Rival coaches give verdicts on who wins Southern Districts v St Mary’s NTFL grand final

The rival coaches not taking part in the grand final between Southern Districts and St Mary’s have made their predictions on who will take the crown. Check out their title and best on ground predictions.

St Mary’s may have shown their finals abilities in recent weeks winning three in a row, but they aren’t the grand final favourites in the eyes of opposition coaches.

Instead five of the six knocked out coaches who shared their tips went with the minor premiers and league leaders for the majority of the season, Southern Districts.

Only former St Mary’s man and now Waratah coach Rick Nolan went with the reigning premiers Saints, who had to fight their way into the Big Dance from fifth position.

Interestingly, it was a Waratah coach, Ryan Ayres, who went against the grain in last year’s grand final picking Nightcliff over eventual winner St Mary’s.

Meanwhile, Jed Anderson has emerged as the favourite to take out the Chaney Medal best on ground prize with both Phil Wills from the Buffaloes and Wanderers’ Aaron Motlop picking the former AFL player.

Michael Bowden of Southern Districts and Dylan Landt of St Mary's ahead of the 2024-25 NTFL grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Leigh Crossman (Nightcliff Tigers)

Crocs have been the best side all year and will win by 22 points.

Best on ground – Wyatt Ryan

Patrick Bowden (Tiwi Bombers)

Nephew Michael Bowden will captain the Crocs to a 21 point win. Their backline is really strong and they will have enough drive from halfback to finish the job.

Best on ground – Matt Shannon

Rick Nolan (Waratah)

St Mary’s will take it by 14 points. If Saints win the midfield battle, Southern Districts might struggle to defend against them on the transit.

Best on ground – Dylan Landt

Aaron Motlop (Wanderers)

Southern Districts by 10 points. They have been the best team all year, very strong and even across the field. Saints will have momentum from the past few weeks and will need to be at their best to cause an upset.

Best on ground – Jed Anderson

Phil Wills (Darwin Buffaloes)

Southern Districts by 15 points. They have been the benchmark team all season and look very strong.

Best on ground – Jed Anderson

Mark Tyrrell (Palmerston Magpies)

The Crocs will take it by 14 points.

Best on ground – Wyatt Ryan