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It’s all come down to this, the men’s and women’s NTFL grand finals to wrap up what has truly been a fantastic season of Top End footy. See all the action on the NT News and KommunityTV.

The NTFL finals continue to produce some great entertainment – and the NT News and KommunityTV are the only place you can watch every men’s and women’s match LIVE over the next few weeks.

And there’s nothing bigger than this weekend with the men’s and women’s grand finals set to light up TIO Stadium on Saturday.

Check out which games will feature in our Finals Week 3 coverage

It’s all the line now, no second chances, as the last remaining men’s and women’s NTFL sides face off in what will be a thrilling set of deciders.

The women take centre stage first with the undefeated PINT and a strong St Mary’s outfit facing off from 4.15pm.

It’s Saints’ first grand final appearance in 11 years, while the Queenants have won two of the three premierships.

PINT have also triumphed in two of the three meetings between the sides this season, while the other result came to a draw.

There’s obviously plenty of talent in this group including women’s best and fairest winner Jasmyn Hewett, leading goal kicker Steph Lawrence and midfield star Reni Hicks.

Kate Atkins is another who stood out last time these sides met, working with Zoe McWhinney to shut down the threat of Saints’ Danielle Ponter in the major semifinal.

The Green Machine will do what they can to help their talisman out, while the talents of Billie Byers, Jemma Iacono and Jo Miller will be expected to have performances out of the midfield.

Emily Forshaw and Janet Baird have had great finals series from the backline and will do their bit to limit Lawrence’s inroads towards goal.

The men’s battle between modern day rivals St Mary’s and Nightcliff will hit off from 6.45pm, in what is expected to be a typically tight contest.

These side’s met in back-to-back grand finals in 2019-20 and 2020-21, with Nightcliff winning both, including the latter in extra time.

The Tigers have had the better of Saints throughout this season winning all three of their matches, including their semifinal meeting.

Liam Buxton dominated in the ruck giving his midfielders Brodie Filo and Cooper Dahms plenty to work with in what turned into a dominant first quarter showing.

But the Tigers’ main strength this season has been their defence, whether it’s Ryan Nyhuis, Nathan Brown and Mitch Norton or Lewis Rinaldi in a tagging role.

Saints have a side which knows how to play finals footy and bring the pressure as proven in their recent defeat of Southern Districts.

Their midfield contingent of now dual Nichols Medalist Dylan Landt along with Nate Paredes and Joel Garner will all step up for the big match.

But their goal remains to overcome a side they haven’t beaten all year, and do it on the biggest stage.

Finals Week 3

The reward for the victors of this weekend’s doubleheader is passage through to the grand final, while the losers will have to wait another year for a shot at premiership glory.

The Women’s Premier League encounter between St Mary’s and Nightcliff Tigers is up first at 4.30pm, with the winner taking on the undefeated PINT in the decider.

Since beating the Tigers all the way back in Round 1, Saints have been a top two side.

There’s plenty of talent in this Green Machine unit, chiefly Adelaide Crows’ Danielle Ponter and the returning Jo Miller, who won the club’s best and fairest accolade last weekend.

Billie Byers, Emily Forshaw and Jemma Iacono are leaders in this talented group and will want to guide them into the biggest game of the season.

The Tigers will be no pushovers though and proved against Waratah last week they are a side that won’t go away.

Mickayla Ward and Sophie Berry are both important up forward, while Sophie Hatzismalis and Hannah Turnbull are hugely influential.

In a big day for the Green Machine, their men’s team take on Southern Districts in what is promising to be a seismic showdown from 6.45pm.

Saints finished top of the table, but for the third time this season they fell to Nightcliff last weekend

Skipper Dylan Landt, Nate Paredes and Seth Harris will lead from the midfield and try to get the most out of tall forward Jackson Calder.

But the midfield battle won’t be all one way. with Jed Anderson and Jye Bolton two of the best at getting the ball and plugging it down to their own forward line.

There the likes of Jarrod Brander and Jonathon Ross have both picked up plenty of majors, and will be looking to get the better of Saints defence.

Both matches could go either way, with survival and the shot at premiership glory on the line.

Finals Week 2

Getting the action underway is the women’s knockout semi-final between the Nightcliff Tigers and Waratah from 12.15pm.

