the midfield it was only a matter of time until they went forward.

Brander, who was in the top three goal scorers last season, was the reliable man up and got his first of six to open Districts’ account.

Jarrod Brander celebrates a goal for Southern Districts against Waratah in the opening round of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

He would remain a target for his side all night, particularly from fellow forward Farrer, who showed plenty of the marking theatrics he became famous for in his previous stint with Districts.

As the Crocs locked in their big names came to the fore and they punished bits of indiscipline from their opponents as often as they could.

Jalen Clarke was another big in for the Districts outfit, having previously played for the Darwin Buffaloes until an ACL injury curtailed his footy midway through the 2020-21 season.

And he too impressed in his return to Premier League footy scooping up possessions intent to drive his new side to victory.

Waratah clawed back some of the momentum in the third quarter as Riley Irvin and Samuel Kenna found some parity in the ruck battle against two of the best.

Noted midfielder Brodie Carroll, in tandem with Carlin, opened up more scoring opportunities too, as the side looked to bridge the gap punsihing some sloppy Districts’ mistakes.

But just as quickly as they came back into the piece they lost touch in the fourth quarter with Districts making use of the wind at their back.

Steven Motlop for Southern Districts against Waratah in the opening round of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ryan was massive late whether it was winning the ball in the ruck or dispelling forwarding moves and with the likes of Anderson or Jack Sexton at his feet there was little stopping the Crocs momentum.

“I’m stoked to be back, it’s been a long three years and a break I needed with the ACL injury and being burned out at the time,” Clarke said.

“I stuck around Buffaloes, but this year I was after a change and have a lot of close connections at Districts, they approached me in the offseason and I’m really enjoying something different.

“It was awesome to be back out there, struggled a bit with how slippery the ball can be at night, but I was just really glad to be back with such a welcoming club.

“Rusca told us don’t go away from the plan, we knew what we had to do and while Waratah brought it to us we knew how good our side was and it was just a matter of being cleaner with the footy.

“There’s a lot of talent in this side and it’s just a matter of gelling together as a playing group as quickly as we can.”

Score:

Waratah: 2.2 4.2 7.3 7.3 (45)

Districts: 4.1 7.1 8.5 12.9 (81)

Goals:

Waratah:

Declan Singh-Lippo

Scott Carlin

Joshua Saltalamacchia

Jack Coghlan West

Toby Hutt

Brodie Carroll

Liam Odea

Districts:

Jarrod Brander 6

Matt Shannon

Matt Johnston

Jordan Johnston

Jed Anderson

Brodie Grace

Beau Schwarze

Best:

Waratah:

Riley Irvin

Scott Carlin

Brodie Carroll

Dylan Collis

Jack Bumbury

Districts:

Jarrod Brander

Wyatt Ryan

Jed Anderson

Jalen Clarke

Jack Sexton

PREVIEW

Southern Districts get their first chance to show off their star-studded line-up against perennial fast starters Waratah in what is shaping as a thrilling closer to Round 1.

And the NT News and KommunityTV will stream every moment from 7pm on Saturday.

This time last season these clubs were fighting out a Round 1 grand final rematch, in which then premiers Waratah showed they meant business.

Butt will fortunes be reversed 12 months later?

Southern Districts have been tipped as one of the league favourites, especially with former AFL players Jed Anderson, Jarrod Brander and now Steven Motlop all at their disposal.

Check the weekend LIVE STREAM schedule below.

Southern Districts' Michael Bowden and Waratah's Dylan Collis.

The ruck towers of Matt Dennis and Wyatt Ryan are both back, too, for their tilt at a flag, while the most recent player to break the 100-goal barrier, Will Farrer, is also back in the side.

It’s a dangerous Districts side, but they will be wary of a Tahs outfit that have become known for their ability to start a season with few signs of rust.

The usual customers in Brodie Carroll and Scott Carlin will get plenty of the ball in the midfield, while captain Dylan Collis will marshal a backline that will have some heavy lifting to do.

The question though is where the goals will come from, with leading goal kicker Jayden Magro out while Anthony Munkara is another question mark.

Watch the full replay at the end of the game.

The NT News 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.

Originally published as NTFL 2024-25 live stream: Watch Waratah v Southern Districts Round 1