NTFL 2023-24: Watch PINT vs Nightcliff Tigers Round 16 live stream

The Nightcliff Tigers remain atop the NTFL ladder following a defensive masterclass which held top five rivals PINT goalless for three quarters. Watch all the action again.

The Nightcliff Tigers remain atop the NTFL ladder following a defensive masterclass that saw them claim redemption against PINT in their Round 16 clash.

The Tigers bared their teeth in a top-shelf defensive display, keeping fellow top-five hopefuls PINT goalless for the opening three terms.

The Tigers locked the Greenants out of the contest in the first half, before several late opportunistic goals helped PINT close the gap to 8.12 (60) to 3.8 (26).

WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Nightcliff applied the pressure from the offset, stifling PINT’s efforts to escape their defensive third off the efforts of Mitchell Norton and Lewis Rinaldi.

And with defensive juggernaut Steven Motlop not in action, PINT were left hapless as the Tigers pressed high and early every single play.

Usual suspects Cooper Dahms and Ryan Nyhuis were relentless all game while Brodie Filo continued his strong run of form in the midfield.

Warwick Williams, Benjamin Brett and Connor McDonald gave it their all through the middle for the Greenants and troubled upfront in the fourth.

But were unable to claw back the deficit before the full time siren rang out with the side now sitting on level pegging with the Buffaloes.

Cooper Dahms had a standout performance for the Nightcliff Tigers against PINT in Round 16 of the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

“Leigh (coach) mentioned before the game that we’ve been the best defensive side in the competition to date and I think that really made us want to keep that stat going,” Dahms said.

“Everyone buys into the defensive acts and especially at the back we have a super solid six or seven, alongside the rest of the team.

“Having a good defence is really helpful as it allows us to get on the counter and turn it in attack, which can flip the momentum of the contest on its head.

Dahms rationalised that his side might have unconsciously switched off a little bit in the final quarter, which allowed PINT to get on the score sheet.

The Tiger also spoke on the importance of the four points, lamenting the fact his outfit will face two of the top four sides in their remaining outings.

“We’ve got Crocs (Southern Districts) then Waratah, so both games will obviously be tough and will need us to be at our best, and we want to win the minor premiership,” he said.

“However, it’ll also keep us in the mindset of finals footy and hopefully that’ll give us the edge come actual finals.”

Score:

PINT: 0.1 0.4 0.6 3.8 (26)

Tigers: 4.3 6.5 8.8 8.12 (60)

Best:

PINT:

Warwick Williams

Connor Mcdonald

Johnathan Marsden

Brodie Motlop

Benjamin Brett

Tigers:

Cooper Dahms

Brodie Filo

John Peris

Zachary Moody

Ryan Nyhuis

Preview

PINT need a big scalp to shore up their position in the NTFL top five and build some momentum heading into finals.

But top of the table Nightcliff, fresh off a bye, present a huge stumbling block.

The NT News and KommunityTV will be there to stream every minute of the big game from 6pm on Saturday.

Being at home for this encounter, and on the cusp of playing their first-ever Premier League finals campaign, the Greenants will want to make an impression.

Steven Motlop has always been a big contributor, but he has been a revelation since joining the likes of Harrison Maher and Brad Ryan down back.

Former Carlton player Lochie O’Brien had an impressive outing last week, and alongside Connor McDonald and Elliott Chalmers they present a solid midfield.

It’s just in goalkicking where PINT need to improve.

Steven Motlop of PINT chases down Nightcliff's Brodie Filo earlier this season.

And it’s there where they might struggle, with Nightcliff being one of the best defensive sides in the competition. Mitch Norton, Lewis Rinaldi and Ryan Nyhuis are all able to play lock down roles.

The Tigers, as a unit, have had an impressive year and are only getting better, especially with Lachlan Tardrew and Brodie Filo among the best ball getters in the competition.

A full replays of the match 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.