NTFL 2024-25 live stream: Watch Southern Districts vs Waratah in Round 13

Southern Districts trailed for much of the match, but snatched victory late against a skilful Waratah on the back of a tremendous second half surge. Watch the full match REPLAY.

Southern Districts snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a tremendous second half surge against a Waratah side that got the early jump.

At the precipice of losing just their second match of the season the Crocs pulled off a great escape, kicking five unanswered majors in the last 10 minutes of the clash.

Districts extended their lead over the rest of the competition condemning Waratah to their first loss since Round 3 with the 14.13 (97) to 12.12 (84) win.

The Crocs were quick out of the gates with Matt Shannon kicking the first maximum of the afternoon within the first minute, followed by Steven Motlop 60 seconds later.

Wyatt Ryan playing in the Southern Districts vs Waratah match in Round 13 of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Waratah replied through Fraser Holland-Dean and Tanner Lovell to bring the contest within a point.

From there Waratah committed numerous unforced errors out the back giving a switched on Crocs free points.

The travellers did a number on the competition’s premier ruck Wyatt Ryan in the second, experienced Arnold Kirby back in the fold for his second match of the season.

The match was paused briefly just six minutes into the second quarter after Districts players Dean Staunton and Josiah Farrer banged heads while competing for a mark.

Staunton rose to his feet with plenty of blood across his face, but Farrer stayed down for a prolonged period and was eventually taken off not to return for the rest of the game.

Tanner Lovell playing in the Southern Districts vs Waratah match in Round 13 of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

After a stern talking to by Shannon Rusca during the break, Districts entered the third looking a completely different outfit.

Efforts from Jed Anderson and Matt Shannon propelled the forward momentum of the home side who shut down the previously busy Scott Carlin and Liam Odea.

There was just a point to separate the sides in the final quarter, but Waratah kicked three goals in as many minutes to re-establish a healthy lead as the minutes ticked down.

However, the never-say-die attitude of the Crocs saw the outfit put on a masterclass in the final 10, slaughtering the Warriors at the back, kicking six goals to one.

Joel Hillis playing in the Southern Districts vs Waratah match in Round 13 of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Crocs coach Rusca said he expected his team to deliver despite being outplayed through parts of the match.

“We were skating uphill there for a bit and were getting outplayed across the park,” he said.

“Waratah’s ability to go coast to coast was something we couldn’t deal with for a period there and they got on a roll, and got up five goals to our none which wasn’t acceptable.

Jordan Johnston playing in the Southern Districts vs Waratah match in Round 13 of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We knew that they’d keep coming and that we’d have to zip our lips and pull up our socks.

“We had to play our zones and defend their transitional runs and their uncontested marking, which I thought we did well.

“All the boys played their part through the game but the efforts from Jordan Johnson in the middle, he was colossus all match long.

“And the efforts from the duo of Steven and Jed became infectious throughout the team and allowed others to jump on the back of their momentum.”

SCORE

Districts: 3.5 3.8 8.10 14.13 (97)

Waratah: 2.3 7.6 8.11 12.12 (84)

GOALS

Districts:

Steven Motlop 4, Jarrod Brander 3, Matt Shannon 3, Will Farer, Daniel Murphy, Jack Sexton

Waratah:

Liam Odea 4, Fraser Holland-Dean 2, Tanner Lovell 2, Clay Shadforth 2, Maxwell Kelly, Arnold Kirby

BEST

Districts:

Jordan Johnston, Matthew Johnston, Matt Shannon, Steven Motlop, Daniel Murphy

Waratah:

Scott Carlin, Liam Odea, Tanner Lovell, Robby Bartee, Sebastian Cox

PREVIEW

Southern Districts and Waratah currently top the NTFL ladder with this match giving them each a good look at each other in the lead up to finals.

The NT News and KommunityTV will stream every moment of this clash from 2pm on Sunday.

Districts have led the field for most of the season and have the squad on paper to stay on top all the way to the end of the year.

Matt Shannon and Jed Anderson are among the season’s best players ruling a midfield that is full of weapons, while a shift back to the forward line for Steven Motlop has only furthered their aims.

Matt Shannon playing for Southern Districts in the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

This side is just as scary in their defensive setup, particularly with Thomas Clurey joining the fold to aid the already on form back six crew including Connor Giddings and Jordan Johnston.

The Crocs won this fixture 12.9 (81) to 7.3 (45) all the way back in Round 1, but in the time since the Tahs have built into a much stronger outfit.

Waratah have gone slightly under the radar with an unbeaten run back to Round 3, and would be two points further ahead of third place if not for a called off match against the Buffaloes.

Tanner Lovell and Bailey Scott have been two of the outright stars in the past two rounds finding the ball and booting the goals, while Scott Carlin has been as consistent as ever.

Tanner Lovell playing for Waratah in the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

For Waratah they will want to be just the second side this season to claim a win against the Crocs, though with it being out at Norbuilt Oval a result won’t come easy.

Watch the full replay 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.

Originally published as NTFL 2024-25 live stream: Watch Southern Districts vs Waratah in Round 13