The Waratah women proved what they can do when at full force in the opening week of finals, putting more than 100 points the Darwin Buffettes.

But now their foes from Round 18, Nightcliff, who won on that occasion, are their opposition in what is a do or die encounter for both sides at TIO Stadium.

Then it’s the major semi-final between the top two sides from throughout the year in PINT and St Mary’s from 2.15pm, with the winner earning direct passage into the grand final.

Last time these sides met it ended in a draw, though the Queenants were missing one of their standouts in Jasmyn Hewett on that occasion.

Saints aren’t short talented players either with the likes of Danielle Ponter in their outfit, but they know they need something special to get the win against the undefeated PINT outfit.

It’s over to the men’s competition from 4.15pm where last year’s grand finalists Waratah and Southern Districts meet in the knockout semifinal.

The Crocs will be eager to get some knockout revenge against the reigning premiers and with Jed Anderson, Jarrod Brander and Nakia Cockatoo they have the talent to get it done.

Meanwhile, Waratah know they need a quick recovery from last week’s last gasp defeat from Nightcliff, if they’re to stay in the competition.

And finally from 6.45pm it’s the battle between top of the table St Mary’s and Nightcliff, a rivalry that has in some ways been the biggest of the past five years.

St Mary’s got a chance to watch the rest of the competition in the first week of finals, and will be relishing the opportunity to unleash the likes of skipper Dylan Landt on the field again.

But the Tigers are riding a high built on the momentum of a final quarter comeback against the Tahs, which everyone in the club will remember for some time.

Finals Week 1

Waratah are struggling through a three-match losing streak which saw them drop out of the league’s top three late in the season.

Then it’s the women’s qualifying final from 2.15pm between St Mary’s and Nightcliff, a match-up the Green Machine has had the better of so far this season.

Mickayla Ward and Cassie McWilliam will need to be firing in front of goal to give the Tigers the best chance here.

Hannah Turnbull’s defensive role will also be crucial, especially up against the likes of Danielle Ponter, Kaitlyn Armstrong and Emma Stark.

Then it’s over to the men at 4.15pm as last season’s runners up Southern Districts take on PINT, playing their first ever finals game, in the elimination final.

This could very well come down to the battle of the midfields, with Jed Anderson and Beau Schwarze on fire for Crocs, against a Greenants side with Connor McDonald and Elliott Chalmers in good form.

The marquee signings of Anderson for Districts and Steven Motlop for PINT will also make for an interesting battle as these sides battle for survival.

Finally, for the second week in a row, Nightcliff and Waratah will go head to head, this time in the qualifying final from 6.45pm.

The winner here will retain their double chance and face St Mary’s in finals week two, while the loser will take on the winner of the elimination final.

Waratah currently have a slight edge after beating the Tigers last weekend, a result largely down to their man on man work in the midfield.

However, finals are a different ball game, and with the likes of Lachlan Tardrew and Cody Szust to come in Nightcliff, will be expecting a bigger and better showing in the first week of finals.

ROUND 18

First out of the blocks is a showdown between Wanderers and Tiwi Bombers from 2pm at Tracy Village Oval.

Neither will be playing finals and will simply be looking for something to celebrate heading into the post-season.

One of the big remaining question marks is to find out the leading goalkicker, with St Mary’s Jackson Calder four goals behind Waratah’s Jayden Magro and Districts’ Jarrod Brander.

Calder is on 57 goals so far and will get his opportunity to climb higher when the Green Machine go up against the Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium from 3.30pm.

The Buffaloes were certainly daring against Waratah last week, but now all they have to play for is pride against their old rivals.

St Mary’s have firepower right across their side with Calder looking for majors and skipper Dylan Landt on the hunt for another big performance to further his claim at individual honours.

Districts have the bye this week, so of the two players on 61 goals, only Magro has a chance to further defend his total, but he has to face the defensive heavyweights, Nightcliff, from 7pm.

The Battle of the Beaches at Nightcliff Oval stands as the big remaining battle of the season, with Tahs having their chance to climb into the top three should they come away as the winners.

Before this match is the women’s showdown from 5pm between the same two clubs - and there is quite a prize for the winner.

Third place - and a finals double chance - is on the line. Both sides lost last weekend, so finding form will also be key.

