NTFL 2022-23: Watch Waratah vs Southern Districts Round 12 livestream

Southern Districts have secured top spot on the NTFL ladder heading into the Christmas break after beating rivals Waratah. WATCH THE REPLAY.

Southern Districts went to the Christmas break as ladder leaders after a power-packed display against Waratah at Gardens Oval.

With both teams keen to assert its authority, it was the visitors that set the early agenda when Ronald Fejo snapped truly within 20 seconds of the start, and thereafter, the Crocs had all the answers and didn’t allow their opponents to make any serious inroads on the scoreboard.

Despite a near perfect small forward role by Jayden Magro who booted seven goals in a lone hand role for Tahs, it was Districts who dominated most aspects of the match and with nine goal scorers ran out 15.10 (100) to 11.6 (72).

Ronald Fejo celebrating a goal for Southern Districts against Waratah. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The ruck contest between Matthew Dennis (Districts) and Arnold Kirby (Tahs) was much anticipated with both having an equal impact but when the ball finally hit the ground it was the pace and ferocious defensive efforts from all over the ground that had Districts ruling supreme.

Chief among the Croc on-ball brigade was Jye Bolton and the dual Sandover Medallist from WAFL club Claremont has had an ambition to play in the NTFL for many seasons.

“Everyone played their role today and that was what Shannon (coach – Rusca) focussed on pregame to ensure we were ready to play a quality side like Waratah,” said Bolton.

“That keeps us in top spot at the break and while that was not the entire motivation there was a little bit of chat before the game, but we tried to keep a clear perspective on the task ahead.”

Bolton said he has wanted to come to Darwin to play for many years, but his WA club has denied him the opportunity.

“I’ve always wanted to come up here and experience the NT and do a bit of fishing, but Claremont hasn’t let me come here for the last five years but this year they let me’” he said.

“We’ve got a couple of weeks off now and we plan to go to Dundee with the boys and do a bit of fishing.”

From when Fejo goaled inside the first minute, Districts had all the answers, and an impressive aspect was the defensive pressure applied by the forwards. Tahs had moments in the game, but the usual gather by their classy on-ballers was always under pressure and their only reliable avenue to goal was through Magro, however, a strong defensive Croc unit led by Matthew Mazzini was relentless in pursuit of the ball or opponents.

Score:

WARATAH 3.2 7.3 8.5 11.6 (72)

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 6.2 9.4 11.9 15.10 (100)

GOALS

Waratah:

Jayden Magro 7

Brodie Carroll 2

Tom Banuelos

Darcy Hope

Southern Districts:

Beau Schwarze 3

Sam Dunston 3

Ronald Fejo 2

Jack Sexton 2

Jack Mentha

Harry McInnes

Dylan Barry

Luke Smith

Jye Bolton

BEST

Waratah:

Jye Bolton

Jack Sexton

Matthew Mazzini

Matthew Dennis

Ronald Fejo

Southern Districts:

Jayden Magro

Jack O’Sullivan

Arnold Kirby

Joel Croker

Thomas Cree

LIVESTREAM PREVIEW

Waratah and Southern Districts have been the form sides all season, and their Round 12 encounter will decide who goes into the Christmas break on top of the table.

And the NT News will be there to livestream the game exclusively for you from 4pm, Saturday.

Waratah sit second, just two competition points behind their minor premiership rivals, but will perhaps be the more confident side as they play host at Gardens Oval.

No one has beaten Waratah at home this season, but there have been some close calls particularly in Round 11 when they forgot their goal kicking boots against Nightcliff.

There’s plenty of talent in this Tahs’ side including midfield pair Scott Carlin and Ed Morris, a strong defensive unit led by Dylan Collis and tall forward Darcy Hope up front.

However, talent is not an area Districts are lacking, and they come in having got the better of the encounter last time they faced at Norbuilt Oval.

Matt Dennis is expected to rule the ruck and will make life hard for the Waratah midfield.

Luke Smith, Matt Shannon and Jake McQueen have all been among the best players in the league this season and can rack up the possessions very quickly when given the chance.

Waratah and Southern Districts are chasing the top spot on the NTFL table when they meet in Round 12 of the 2022-23 season. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media

This is a match that could truly go either way and it couldn’t have come at a better time of the season.

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.