NTFL 2022-23 Round 1 social gallery: Footy fans rejoice a Top End game returns

The NTFL returned this weekend with fans flocking to Gardens Oval and TIO Stadium to see its big return. Check out our gallery here.

Reigning premiers St Mary’s entered Gardens Oval with hopes of replicating their grand final win, but Waratah held their nerve and delivered a brusing defeat.

Fans turned out in droves to check out all the action.

If you can’t make it to the field, make sure to tune in to your favourite match in our exclusive livestreams right here.

Waratah fans Matty May, Charlie Bryan, Tate Watts and Allesio Ayres at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Grandma Rosemary Rowley with grandsons Tate and Ralph Rowley at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ralph Rowley at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Spectators at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Poppa Ayers with all his grannies at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Daisy enjoys the quarter time break playing on the field with here dad during the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Daisy enjoys the quarter time break playing on the field with here dad during the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Sarah's 40th crew all headed to the Top End to celebrate her birthday starting with the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Friends Abby Neal (9) and Cleo Rayson (10) at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Friends Abby Neal (9), Cleo Rayson (10) and Millie May (9) at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Mindil Beach Head of Finance peter Grundy with Waratah President Rohan Langworthy do the coin toss at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Friends Peter Armstron, Ian Headon, Lucas Mullins and Ron Watson at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Friends Nadia, Beth, Jarrod and Lisa travelling from Melbourne at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Spectators at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: Beth

Nadia enjoying a cold one at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: Beth

Saints President Adrian Moscheni, Antony Hill, David DeSilver, Lori Cogo and Hamish Marshall at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Craig Morse at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Yaelle Morse, Craig Morse and Daniel Bowden at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Spectator Jason Nibbs at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Friends Tommy Long, Clinton Peters, Jay Kirwood, Charlie, Corey and Patrick Long at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Spectators Melissa Wundersitz, Spike and Paul Rusinski at the NTFL 22/23 season opener. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Spectator Allessio Ayres cheers on his team at the opening game of the NTFL 22/23 season. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson