NTFL 2023-24: Watch PINT v Palmerston Magpies Round 18 live stream

It wasn’t the goalfest many expected, but PINT can still take plenty of positives from their 51-point success over Palmerston into next week’s NTFL finals debut. Relive all the action.

PINT will go into their first-ever finals series with some nice momentum after brushing off a Palmerston side that showed fight in their last match of the year.

The Greenants’ main objective was to come through unscathed against a side who have yet to post a win in the 2023-24 NTFL season.

And while PINT’s win never really looked in question, they were made to work at stages as they cruised to a 12.8 (80) to 3.11 (29) win.

The 51-point victory was not all plain sailing for the Greenant’s, as firstly, coach Shannon Motlop rested some key players and secondly, he played a few out of their normal comfort zones including placing forward wizard Liam Holt-Fitz into the on-ball mix and defender Steven Motlop back to the forward line.

A winless Palmerston was playing for pride and despite trailing by 24-points at halftime, there was a semblance of positive output from the team, but poor returns on goal and a bustling PINT defence led by Harrison Maher, Thomas Motlop and Ethan Smith didn’t help the cause.

Around the ball, Palmy had winners in Tyson Young and Perry Lewis-Smith while swingman Myles Poholke had the ball on a string and picked up possession seemingly at will.

They also pretty much controlled the ruck where Alexander Paech, and when required Benjamin Power, did the deed on Connor Mcdonald which was a rare event during the season where the Greenant follower has taken all before him.

Thomas Motlop playing for PINT in the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

PINT looked better after the long break and with Steven Motlop returning to defence and a lift by running players Thomas Schott and Silver Yousif, they extended the lead to 34-points at three-quarter time.

A runaway last term where they held the Magpies goalless sealed the deal for the home team.

But the story of the day was the return to Premier Grade footy of Thomas Motlop following a retirement earlier in the season due to a frustrating run of injuries.

Motlop was full of running across halfback early in the game where together with his fellow defenders he repelled most Magpie forward forays, and later, he was moved forward where he continued to be effective.

“I was retired there for a while but ended up having a few games in the reserves and returned to a bit of form and although I enjoyed that time, I am competitive and always looked at getting back to Premier Grade,” Motlop said.

“Today we played Palmerston and while I don’t know what the perfect lead into finals is, we tried a few different things against a team with their own worries and they pushed us in certain areas.

“However, it’s up to our coach and match committee to make decisions about selection, game plans and player positions in the team.”

Score:

PINT: 3.2 6.3 9.4 12.8 (80)

Palmerston: 1.1 2.3 3.6 3.11 (29)

Goals:

PINT:

Benjamin Brett 2

Andrew Jones 2

Kyle Kirk 2

Silver Yousif 2

Andrew Mead-Harding

Liam Holt-Fitz

Thomas Schott

Sam Kalbfell

Palmerston:

Perry Lewis-Smith 2

Justin Taylor

Best:

PINT:

Liam Holt-Fitz

Harrison Maher

Thomas Motlop

Thomas Schott

Ethan Smith

Palmerston:

Perry Lewis-Smith

Ashton Hams

Myles Poholke

Tyson Young

Alexander Paech

PREVIEW

The Greenants prepare for their first-ever NTFL finals campaign by hosting the winless Magpies in their final preliminary round game.

It presents not only a golden opportunity to build some confidence in front of goal, but also gives fans another chance to enjoy the silky skills of the impressive Steven Motlop.

The NT News and KommunityTV will be at DXC Arena to stream every moment from 6pm on Saturday.

With Motlop leading from the front - and Harrison Maher and Brad Ryan all in strong form - PINT have been defensively sound throughout the 2023-24 season.

But against Palmerston that’s not going to be an area of concern.

Instead, goals will be their focus, particularly after running into problems against the top sides in recent rounds.

Steven Motlop has been in great form for PINT.

Silver Yousif and Liam Holt-Fitz are two players who bring speed in that area, while Rory Taggert, Andrew Mead-Harding and skipper Matt Ryan have proved their scoring ability, at times, this season.

PINT won their first clash this season back in December by 107 points.

It’s been a season to forget for Palmerston but their young side will be wanting to carry some confidence into their post season.

A full replay will be posted here at the end of the game.

The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to live stream both the men’s and women’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.