2023/24 TIO NTFL Wrap: Men's Premier League - Finals Week one

Photo by Patch Clapp | AFLNT Media

A sensational Nightcliff comeback in the Tigers' two-point qualifying final win over traditional rival Waratah and the manhandling of a field umpire by a PINT player in the elimination final dominated week one of the 2023/24 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League finals.

Southern Districts always looked in control of the elimination final against finals debutants PINT when they beat the brave but wasteful Greenants by 26 points.

Nightcliff's come-from-behind 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) win came on the back of a five-goal to one last quarter after looking dead and buried at the last change when they trailed by 23 points.

A brilliant Cody Szust "banana'' goal when jammed up against the boundary line won the game for the Tigers, who advance to the grand final qualifying second semi-final against minor premier St Mary's next week.

The last quarter heroics by Nightcliff came after a blistering five-goal to nil first term by Waratah, who looked set to repeat their win over the Tigers in the last minor round game.

A Kyle Emery goal following a 50-metre penalty was Nightcliff's only major in a first half dominated by the close checking Waratah defence.

But all that changed in an eight-goal to four last half, including the last quarter blitz when Szust sealed a win for the ages with his late goal.

The Tigers' coach Leigh Crossman was remarkably relaxed after the final siren, saying some structural changes after half-time when his forwards were told to "sit back" in front of goals played a part in the win.

"We probably rolled the forwards up too high and got a few guys to sit back, but we were always in the contest, we just weren't executing very well,'' Crossman said.

"That last half was pretty impressive and it's something we can build on for the St Mary's final.

"Kicking a single goal in the first half has been a bit of a common theme, but in this case where we kicked nine goals from 19 shots, the last one gave us the win, which was great.''

Crossman said Tardrew's classic last half masterclass changed the game for his side, while Adrian Scott's second and third quarters were "super impressive".

Waratah coach Ryan Ayres said the unpredictability of finals football had again raised its head in the frantic last quarter.

"It's finals footy and anything can happen, obviously they got a bit of momentum and they're a quality outfit where they'd won seven of their last eight coming into this game,'' he said.

"Last week gave us an opportunity to get that second chance and while it's not going to be an easy task, we've got to regroup.''

Ayres was tight-llipped on any changes to his starting 22 for this week's elimination first semi-final against Southern Districts, particularly after Dennis Dunn medallist Jayden Magro missed Saturday night's game with a leg injury.

Southern Districts won the game by 26 points on the back of four quarter cameos by Jye Bolton, Nichols Medal hope Jed Anderson, Dylan Barry and Jordyn Cotter.

The Crocodiles' 12.10 (82) to 8.8 (56) win earned them a first semi-final matchup with Waratah in what is a rematch of last season's grand final.

One goal from a dozen shots in the first half effectively ended PINT's season, despite determined four-quarter performances from ruck Connor McDonald and Steven Motlop running off half back.

Districts coach Shannon Rusca said honesty had been the theme coming into the game where his players needed to respect a tough and desperate PINT side keen to impress in its first Premier League final.

"Coach Shannon (Motlop) has got them playing some tough and creative football where they move the ball and spread well from defence which made for a quality game,'' he added.

"Bolton was unreal for us, Matty Johnson back in the side was seamless, Jarrod (Brander) played very well up front and Cotter was fantastic off half back.''

PINT coach Motlop conceded Districts had been too good for his side in a game where the green and gold shirts did not capitalise on an important part of football, kicking goals.

"It's an area of our game we couldn't fix during the season, and I guess at the end of it we've got to go and find some forwards who can kick goals for us.''

Motlop is keen continue as coach of the Greenants after signing a new two-year contract.

"I think I know where to take the players and what we need to do in order to play finals again, so yes, I'm ready to go again.''

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