NTFL 2023-24: Watch Waratah vs Wanderers Round 15 live stream

Waratah broke clear with an eight goal final quarter to beat Wanderers and retain the Foundation Cup. Watch the full match replay

Due to technical difficulties caused by the inclement weather, we had issues with the connection to Gardens Oval. While we have made a replay available above, it does not have graphics or commentary. We apologise for the inconvenience and will endeavour to have a full replay available as soon as possible.

It took an eight-goal last quarter blitz for Waratah to finally overcome a determined Wanderers in their Foundation Cp match played at a heavy, rain sodden Gardens Oval on Saturday.

In a game where neither side scored a goal in the third term, the home team managed to switch on and dominated the final and ran out 14.12 (96) to 4.7 (31) winners.

It was all about Tahs in the first, but it took skipper Brodie Carroll to boot the opening goal at the four-minute mark and then another four single goal kickers followed while the Muk Muk’s only managed one when Michael Mummery found space and cleverly slid one through off the ground.

Wanderers closed ranks in defence with Nathan Jones-Cubillo holding red and white ace Jayden Magro pretty much kickless, but equally, the Waratah defence was also nearly impossible to crack and a single goal each for the term was the result when the half-time hooter blew.

With goals being like gold an unusual situation occurred in the third where neither side managed a six-pointer and although Wanderers turned into the last trailing by 29-points, the match was up for grabs if the visitors could find an efficient way forward.

But a watertight Tah defence combined with the efforts of Magro who finally broke the Jones-Cubillo shackles and kicked four goals for the term turned the tide. Anthony Munkara lit up the ground with two spectacular majors and left footers Carroll and Will Clark added their own pieces of magic with a goal each. Sebastian Oconnell eventually got the Eagles on the board with a goal at the 20-minute mark and although Will James added another a short while later, it was too little too late.

Anthony Munkara playing for Waratah in the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: David Bradley / AFLNT Media

Never losing sight of the ball and pushing his side into attack across the entire match was Waratah midfielder Lachlan Cassidy. The Ballarat recruit gathered a mountain of possession and was awarded his side’s Foundation Cup Medal. Jaxon East was named Wanderers best player, and he was likewise awarded a medal for his team.

But it was Cassidy who was the standout player and he agreed his team was warned about the likely Wanderers reaction to the occasion.

“They came out pretty hard and we knew it was going to be a strong contest from the start and while the weather didn’t really help us, we got away with it in the end,” said Cassidy.

“That third quarter was pretty hectic - they flooded players back and while we needed to adapt to that we couldn’t quite manage it, but we held them goalless too.

“The coach didn’t tear strips off us at the three-quarter time break – he simply asked us to open up the game and that gave Magro some space and I think he got four in the last. We know Mags is a good player and we just needed to get it down to him and he will do the rest.

“I’m enjoying it up here and while I didn’t play last season and missed the premiership, the boys are keen to go back-to-back but there is still a way to go yet.”

Score:

Waratah: 5.1 6.7 6.9 14.12 (96)

Wanderers: 1.1 2.3 2.4 4.7 (31)

Goals:

Waratah:

Jayden Magro 4

Anthony Munkara 3

Brodie Carroll 2

Joel Hillis

Will Clark

Ryan Clarke

Tyson Mckenzie

Arnold Kirby

Wanderers:

Michael Mummery

Mahli King

Sebastian O’Connell

Will James

Best:

Waratah:

Lachlan Cassidy

Brodie Carroll

Jack O’Sullivan

Scott Carlin

Timothy Kerinaiua

Wanderers:

Jaxon East

Nathan Jones-Cubillo

Austin Smith

Zac Pethybridge

Jerome Motlop

PREVIEW

Though they are at opposite ends of the table, the significance of the Foundation Cup will not be lost on either Waratah or Wanderers when they face off in Round 15 on Saturday.

And the NT News and KommunityTV will stream all the action from The Gardens at 6.30pm.

Reigning premiers Waratah have been in the fight for top spot all season, and will fancy their chances to leap up the standings against the struggling Muk Muks.

Jayden Magro will be hunting more goals to increase his competition lead while the likes of Brodie Carroll and Scott Carlin are sure to continue their strong midfield form.

In comparison, Wanderers have struggled of late, taking heavy losses to PINT, Buffaloes and Nightcliff since returning from the Christmas break.

Wanderers and Waratah will contest the Foundation Cup on Saturday.

Jaxon East and Braedon McLean have been the shining lights in the side, and coach Aaron Motlop will be hoping to get more out of his side, whether he’s on the field himself or not.

Special jerseys have been made to mark the Foundation Cup, which celebrates the strong ties between these two sides.

Waratah stalwart James Arratta said the history of the match up made the game a special occasion for both sides.

“There’s plenty of history behind this game, it’s special for both clubs and it means a lot to a lot of people, so we’re expecting a good clash,” he said.

James Arratta, Jayden Magro, Kierra Zerafa and Brittany Daly displaying the Waratah jerseys.

“Positioning on the ladder isn’t really going to come into play. Every Foundation Cup has always been a physical and tough game, and both teams play for the spirit of their jumpers.

“Everyone has a good crack and, regardless of where we’re sitting on the table, we always know we’re in for a good hit out.

“For us it’s incredibly important for us to bank this one considering how close it is on the table, but we know it’s not going to be an easy game, they will bring their best.”

A full replay 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.