NTFL 2022-23: Watch Darwin Buffaloes vs Palmerston Magpies Round 14 livestream

Darwin Buffaloes are one step closer to locking down a place in the NTFL finals after winning in a tight encounter against Palmerston. WATCH THE REPLAY.

Darwin Buffaloes triumphed in a tight encounter against the Palmerston magpies to strengthen their position among the NTFL top five.

The Double Blues needed the win to secure fourth on the table for another week, while Palmerston desperately needed a victory to turn their season around.

However, it was Buffs who overran their opponents in the second half after a near-constant back and forth to take the win 10.12 (72) to 7.6 (48).

Buffaloes were dealt an early blow when Liam Whelan had to come off the field injured after being blindsided by a flying Ryan Warfe aiming to take a mark.

It was a moment indicative of Palmerston’s early intensity as they pushed and pushed for the win to turn their season around.

And the dominance of possessions did cough up the first goal of the match through young gun Waylon Davey.

However, the moment the Magpies scored was the moment Buffaloes woke up with Jarrod Stokes dominating the midfield while Kokwan Niki and Tim Eldridge were everywhere in link up roles.

Much to Palmerston’s dismay it was their former teammate Daniel Stafford sitting in the Buffaloes forward fifty, and he was quick to make an impression scoring thrice in the first quarter.

Tackle pressure was key for Darwin’s comeback using Ryan Pendlebury to limit Palmerston’s skipper Eric Guthrie’s influence on the match.

Thomas Baulch scored three second half goals to help his side break free of Palmerston. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Meanwhile, Stokes continued to dominate forcing Palmerston to put Sam McNaughton on tagging duty.

Palmerston had their chances with Eddie Betts scoring a couple of popular goals, while Orlando Turner was also busy.

But the side ultimately missed the presence of two of their best, Baxter Mensch and Sam Clohesy, which limited their possessions.

Despite Buffaloes midfield dominance they were unable to separate themselves for much of the match, but Thomas Baulch worked his way into the game in the second half.

With him active in the forward line Buffs were able to soar and separate themselves in the final quarter securing the win.

Magpies tried to bring a couple of goals back but chances from Waylon Davey, who hit the post, and Alijah Davey, whose kick was touched, went begging.

“This was one of the most important games for us because they’re very close to us on the ladder, so to jump them gives us a very good chance of playing finals,” Baulch said.

“I don’t think we got out of first gear for a while, but our tackle pressure and intensity was fantastic, and once we were able to kick straight we were right to go.

“Tackle pressure and discipline are the two big things I’ve noticed that we improved on from last year, and they are areas that win games.

“I struggled in the first half after a month off, don’t think I got a kick, but it was good to get off the leash a little bit in the second half and score a few goals.

“I’m not going to miss a game now for the rest of the season, I’ll be here for every single one I can get up for.”

Score:

Buffaloes: 4.1 5.4 7.10 10.12 (72)

Palmerston: 2.1 5.2 7.4 7.6 (48)

Goals:

Buffaloes:

Daniel Stafford 4

Thomas Baulch 3

Thomas Clarke 2

Jarrod Stokes

Palmerston:

Eddie Betts

Waylon Davey

Orlando Turner

Cameron Pedersen

Josiah Farrer

Kallym Groves

Best:

Buffaloes:

Jarrod Stokes

Thomas Baulch

Tim Eldridge

Patrick Boles

Daniel Stafford

Palmerston:

Cam Pedersen

Eric Guthrie

Josiah Farrer

Anthony Treacy

Orlando Turner

LIVESTREAM PREVIEW

Palmerston Magpies are hoping home advantage will turn around their downward spiral, but are up against a Darwin Buffaloes side who can solidify their spot in the top four.

And the NT News will be there to livestream the game exclusively for you from 7pm, Saturday.

Palmerston slipped outside of the finals berths last week when they were handed a thrashing by top side Southern Districts.

It was the latest in a run of defeats for the Magpies, however the black and white outfit still have the players and talent to turn their season around.

But they will need to do it soon in order to climb back into premiership contention after a disappointing couple of months.

Meanwhile, the Darwin Buffaloes will hope to bring four points home with them and further solidify their spot in the top four.

Palmerston Magpies will take on the Darwin Buffaloes at Cazalys Arena. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

The Buffaloes lost last time these two sides faced, but currently have the better form and will hope that holds true throughout the encounter.

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.