Waratah vs Southern Districts to headline 2023-23 opening round

Grand final rematch and traditional rivalries headline opening round of 2023-24 NTFL season. See the fixture breakdown.

Nathaniel Chambers

2 min read

September 17, 2023 - 5:30AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Replay: NTFL Men's Grand Final - Waratah v Southern Districts

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The AFLNT has officially announced the start dates of the 2023-24 NTFL season, with a twist in where the first match will be played.

The first match of the season, a grand final rematch between Waratah and Southern Districts will be played at TIO Stadium, rather than the traditional Gardens Oval, Waratah’s home ground.

The opener will follow a match from their women’s counterparts at 6pm, October 6, at the home of Territory footy, while modern day rivals St Mary’s and Nightcliff will play the headliner the next day.

The remaining match-ups over the opening weekend, between Palmerston and Wanderers, and Darwin Buffaloes and PINT will also take place at TIO Stadium.

Waratah vs Southern Districts in the 2022-23 NTFL grand final. Picture Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The 2022 wooden spooners Tiwi Bombers will make their first appearance in Round 2.

AFLNT general manager Sam Gibson said the fixture list for the opening round would get the season off to a flyer.

“We are always aiming to get our season off to a great start, with traditional rivalries, and the grand final rematch gives the competition the best opportunity to kickstart the 2023 season,” he said.

“It’s been a big year and come Round 1 the anticipation for the return of top-end football will bring TIO Stadium to life once again.

“We acknowledge the support our corporate partners give us, our clubs, and our umpires to ensure that our competition remains as strong as ever.

“We also want to acknowledge our clubs, volunteers, umpires, and coaches for all the work they’ve done in the off-season to get ready for what is set to be another huge TIO NTFL season.”

Head of TIO Operations Margaret Pratten said they had been supporting football in the Territory for more than 30 years and looked forward to the coming season.

“AFL is a big part of life in the NT,” she said.

“It brings the community together and we are looking forward to having multiple generations of families in the stands at TIO Stadium for another exciting season.”

The full senior fixture list will be released on September 18.