And, finally, there’s the battle between PINT and Palmerston at DXC Arena from 6pm.

The Greenants, who have all but secured their inaugural finals appearance, have plenty of strong players, particularly Steven Motlop in the backline and Connor McDonald, who has come into his own in the ruck.

Palmerston will make their last stand, hoping to somehow get their one win from a disappointing season.

ROUND 17

The action takes off with our women’s match between the Darwin Buffettes and Waratah at TIO Stadium from 12.30am.

For the Buffettes, a win will see them back in the top five ahead of Palmerston, who are currently half a game ahead.

However, Waratah are in the top three for a reason and have the ability, with the likes of Ruby O’Dwyer and Madeline Jeans, capable of holding out the Buffs’ late charge.

Then, from 2.30pm, we have the first of a TIO Stadium triple-header of men’s league games with the Darwin Buffaloes up against Waratah.

Just like their women’s counterparts, this is a hugely important match for the Double Blues, with a win here giving the side just a little extra hope of making finals, whereas a loss could rip that away.

The Tahs have their own incentive. They currently sit two matches outside the top three and therefore without a finals double chance unless they win back to back matches.

We hop over to Nightcliff Oval at 4.30pm for the biggest match of the day between Nightcliff and Districts who, along with St Mary’s, are tied at the top with 44 points.

This is Districts last regular season match, with a bye in Round 18 to come, and they need a win here to secure their spot in the top three, but the Tigers at home will not let that come easy.

We head back to TIO Stadium at 5pm for the Tiwi Bombers face-off with PINT, who have to win here to confirm their spot of a first-ever finals outing.

The Greenants have lost their past three, so will be after some momentum here to take into their potential finals run, but the Bombers have continued to impress and will make this a tough contest.

And finally St Mary’s will be hoping to lift their percentage, and therefore their shot at the minor premiership, when they take on Palmerston from 7.30pm.

ROUND 16

Two days of massive match-ups are on the way in the NTFL, with all top five sides in for testing battles in Round 16.

A battle between the league’s most recent premiership winners, Waratah and St Mary’s, gets the round underway at 7.15pm on Friday at Gardens Oval.

This match-up has been one of the NTFL’s biggest rivalries in the past few seasons.

St Mary’s won the last encounter, but Waratah will fancy their chances at home particularly with Jayden Magro in fine goal scoring form.

The round continues at the same venue on Saturday when the Tiwi Bombers women host Southern Districts in what is sure to be an exciting clash from 4pm

The Bombers are the favoured outfit here, and should a few more wins go their way, they should end up competing for finals.

The men take to the field from 6.30pm with Southern Districts needing a big score to keep their push for the second bite at the finals cherry.

The Crocs need all the points they can get ahead of their final round bye, however Tiwi are very capable can cause an upset on their day.

At DXC Arena, we have a fierce face-off between PINT and Nightcliff from 6pm, with this match likely to determine where PINT will end up.

Win and they are safe in the top five, with even a chance to push for top three, but if they falter against the current top side, they will be forced to protect their position.

And finally, from 6.30pm, is the Buffaloes match against the struggling Wanderers at Cazalys Arena.

The Double Blues need a big win here to keep their current charge towards finals alive, especially ahead of the last two weeks of the season when more difficult opposition will come their way.

ROUND 15

The Tiwi Bombers are in action from 2pm against the Darwin Buffaloes in a match which could decide who finishes in sixth place.

The Double Blues still have hopes of playing finals, but a Tiwi side on the up could put an end to those ambitions.

Then it’s over to one of the big match-ups of the day at 4.30pm between top five sides St Mary’s and PINT, both still with minor premiership ambitions.

St Mary’s will want to secure their berth in the league top two while the Greenants know a win is crucial if they want to stay in the race for the double chance.

Across the Berrimah line, the Palmerston Magpies will take on an intimidating Southern Districts at Cazalys Arena from 6.30pm.

Districts are in the top three and will be licking their lips at the prospect of getting a percentage booster here, however the Magpies will want to show some fight on their home deck.

At the same time over at Gardens Oval, it’s the Foundation Cup fixture between Waratah and Wanderers, two clubs who always play this match with pride.

For the Tahs, this is the start of their run home after their bye round, while the Muk Muks will want to make a good account of themselves.

