NTFL 2023-24: Watch Southern Districts vs Tiwi Bombers Round 2 livestream

Southern Districts have confirmed they will again be a force this season after denying the fast-finishing Tiwi Bombers in Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s return. WATCH THE REPLAY.

Southern Districts withstood a late Tiwi Bomber surge and ran out 11-point winners in the match played under hot windy conditions.

The Crocs won 12.9 (81) to 10.10 (70) surviving what was an exciting Tiwi side, featuring former Essendon Bomber Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.

Despite the aerial dominance of Districts ruckman Matthew Dennis, his direct opponent Karlson Kantilla, midfielders Brock Orval, Timothy Babui and John Tipiloura refused to concede and regularly rushed the ball forward.

But a stout Croc defence and a failure to utilise a strong wind at their backs, the visitors were denied a much healthier lead at the first break.

Jed Anderson playing for Southern Districts in the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Using the wind to better advantage, a five goal to two second term in favour of Districts turned the tide.

Dennis continued to dominate the highball duels while Croc running players Ronald Fejo, Roy George, Brodie Grace and rebounding defender Mitch Pemberton finally found their mojo and began to weave some magic of their own.

Districts extended its halftime lead to 16-points thanks to goals from Dennis, George and Beau Schwarze while Orvil and stand in skipper Brendan Kantilla kept the Bombers in touch going into the last quarter.

Although quiet early, Brayden Rioli booted two quick goals in the opening minutes of the final term and when Roy Kantilla and the captain added one more each, the Bombers were flying and an upset seemed possible.

However, Districts responded in the best possible manner with three of their own including a masterfully individual six pointer from Jed Anderson who twice ran, laid-off and received and finished with precision to demonstrate his class in a match saving performance.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has returned to the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL, with club president Lindsay Whiting. Picture: Tiwi Bombers Football Club

Chief among the Croc players to influence the victory was Peel Thunder recruit Roy George who is in his second season with the rural team.

George played in the midfield and booted two goals but was happier with the overall team performance against a much-improved Bombers side.

“I played mostly midfield and tried to work up and down the ground and it was pretty hot today which made running hard work and although I play mostly up forward in the WAFL, Shannon (Rusca – Croc Coach) wants me in among the mids,” George said.

“Tiwi put us under serious pressure a few times today, but we held up when we had to and finally got the win which will give us some belief going forward.

“I enjoy it up here, I make good and lasting friends and equally it keeps me fit over the summer months for when I return to the WAFL.”

Score:

Districts: 1.2 6.5 9.7 12.9 (81)

Bombers: 2.2 4.5 6.9 10.10 (70)

Goals:

Districts:

Beau Schwarze 2

Ethan Maney 2

Roy George 2

Ronald Fejo

Brodie Grace

Jed Anderson

Matthew Dennis

Mitch Pemberton

Dylan Barry

Bombers:

Brendan Kantilla 3

Brayden Rioli 2

Brock Orval

Thaddeus Puautjimi

Dale Cunningham

Clayton Tipilouura

Roy Kantilla

Best:

Districts:

Matthew Dennis

Roy George

Ronald Fejo

Jake McQueen

Mitch Pemberton

Bombers:

Brendan Kantilla

Timothy Babui

John Tipiloura

Thaddeus Puautjimi

Tanna Blackney-Noter

PREVIEW

Essendon cult hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti officially begins his second stint with the Tiwi Bombers this weekend, up against last year’s grand finalists Southern Districts.

And the NT News and KommunityTV will be there to stream every moment of the spectacle from 1pm Saturday.

The man played 133 games for the Essendon Bombers in an illustrious playing career which included 157 goals.

The 30-year-old retired from the AFL on August 24, and now he’s made a committed return to his NTFL side, who he last played with in their 2011-12 premiership winning season.

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER GAME? FIND THE LINKS TO ALL ROUND 2 GAMES BELOW

It will be a big boost for the side who have struggled in the past three seasons, and though they had the bye in the season opener are ready to make an impact against the Crocs.

The Bombers icon won’t be the only former AFL player to feature in the match with former Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Gold Coast footballer Jed Anderson on the Crocs side.

Anderson was one of the shining lights in Districts’ opening defeat to Waratah picking up 20 possessions, and setting more than one scoring move in motion.

Full replays of the match will be posted here following the game’s finish.

The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to livestream both the Men’s and Women’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.