With just two rounds remaining until the 2023/24 TIO NTFL finals series, a couple of crucial clashes lay ahead in Round 17.
It is do-or-die for the Darwin Buffaloes tomorrow against Waratah at 2:30PM at TIO Stadium. After three consecutive wins, the double-blues remain a mathematical chance to snatch a spot in this season’s finals.
Led by skipper Jarrod Stokes, the Buffaloes have been in strong form over the past three weeks recording strong wins against Palmerston, the Tiwi Bombers and Wanderers. But they will face much tougher opposition against the reigning premiers tomorrow.
Waratah suffered a disappointing 43-point loss to St Marys last weekend and will see this as a great opportunity to get back on the winner’s list on the eve of the finals. Scott Carlin and Jack O’Sullivan remain in terrific form, while Jayden Magro is clearly one of the most damaging forwards in the competition, so they will enter the match as deserved favourites.
Some local footy pundits are tipping the Nightcliff vs. Southern Districts encounter tomorrow at Darwin Mazda Oval as a potential grand final preview. The Tigers and the Crocs are two excellent teams who enter the contest in some great post-Christmas form.
Former AFL player and NTFL representative star Jed Anderson is in brilliant form for the Crocs, while Nightcliff will also need to keep a close eye on well-credentialed Districts midfielder Jye Bolton who recorded an incredible 52 disposals last week against the Tiwi Bombers.
Familiar faces Jonathan Peris and Brodie Filo are coming off strong games for the Tigers while new recruits Cooper Dahms and Cody Szust were also valuable in their team’s 34-point triumph over PINT.
Tiwi Bombers take on PINT in the 5PM game at TIO Stadium tomorrow afternoon Tiwi will want to utilise their pace and take the game on against the bigger-bodied Greenants team, a strategy that has served them well in previous encounters between the two clubs.
PINT were missing a few key players last week, but would be disappointed with the result against Nightcliff, so Saturday’s game presents as a terrific opportunity for both a confidence booster and to secure their place in the finals. However, the Bombers are certainly not without a chance and were able to cause a huge upset last season.
The Saints are likely to have little trouble in the final game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The form of Dylan Landt post-Christmas has the star midfielder in the box seat for back-to-back Nichols Medal wins. The Saints are coming off a strong performance against Waratah and will almost certainly get the job done here.
The Magpies have performed gallantly in recent weeks in what has been a difficult season for the club. The form of young gun Waylon Davey is one of the positives Palmerston supporters can look to with only two games remaining for their season.