A blockbuster face-off between the Women’s Premier League top two sides, PINT and St Mary’s, from 7pm at TIO Stadium concludes a massive day of action.

These sides have been the trendsetters all season, and the only loss for either came in their last meeting when league leaders PINT beat Saints.

But the Green Machine are still snapping at the Greenants heels, and with the likes of AFLW players Danielle Ponter and Janet Baird in the mix, they will be hoping to turn the tables on their foes.

ROUND 14

Up first on the agenda is our women’s encounter between second-placed St Mary’s and bottom side Wanderers at TIO Stadium from 2pm.

And despite the difference in position, don’t expect either side to give an inch, with Saints looking for a percentage booster and Wanderers looking to finish the season strongly.

Then it’s over to Norbuilt Oval for what is potentially the match of the round between Southern Districts and PINT from 4pm.

The Crocs and Greenants are in a four-way tie for second alongside St Mary’s and Waratah, only four points behind leaders Nightcliff, and will doing everything in their power to separate themselves from the pack with five rounds remaining.

Districts have plenty of star power including Jarrod Brander and Jed Anderson, but with Steven Motlop on the field, it’s not exactly something PINT are lacking in either.

Back at TIO Stadium for the 4.30pm match between the Darwin Buffaloes and Palmerston Magpies, it’s a match the Double Blues have to win to keep any glimmer of a finals hope alive.

Palmerston have yet to post a win this season, and with games running out they will want to make an impression of their own before the end of the year.

Over at Gardens Oval, we have the 5pm clash between the Tiwi Bombers and Nightcliff Tigers in what promises to be a belter.

The Tigers sit top of the table and are a very strong defensive side, while the Bombers are an exciting attacking unit, which has proven it can scare anyone.

And a big day ends up back to TIO Stadium where old rivals St Mary’s and Wanderers go head-to-head in their 7pm fixture.

Saints were top of the table ahead of their bye and will be eager to return there, and while the Muk Muks are at the opposite end of the table, they will want to put a dent in their opposition’s season.

ROUND 13

To get the weekend under way is a 4pm encounter between Wanderers and PINT at Tracy Village Oval.

It’s a real chance for the Greenants to keep their upward trajectory going should they get seize the influx of points they’re after.

But Wanderers are expected to put up a fight wanting to pin one back from a season which at times been disappointing results wise.

From 5pm it’s over to Cazalys Arena for the women’s match between Palmerston and Nightcliff.

Nightcliff will be targeting a win here to push their chances of breaking the top three and securing a double chance come finals time.

But the Magpies women at home will be no slouches, particularly as they find themselves with a chance of making finals should they get the win.

Following is the men’s matchup between the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah at Gardens Oval from 7pm, otherwise known as the Maurice Rioli Cup, a fixture both sides target each and every year.

Waratah have had the better of the encounter in recent years, and are higher on the table at the moment, but the Bombers are on three wins in a row and are looking to scare a top side.

At the same time over at Cazalys Oval the Palmerston Magpies will take on the travelling Nightcliff Tigers, in a match they will be hoping to make a mark in.

And finally on Sunday from 4pm, the Darwin Buffaloes will be doing everything in their power to get the win over home side Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval.

The Buffaloes need the win here to keep themselves in the finals conversation, while Districts know this is an all-important fixture for their hopes of a finals double chance.

ROUND 12

The new year kicks off with our exclusive women’s match between Tiwi Bombers and Palmerston Magpies.

Palmerston will be eyeing this 2.30pm encounter at TIO Stadium as a real opportunity to push their finals case against a Tiwi side looking for a big performance.

Then it’s over to the men’s match-up from 4.30pm, where the Bombers will be looking for their third win in a row against a Palmerston side that hasn’t fired a shot this season.

Tiwi entered the break on a high after their game against top four side St Mary’s was abandoned following a lightning disruption with the Bombers narrowly in the lead.

PINT are another side on a good run and will be hoping that continues when they take on Waratah at DXC Arena from 6.30pm.

Viewers were treated to a thriller last time they met with PINT winning by a solitary point at Waratah’s home.

St Mary’s will be hunting for some redemption at TIO Stadium from 7pm where they will face a formidable Southern Districts.

