NTFL 2022-23: Watch Tiwi Bombers vs Southern Districts Round 15 livestream

A seven-goal return from Districts’ full forward saw them beat Tiwi in a storm disrupted match. WATCH THE REPLAY.

A seven-goal return from full forward Sam Dunstan helped seal the win for top side Southern Districts before their match against Tiwi was called off early due to lightning.

For Tiwi the match was about getting a team on the field after lacking player numbers they had to forfeit against Waratah in the Round 14 Maurice Rioli Cup.

Meanwhile, for Districts, who remain top of the table, it was a chance to bounce back from their disappointing Round 14 loss to Nightcliff.

And as lightning struck nearby and players shook hands with the score sitting at 16.10 (106) to 2.5 (17) late in the third quarter they managed just that.

The Bombers had some early momentum with Sam Darley returning to the field for the first time in nine weeks, while former Bulldogs and West Coast player Josh Carter (formally Hill) was in the side.

It gave the bottom of the table outfit some star power to go alongside usual standouts Harley Bennell, Nick Hooker and Dion Munkara.

But still it was Districts who were the more impressive side with Matt Dennis absolutely dominating in the ruck while Dean Staunton and Jack Sexton provided key link-up options.

Big Sam Dunstan was the main benefactor as he towered over the Tiwi defence, was able to take mark after mark, which he quickly converted for goals.

Southern District's Sam Dunstan scored seven goals against the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media.

The Bombers were quick to respond with the ball playing up the field passing through the hands of Sam Darley, Bradley Mungatopi and Dion Munkara on the way to Michael Dunn who put it through.

As the quarter wore on however, it was clear Districts were a class above with Dunstan finding four of his seven goals in the opening period, while Luke Smith also got plenty of the action.

And Tiwi didn’t make it any easier on themselves giving away fifties, including one which involved one of their water runners getting in the way of play.

It was a trend which carried into the second quarter as Tiwi gave away a 6-6-6 and shortly after Dunstan was given another free kick after a push in the back from Brendan Kantilla.

Carter Prendergast was the next to kick down the throat of Dunstan just a minute later and Districts had the match well in control.

“After the Nightcliff game we really had a wakeup call, we were disappointed with what we showed that day,” Dunstan said.

“So we sort of sat down and went through what we needed to heading into finals, and we made sure no matter the score in this one we kept to our structures.

“Tiwi kept themselves in and the scoreboard didn’t show how well they played. We always expected a surge of competitiveness from them.”

It was after those two quick second quarter goals that Tiwi got wise to the threat of Dunstan and put Carter on him to limit his impact.

In exchange they had their own opportunities using Bennell and Darley to get the ball downfield while the likes of Roy Farmer and John Tipiloura put the pressure on.

While Jason Burke did manage to convert one opportunity, Crocs’ defenders Frazer Driscoll and Michael Bowden were well equipped to turn over the ball.

And the Districts mids were just as equpied to put their own pressure on from a four bounce run from youngster Taj Stanley to the constant run of Staunton.

The match never reached its true conclusion with the lightning policy ending play 21 minutes into the third quarter with both teams shaking hands then.

Score:

Bombers: 1.3 2.3 2.5 (17)

Districts: 7.3 12.6 16.10 (106)

Goals:

Bombers:

Michael Dunn

Jason Burke

Districts:

Sam Dunstan 7

Luke Smith 4

Kaine Stevens 2

Matt Dennis

Ethan Maney

Jack Sexton

Best:

Bombers:

Harley Bennell

Sam Darley

Nick Hooker

Michael Dunn

Bradley Mungatopi

Districts:

Sam Dunstan

Matt Dennis

Frazer Driscoll

Dean Staunton

Kaine Stevens

LIVESTREAM PREVIEW

Top of the table Southern Districts and bottom side Tiwi Bombers both have a point to prove when they clash in Round 15.

And the NT News will be there to livestream the game exclusively for you from 2.30pm, Saturday.

The Bombers haven’t played since before the Christmas break having forfeit their Maurice Rioli Cup match against Waratah in Round 14.

However, a team has been named to play in Round 15 including Harley Bennell and a returning Sam Darley who both have the ability to turn up the heat on their opposition.

In many respects top of the table outfit Southern Districts also have something to prove after suffering a heavy defeat to Nightcliff last round.

The Crocs were dismantled in a way few have managed in the 2022-23 season and while they still hold on to the top spot they’re no longer secure in that position.

Tiwi Bombers will take on Southern Districts in Round 15 of the 2022-23 NTFL season. Picture: Warren Leyden / AFLNT Media

They will be wanting a much improved performance to show any doubters that they belong on top.

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.