NTFL 2024-25 live stream: Watch Waratah v Darwin Buffaloes in Round 18

With the possibility of a finals double-chance still alive, Waratah has done what it needed to do in Saturday’s win over the Darwin Buffaloes. Watch the REPLAY here.

Waratah tuned up for its finals tilt following a well-constructed win over a dogged Darwin Buffaloes in their match at Gardens Oval.

There’s also the possibility that pending the appeal of Nightcliff’s fly-in breach that Waratah could be in with a shot of a doubles chance.

But either way the Tahs were all business at Gardens Oval doing what they needed to be done in a dominant first half to win 16.9 (105) to 6.3 (39).

For Buffs, there will be no finals but a gradual improvement following the mid-season break will ensure their horde of loyal supporters will find something to use as a basis for a more competitive showing next season.

Buffaloes have not been wanting in defence, and while Jarrod Stokes is among the very best on-ballers in the competition, a lack of depth around the ball and an inability to capitalise on the forward thrusts when they occur is an area the Buffs need to strengthen over the off-season.

For the home side, it is finals next week and although the scoreboard suggested a comfortable victory, wins rarely come easy against Buffs.

The determined showing by Tahs, where some players will be competing for spots in the major rounds, will satisfy the red and white coaching group and make selection that little more difficult.

Although Buffs scored the first goal through some quick action by Tyson Cronin, it was the home side that capitalised on early ruck dominance by Riley Irvin and got away to a flyer and slammed on the next four in the blink of an eye which gave them a 20-point lead at the first break.

The second term was Tahs best – they were even across the park and booted seven while Buffaloes were held scoreless.

In the third, a precise kick to Kyle McBean in the goal square resulted in a major for Buffs but when ball magnet Brodie Carroll snapped truly from his preferred left, Tahs squared the ledger and when he got another soon after, the win seemed secure.

Four goals to three in Darwin’s favour in the last was a good showing, but it was always going to be too little too late.

Recruited from Griffith in NSW, Riley Irvin partners regular Arnold Kirby as the Waratah frontline ruckmen and Irvin has been a revelation since he put on the red and white at Gardens Oval.

“It’s not too bad footy down there and thought I would come up and play with the Waratah boys and check out the game here in Darwin and it’s the best thing I’ve done,” Irvin said.

“Arnie’s a good player to work with and learn from – we don’t particularly work out our switches, but he likes to go up forward where he is also effective.

“it’s been a long run to get where we are and the boys are keen to get into finals action – not sure who we are playing yet with all that’s going on, but it doesn’t really matter, and we will go into any game with confidence.”

Score:

Waratah: 4.2 11.4 13.8 16.9 (105)

Buffaloes: 1.0 1.0 2.1 6.3 (39)

Goals:

Waratah:

Brodie Carroll 4, Maxirrick Rogers 2, Joshua Saltalamacchia, Jack Bambury, Mitchell Jorgensen, Scott Carlin, Zach Zinnott, Ricky Monti, Max Kelly, Steven Puruntatameri, Arnold Kirby, Clay Shadforth

Buffaloes:

Tyson Cronin 2, Kyle McBean, Tashaun Wright, Will Irwin, Aquel Rankine.

Best:

Waratah:

Riley Irvin, Liam Odea, Ricky Monti, Nick Hoare, Joshua Saltalamacchia

Buffaloes:

Tom Simpson, Chris Williams, Xavier Hampton, Phillip Wills, Tim Eldridge.

PREVIEW

Waratah will have a half a focus on next week’s NTFL elimination final, but first they need to prove their cohesion and ability against the Darwin Buffaloes.

The NT News and KommunityTV will stream every moment of this clash from 3.30pm on Saturday.

The Tahs have been up and down since the Christmas break running big sides such as Districts and Nightcliff close, but being unable to close them out.

In some cases it has been an issue of goal scoring, which they again had an issue with early in their defeat of the Palmerston Magpies last round.

Waratah play in an elimination final next week regardless of the result and the Buffaloes clash presents another opportunity to figure out those issues and ensure they’re on top of the game come the major round.

Scott Carlin, Ricky Monti, Joel Hillis and Tanner Lovell are among those playing starring roles in the midfield each week and will be looking to close out this game too.

Ricky Monti playing for Waratah in the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Callum Hutcheson playing for the Darwin Buffaloes in the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

The Buffaloes have had a change of fortunes since the Christmas break winning two games and seeing off the wooden spoon for another year.

However, against Nightcliff last round they were bullied as they near the end of what has been a long season for the club.

Jarrod Stokes was again the standout with more than 30 touches to his name in a losing effort and will do whatever he can to give his side some go forward against the Tahs.

The full match replay will be available at the conclusion 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 Waratah v Darwin Buffaloes in Round 18