The Green Machine were soaring, but two losses heading into the break has them back in the pack, and the Crocs, with the likes of Jed Anderson and Jarrod Brander, can certainly make life difficult for them.

At the same time over at Nightcliff Oval, we have the Nightcliff Tigers facing off against Wanderers.

Nightcliff have been a strong side all season, particularly on defence and will be gunning to make full use of that as they chase a percentage booster against the Muk Muks.

ROUND 11

With the Christmas break just around the corner, NTFL clubs will be hoping to leave an impression in Round 11.

St Mary’s travel out to Bathurst Island to take on the Tiwi Bombers in the second Wurrumiyanga fixture of the year from 1.45pm on Saturday.

Saints suffered just their second defeat of the season last week, falling again to the Nightcliff Tigers, and while they are looking to bounce back, Tiwi are a different beast on the island.

Back on the mainland, we head out to Norbuilt Oval for the 4pm fixture between Southern Districts and Wanderers.

Districts know a big win here will be important both to please their home crowd, but also to boost their percentage with the finals double chance now there for the taking.

Then it’s time for our exclusive women’s fixture at TIO Stadium between the Nightcliff Tigers and Darwin Buffettes from 5pm.

Both sides have been on the wrong side of defeats of late, but sitting fourth and fifth respectively, this is sure to be a thriller.

The match will be quickly followed by the men’s fixture between the clubs at 7pm, which will be an all-important test for both sides.

If the Darwin Buffaloes win, they are still well in the finals fight, but Nightcliff knock them over, it becomes a hard road back for the Double Blues.

Finally, from 7.30pm, we will see Waratah head out to Cazalys Arena to take on the Palmerston Magpies.

The reigning premiers are another side in need of a statement win, and against the winless Palmerston, this will be the chance to get it done.

ROUND 10

Get ready for one of the biggest rounds of the NTFL Men’s Premier League season to date.

First place St Mary’s faces fourth-placed Nightcliff while second-placed Waratah take on Southern Districts, the team directly behind them.

But first we have our exclusive Women’s Premier League match, which also promises to be a blockbuster as St Mary’s take on Nightcliff at TIO Stadium from midday.

Saints have been firing on all cylinders of late with the likes of co-captains Emily Forshaw and Billie Byers, as well as goalkicking ace Emma Stark, performing well.

Nightcliff have themselves been impressive this season, and will be wanting to make a real impression after suffering a somewhat surprising loss to Waratah last round.

Then from 4pm we have the men’s fixture, with St Mary’s eager to extend their seven-match winning streak.

It was actually Nightcliff, way back in Round 1, who inflicted Saints’ only defeat to date.

Closing our run of TIO Stadium matches is fifth-placed PINT up against sixth-placed Darwin Buffaloes.

The 6.30pm match will see the Greenants try to right the wrongs of their previous encounter with the Double Blues, who chased down their lead last time around.

It’s one of three matches in the later timeslot, with last year’s grand finalists Waratah and Southern Districts going head-to-head at Gardens Oval.

Both sides have continued their strong showings from last year and once again find themselves in the top four.

And finally over at Cazalys Arena where the bottom two sides, Wanderers and Palmerston, will be throwing everything at this one to secure what will be a rare win this season.

In their last meeting, it was the Muk Muks who came away with the victory, but on their home track it will be Palmerston looking to claim their first win of the season.

ROUND 9

With some massive matches set to impact the makeup of the top four, Round 9 of the NTFL is certainly one to savour.

Up first is our first match on Twi Islands as the Bombers host Wanderers at Wurrumiyanga Oval from 1.45pm.

The Bombers will want a win to please their home fans, and against a Wanderers side who share their 1-6 record, they will have a chance.

Then it’s back to the mainland for our exclusive Women’s Premier League match between the Darwin Buffaloes and St Mary’s at TIO Stadium from 2pm.

St Mary’s have been a frontrunner all season and will be targeting a big match here to further secure a finals double chance against a Buffaloes side with recent struggles.

From 4pm, we have the men’s encounter between the same sides in what should be a real test for their finals ambitions.

St Mary’s have been on a tear of late, with captain Dylan Landt guiding them to six wins in a row.

Meanwhile, the Buffaloes will know they need to start games better than they have done if they are to stand any chance of mixing it with a top side.

