The NT News looks at the key talking points from Round 14 of the 2022-23 NTFL season
The NTFL is well and truly heating up as sides look towards finals. We look at all the talking points and player ratings from an exciting Round 14.
Local AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The NTFL is well and truly heating up as sides push for a shot at finals footy, and Round 14 was no exception.
In the men’s competition Nightcliff, PINT and Buffaloes ran out the winners, while the Tiwi Bombers forfeit their match-up against Waratah.
And over in the women’s competition it was Waratah, PINT, Buffettes and Nightcliff who claimed victory.
Where does Tiwi go from here?
Three seasons and just as many wooden spoons is sure to have some people questioning Tiwi’s position in the NTFL Men’s Premier League.
The issue of not training together has always been prevalent for the Islanders, but in recent years, results have reflected that problem.
In 2021-22, Tiwi were unable to play after the Christmas break due to Covid, and now after some positive signs in the 22-23 season, they forfeited against Waratah in Round 14.
It felt like a new low for the club which has for so long, even in losing causes, provided excitement to NTFL fans.
Their aim will be to get a side on the field until the end of the season, but with MPL Reserves team Banks considering a promotion push, how will 23-24 look?
For Waratah, it means they will have only played two matches since the Christmas break when they face third-placed St Mary’s in Round 17.
Fortunately some of their players including Brodie Carroll, Corey Rich, Dylan Collis and Blair Bell were able to impress in Waratah’s MPL Reserves match in Round 14.
While some more of their star performers will no doubt get their chance to play in the NTFL rep game against South Fremantle.
Nightcliff has turned a corner
A failure to convert has been a bug bear for Nightcliff so far this season but are things starting to turn?
Coming into Round 14, the Tigers rated seventh for goals, contested marks and total points, and sixth for forward 50 marks, with Nightcliff failing to score beyond 61 points since Round 5.
That is despite the Tigers ranking fourth in Men’s Premier League for inside 50s.
However, Nightcliff had a hunger for the contest in Round 14 against Southern Districts, resulting in its proudest win for the year, kicking 11.10 (76) after a decisive third quarter.
Goals have come from new recruit Liam Evans, who has five goals from his first two games, while former AFL player Andrew Hooper (five goals from four MPL matches) has been a handy addition, too.
Coach Chris Baksh said there had been a particular focus on one-on-football and while the statistics haven’t been released yet by the league, it appeared the Tigers had the edge in that benchmark against the Crocs.
The Tigers, who rank second in the league for clearances, boast one of the competition’s best in the league for that statistic in Brodie Filo (third) while new recruit James Gow (19th) has also been dependable.
Collecting three wins in a row for the first time this season, Nightcliff is aware it’s no time to celebrate with plenty of hard work ahead before another likely finals campaign.
But with St Mary’s having only played one game since the Christmas break when they face the Tigers in Round 15, the question will be whether the Saints will be vulnerable.
Nightcliff vs Districts Player Ratings
3. Jackson Bowen (Nightcliff)
2. Bailey Edwards (Nightcliff)
1. Simon Deery (Nightcliff)
PINT’s finals hopes on the line
PINT may still be in the finals fight after a crucial win over Wanderers in Round 14, but it will be an uphill battle to qualify.
In just their first season in the top flight the Greenants have impressed on numerous occasions, especially against the top three teams, beating the reigning premiers and taking it right up to Waratah and Southern Districts.
However, their road to the finals will be difficult.
Their remaining matches include clashes with top five sides Buffaloes, Districts and Nightcliff, while they have the bye in Round 18.
The games against fourth placed Buffs and fifth placed Tigers are all-important, and even with a win in both games, they’re no certainty to leapfrog into the top five.
The Greenants are the only side to have dropped points against Tiwi this season, and they may come to rue that in the fight for finals.
They will look for contributions from some of their best in Thomas Schott, Elliott Chalmers, Jett Trotter, Silver Yousif, Mitchell Lowe and others to help guide them towards an unlikely finals place.
A strong finish to the season will also have Shannon Motlop’s side well placed for the 2023-24 competition.
Wanderers vs PINT Player Ratings
3. Mitchell Lowe (PINT)
2. Tom Gaden (PINT)
1. Chris Curran (Wanderers)
Buffaloes tackle pressure hits the mark
Darwin Buffaloes missed out on finals last season, but a focus on tackle pressure and discipline has seen the Buffs back among the best in Men’s Premier League.
Their tackling intensity was on show again against Palmerston in Round 14 with the Double Blues absolutely dominating in the midfield through Jarrod Stokes, Kokwam Niki and Thomas Clarke.
But more importantly, their backline denied Palmerston’s main scoring option, Eddie Betts, to have much of an impact beyond his two goals.
It was another step back for the Magpies, but for the Buffaloes it was confirmation they belong in the top five this season.
Playing his first game for the club, Daniel Stafford also added a tall, forward option for the Buffs, his four first half goals underlining a new dimension.
Add in the impact of Thomas Baulch and Liam Holt-Fitz and the Buffaloes start to look more and more like a side whose best is yet to come.
But the next couple of weeks will be difficult as PINT and Nightcliff, the only two sides that can leap them, remain challenging prospects.
Buffaloes vs Palmerston Player Ratings
3. Kokwam Niki (Buffaloes)
2. Jarrod Stokes (Buffaloes)
1. Cam Pedersen (Palmerston)
Live stream: How to watch Buffaloes v Palmerston in Round 16
Palmerston and the Buffaloes are in the wooden spoon decider, with both sides targeting a strong showing to finish their season on a good note. Find out how to watch the match LIVE here.
Live stream: How to watch Waratah v Nightcliff in Round 16
Waratah and Nightcliff both have plenty to play for when they clash in the annual Battle of the Beaches with a top three spot still a chance for both. Find out how to watch the match LIVE.