NTFL 2022-23: Watch Darwin Buffaloes vs Southern Districts Round 18 livestream

A late goal blitz helped Southern Districts pull off a big win over an injury struck Darwin Buffaloes outfit. WATCH THE REPLAY.

A late blitz of goals saw league leaders Southern Districts comfortably defeat a Darwin Buffaloes outfit struck by injury at TIO Stadium.

The Buffaloes stayed in the contest for the best of three quarters, but key injuries including a potential hamstring to skipper Jarrod Stokes snapped their momentum.

But Districts marched on, having already wrapped up the minor premiership, and showed why they’re on top winning 16.8 (104) to 8.4 (52).

With finals secured the Double Blues experimented with player positions playing Hassan Ahmat-Watkins and Aaron Stokes in the forward line, and pushing tall forward Liam Whelan down back.

It was a move which paid off in the early stages adding pace and height where needed, but also catching Districts off-guard.

However, the Crocs still had the better of the early stages using their big bodies to force Buffaloes off the ball and eventually tall forward Sam Dunstan nailed the first major with a snap.

Districts had also topped up for the encounter, which for them was caught between two bye weekends, and in doing so welcomed back both Matt Shannon and Cam Ellis-Yolmen.

Matt Dennis had another dominant performance in the ruck against the Darwin Buffaloes. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media.

Jake McQueen and Jack Sexton were busy across the midfield, while Matt Dennis absolutely dominated in the ruck.

It was a period where Crocs probably would have expected to score more, but the Buffaloes backline led by Bradley Stokes and Matthew Cassidy limited those chances.

A heated battle broke out in the centre circle as McQueen pushed Tim Eldridge to the floor after a tackle, drawing players from both sides into the contest.

The Double Blues bounced back in the second quarter asserting their own authority as they played toward the scoring end.

Jarrod Stokes was at his damaging best charging out of midfield or playing further forward to drag the score back for his club.

Fly-in player Thomas Jok was also busy showing off his deft hands and athleticism to win the ball in situations he had no right to, while latecomer Daniel Stafford was strong in front of goal.

It was a period which showed what Buffaloes can be when they’re at their best with Mitch Robinson, John Vrodos and Thomas Clarke key instigators in the comeback

Disaster struck for Buffaloes in the third quarter their captain pulled up awkwardly and was forced to come off the field after seemingly doing his left hamstring.

It was a turning point in the match as the Buffs also lost Bradley Stokes and Whelan, who had guarded Dunstan well, to injury.

Districts ramped up the pressure in that period and with some of the Buffaloes’ best now off the field they were able to make it rain goals pushing the score out a long way.

Dennis and Luke Smith were two players who only got better as the game wore, and both played integral roles in making sure the Crocs stayed on the front foot.

Overall, it was a performance captain Dean Staunton was pleased with as he and his men now prepare for finals.

“We always knew it would be a tough game and they would come to play, so it’s good to get out the way,” Staunton said.

“It was a hard fought game and we just had to go to another level at half time, because we knew they would as well.

“We grinded it out in that third quarter and were able to have a bit of fun with it in the last quarter.

“We have a plan now for finals, and we just have to stick to that process and find that next level as a team, because other sides are going to come for us.”

Score:

Buffaloes: 1.1 6.3 7.4 8.4 (52)

Districts: 3.2 6.3 10.5 16.8 (104)

Goals:

Buffaloes:

Daniel Stafford 3

Jarrod Stokes 2

Thomas Jok

Thomas Clarke

Mitch Robinson

Districts:

Sam Dunstan 4

Beau Schawarze 2

Dylan Barry 2

Jack Mentha

Jonathon Ross

Taj Stanley

Luke Smith

Jake McQueen

Ethan Maney

Cam Ellis-Yolmen

Best:

Buffaloes:

John Vrodos

Matthew Cassidy

Jarrod Stokes

Liam Whelan

Daniel Stafford

Districts:

Matt Dennis

Jack Sexton

Jake McQueen

Luke Smith

Sam Dunstan

LIVESTREAM PREVIEW

The finals-bound Darwin Buffaloes will be out to prove themselves when they take on the league leading outfit Southern Districts in Round 18 of the NTFL.

And the NT News will be there to livestream every minute of the game exclusively for you from 3.30pm, Saturday.

This match will be crucial tune-up for Districts who are coming off a bye round, and as the top side have another week off in finals.

The Crocs have easily been one of the form sides throughout the 2021-22 season with wins against all the other top sides, and depth across their list.

The former is one area Buffs have struggled in throughout the season, with only one win against a fellow finals side.

Southern Districts will take on Darwin Buffaloes in the Round 18 match of the round. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

However, they’ve got exciting players throughout their squad, particularly skipper Jarrod Stokes who has explosive pace to spare.

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.