Over at Cazalys Oval at 6pm PINT will get another chance to further their finals claims when they take on a Palmerston side who have struggled all season.

The Greenants put themselves back in finals contention with victory against the Bombers last weekend, with Steven Motlop and Liam Holt-Fitz key in their fourth quarter surge.

And finally back at TIO Stadium is the match of the round between Waratah and Nightcliff, two sides who currently sit in the top three.

Reigning premiers Waratah earned a significant win against the Buffaloes last week, while the Tigers showed they are genuine contenders when they saw off Southern Districts.

Round 8

Round eight is full of exciting match-ups, including two clashes which will have a massive bearing on the Premier Men’s top four.

First up though is our exclusive women’s game between Palmerston Magpies and St Mary’s from 2pm.

St Mary’s sit second, having only dropped one match all year, but they know they can’t let up when they take on an improving Palmerston outfit pushing for a finals spot.

Then it’s the men’s turn at TIO Stadium.

St Mary’s have been one of the frontrunners all season, with Dylan Landt, who got 56 touches last week against Tiwi, leading the way.

His side will be hoping for more of the same when they take on the Palmerston Magpies from 4pm, knowing they need to stick to their structures to keep their momentum alive.

Over at Gardens Oval from 4.30pm, Waratah take on the Darwin Buffaloes in what is shaping as one of the games of the round.

The Buffaloes have only dropped one game this year, but they know they have their work cut out for them if they are to stay in the top four.

Then it’s over to DXC Arena where PINT are taking on the Tiwi Bombers.

The Greenants come back from their week off knowing they need victory to stay in touch with the top four, but Tiwi have always been a problem side for them.

Back at TIO Stadium, we have another blockbuster to end the round between the Nightcliff Tigers and Southern Districts from 6.30pm.

The Tigers need to bounce back after last week’s loss while Districts are in rampaging form of late, with the boot of Jarrod Brander proving decisive.

Round 7

Saturday holds all the goodies this weekend, with plenty of Top End action to keep you occupied from start to finish.

St Mary’s return to the action at Gardens Oval at 2pm against the Tiwi Bombers, who have proved themselves an improved side this season despite recent losses.

But not playing on at their home ground at Wurrumiyanga, as originally planned, will force them to hit the ground running extra hard to make an impact.

Saints though have been one of the form sides of the competition, only losing once all year - and that was back in Round 1. They have firepower right across their side, but what effect has the week off had?

At the same time, we have our women’s spectacle between Waratah and Palmerston over at TIO Stadium, in what could be a close encounter.

The Magpies women have been an improved side this year and will want to make an impact against a side who almost went all the way last season.

Then from 4pm, the reigning men’s premiers, Waratah, hope to make a statement in their match against the still winless Palmerston.

From 6.30pm it’s the in-form Southern Districts against a Wanderers outfit who have struggled for results, but still shown plenty of effort.

Round six was certainly a marked improvement from the Muk Muks, where they almost stole the win from PINT.

However, the big boot of Jarrod Brander will be a danger from the Crocs, while the likes of Jed Anderson and Jonathan Ross are also dangerous.

At the same time over Nightcliff Oval, Nightcliff Tigers take on Darwin Buffaloes.

The Tigers are always a dangerous side at home, and the form of Brodie Filo could very well carry them to another victory.

But the Buffaloes will be smarting after dropping their first game of the year, last week against Southern Districts, and will be throwing everything at this one.

ROUND 6

With NTFL Men’s Premier League frontrunners St Mary’s enjoying a week off the field in Round 6, the door has been opened for the teams below them to stake their claim for top spot.

Nightcliff Tigers, who sit one win behind St Mary’s and the Buffaloes, will kickstart the weekend’s action against NTFL strugglers Palmerston Magpies on Friday night.

Recharged after a week off, the Tigers will be determined to put a big score on their rivals to potentially leapfrog their rivals at the top of the ladder.

The Magpies are still searching for their first win of the season, and after conceding triple figures two weeks in a row leading into this round, they will be determined to put in a better showing.

The Bombers were due to return to their home field Wurrumiyanga this weekend, but due to recent weather events on the island, the clash with Waratah has been moved back to TIO Stadium.

Tiwi are coming off the back to two losses, but have shown enough in those losses to suggest they could be a thorn in the side of the reigning champions.

PINT have also struggled in recent weeks, conceding a combined 263 points in the past fortnight, but have a chance to bounce back to the winner’s circle when they host Wanderers at DXC Arena on Saturday night.

The weekend’s action will round out with what could prove to be the match of the round when the undefeated Darwin Buffaloes host Southern Districts at Cazalys Stadium.

Jarrod Stokes and his men have been unstoppable this season, averaging almost 14 goals a game, but will come up against one of the tougher defenses in the league in the Crocs.

Both sides will ride a wave of momentum after massive wins last weekend, and will be ready to provide plenty of excitement on Sunday.

In our exclusive women’s match of the round, Nightcliff will host Palmerston Magpies at Nightcliff Oval on Saturday.

After dropping their first two games of the season by a combined four points, the Tigers have bounced back with huge wins over Tiwi Bombers and Wanderers. After a week off with the bye, they will be determined to keep up that form against the Magpies.

Both sides come into the game with two wins, and off the back of a week off the field.

ROUND 5

PINT will be after some redemption playing on their home deck for the first time this season in the round opener against St Mary’s in primetime on Friday night.

The Greenants started the season very well, but fell to a smashing from Districts in Round 4, despite fielding some of their best players including Steven Motlop and Elliott Chalmers.

However, to get back on the winner’s list they need to find their way past a formidable Saint’s unit in the 8pm Friday game.

On Saturday, our attention turns to the women’s match between the Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes from 12pm.

The Double Blues should be a strong unit once again fresh from a match against Palmerston where AFLW star Courtney Wakefield dominated in front of goal.

Then from 2pm it’s the turn of their men’s counterparts with the exciting Bombers hunting a big scalp against the still unbeaten Buffaloes.

The Buffaloes will be without the likes of Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson this time around, but still have firepower in skipper Jarrod Stokes, but firepower is something Bombers have in droves.

Over at Norbuilt Oval is the battle between Southern Districts and the Palmerston Magpies, from 4pm, with the latter side knowing they have a tough test ahead.

Jed Anderson was among the standouts for Districts in their demolition of PINT, and his whole squad will be looking to tear it up against a Palmerston side which can do it tough if needed.

Waratah return from their bye for the final game of the rounds up against Wanderers at TIO Stadium from 4.30pm.

Tahs will be more than eager to turn their fortunes around after falling twice in close-run affairs, while the Muk Muks will be putting all their effort into getting a result.

ROUND 4

Another blockbuster weekend is on the way in Round 4, and in the opener it’s the Darwin Buffaloes hoping to extend their unbeaten run against Palmerston.

And they will have the firepower to do it in the 8pm Friday fixture, with former Brisbane Lions players Mitch Robinson, Rhys Mathieson and Blake Coleman all joining the action.

Meanwhile, Palmerston have had a slow start to their season, but will be hoping to reverse their fortunes in their first game on their home deck at the Cazalys Arena.

Then on Saturday it’s over to TIO Stadium for the women’s face-off between premiers PINT and a young but promising Southern Districts side.

The Queenants will be doing everything in their power to keep the wins coming and maintain a high percentage in anticipation of big battles to come.

Their men’s counterparts take centre stage right after from 2pm, in a match which promises to be a belter.

PINT proved themselves the side to watch last week in a one-point thriller win against Waratah, on the back of a strong Steven Motlop performance.

And while their Crocs foes have been slow out of the blocks this season they still are the side who made it to the last year’s grand final, and a side eager to find their feet in the 2023-24 season.

Closing out the day is a face-off between a newly invigorated Tiwi Bombers, who brought the excitement in Round 3, and Nightcliff Tigers, who know how to pile on goals.

Then finally on Sunday from 4pm is a face-off between traditional rivals Wanderers and St Mary’s at Tracy Village Oval.

St Mary’s will be the favoured side based on recent form, but the Muk Muks have a way of showing up against their old foes.

ROUND 3

The third round will open with the first home game of the season for reigning premiers Waratah, who will unfurl their premiership flag at Gardens Oval on Friday night.

They take on PINT, who in Round 2 proved they’re not ones to shy away from a challenge in opposition territory.

Then on Saturday, it’s over to Norbuilt Oval where Southern Districts will take on St Mary’s in what promises to be a thriller.

The Crocs held on by the skin of their teeth against a fast-finishing Tiwi outfit last week, and it took the talents of senior players such as Matt Dennis and Roy George to get through.

Meanwhile, Saints pulled off a massive comeback against Waratah on the back of an inspirational showing from Dylan Landt.

St Mary's captain Dylan Landt has had a stellar start to the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Following that at TIO Stadium from 4.30pm is a face-off between Palmerston Magpies and Tiwi Bombers.

Both sides are yet to get on the winner’s list and have both had to sit through early season byes, but one side is set to break through.

And to close out Saturday’s entertainment from 7pm is Nightcliff vs Wanderers, with both sides currently sitting on one win each.

Our exclusive women’s match this weekend will be a grand final rematch on Sunday between PINT and Waratah, back at Gardens Oval from 6pm.

The Greenants are so far undefeated, while Waratah suffered a second round loss to St Mary’s, but they will be both focused on the task at hand.

PINT’s Steph Lawrence currently leads the women’s goal scoring with seven, but Tahs have plenty of firepower of their own up front including Jenna Singh Lippo.

ROUND 2

The second round will kick off with a match of opportunity between last year’s grand finalists Southern Districts and the Tiwi Bombers.

The Crocs will be smarting after their opening round shellacking at the hands of reigning premiers Waratah.

Southern Districts conceded 19 goals in that clash, and will need to tighten up their defence against a flashy Tiwi Islands’ side heading into its first game of the new season.

The reigning premiers will be determined to continue their scoring flurry to start the season when they clash with St Mary’s.

The St Mary’s men were slow out of the blocks in their Round 1 loss to Nightcliff, but had enough opportunities on goal to threaten as an upset potential on Saturday night.

The match of the round on Saturday night will see Wanderers up against Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium.

The two sides cruise into the second round off the back of strong opening round wins, and have a chance to send themselves to the top of the ladder with a big result.

In the final Men’s Premier League match of Round 2 an impressive Tigers side will play host to PINT at Nightcliff Oval.

The NT News’ exclusive women’s game of the round features two sides who kicked their season into gear with big wins last week in Waratah and St Mary’s.

ROUND 1

The opening round of the new season kicked off with a grand final rematch between Waratah and Southern Districts.

These two sides are expected to be strong once again this season getting the season off to an explosive start from 8pm, October 6 at TIO Stadium.

Then on the Saturday we will be streaming our first women’s match of the season, between the past two premiers PINT and Darwin Buffaloes from 12pm.

Then back to the men, the league’s newest side, and last season’s surprise package, PINT will take on a Darwin Buffaloes side with real promise from 2pm.

They will be quickly followed at 4.30pm by the battle of the birds fought between the Palmerston Magpies and Wanderers, also being played at TIO Stadium.

And finally long-time rivals St Mary’s and Nightcliff will face off in a match usually deserving of the 7pm timeslot.

The Tiwi Bombers will play their first match of the year in Round 2.

Waratah won the 2022-23 NTFL premiership in a grand final win against Southern Districts. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NT News editor Melanie Plane said the News Corp team was excited to partner with AFLNT for a fourth season.

“As an AFL fanatic myself, I am thrilled to be continuing the partnership with AFLNT this season, which is sure to be just as action-packed as last year,” Ms Plane said.

“We’ll again be live streaming a women’s match, as well as the four men’s matches, each week.

“With a host of NT players starring in the recent AFL finals series and two of our own making it to the big dance with the Brisbane Lions, it’s clear the Territory is teeming with talent.

“And the NT News can’t wait to showcase our rising and returned stars to the nation, and the world, again this season.”

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said after the success of the partnership across the past few seasons, he was excited to continue to drive exposure of the competition.

“We’re pleased to be extending our broadcast relationship with NT News for the 2023-24 TIO NTFL Season,” he said.

“The renewed partnership provides great exposure for players, coaches, and footy across the Top End.

“After doubling viewership numbers in the 2022-23 season, it’s clear the interest in the TIO NTFL, both locally and across the country, is incredibly strong.

“Our ongoing partnership is an opportunity for not only NT News subscribers to gain access to fantastic games, but it also showcases the premier NTFL product to a national audience.”