Week 1 of the 2024/25 TIO NTFL Finals Series Men’s and Women’s Premier League fixture has been scheduled.
The PINT Queen-ants, having dominated the regular season with 15 wins, will enjoy a well-deserved bye in Week 1 of finals. As the minor premiers, they will automatically advance to Week 2 of the TIO Finals Series where they will take on the winners of this weekend’s Qualifying Final.
The Women's Premier League begins with an eagerly anticipated Elimination Final between fourth-place Palmerston Magpies and fifth-place Tiwi Bombers, with the match set for 2:15 PM on Saturday 22 February at TIO Stadium.
The Magpies had a slower start to the season but have shown significant improvement year-on-year, finishing with an even 8-8 record after collecting just five wins last season. Since rejoining the side after the Christmas break, Tatyana Perry has seen the support of Ella Ward, Hannah Torsney, and one of the competition's leading goal kickers in Taelah Smith, which has propelled them into premiership contention.
For the first time in their history, the Tiwi Bombers will be represented in the Women’s Premier League finals for the first time since their induction into Premier League in the 2022/23 TIO NTFL season. Led by their star player, Maria Rioli, and bolstered by the impact of new additions of AFLW players in Courtney Ugle and Alana Barba, the Bombers will be aiming for a strong, deep run in the Finals series.
Under the lights of TIO Stadium, a thrilling Qualifying Final between St Mary's and Nightcliff Tigers at 6:45pm on Saturday 22 February is poised to be the marquee match.
Both sides have had standout seasons, suffering fewer than 4 losses during the home-and-away campaign. In their Round 1 encounter, Nightcliff claimed a narrow victory, but St Mary's came roaring back in Round 13, delivering a dominant 30-point win over the Tigers.
Under leadership from captain Hannah Turnbull, Nightcliff will be chasing their first-ever Women’s Premier League title. Fellow stars including Gabrielle Deller and Women’s leading goal kicker Cassie McWilliam, the Tigers will believe that this season is their best opportunity.
St Mary’s, who continually set the standard of excellence, will be aiming for redemption after last season's Grand Final heartbreak to PINT. With the pairing of TIO NTFL veteran Billie Byers and NT News Rising Star Nominee in Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn, the Saints will be looking to feed Georgia Marsland, who has found herself consistently on the scoring sheet.
After an incredible home-and-away season, that included 15 wins and a sole loss, Southern Districts have earnt the bye in Week 1 of the Finals series in the Men’s Premier League, they will face the winner of the qualifying final in week two of the TIO NTFL Finals Series.
In a historic match up, the Men's Premier League kicks off on Friday 21 February at 6:45 PM with a must-watch Qualifying Final between the Nightcliff Tigers and the Tiwi Bombers.
The Bombers, who have taken the league by storm, will be backed by a very vocal fanbase in their first premiership campaign since the 2019/20 TIO NTFL season. With ex-wanderer Braedon McLean, 2023/24 NT News Rising Star Karlson Kantilla, and Ashton Hams, the team has risen from 7th last season to 3rd this season and will be eyeing their first premiership in almost 13 years.
Littered with stars and experience, the Tigers feature an incredible lineup featuring Brodie Filo, Petros Politis, and Boyd Bailey who have stepped up to a new level in the 2024/25 TIO NTFL season. The Tigers will be seeking redemption after their devastating 13-point loss to St Mary’s in the 2023/24 TIO NTFL Grand Final.
One of the most anticipated matchups of Week 1 will see Waratah face off against St Mary’s in a do-or-die Elimination Final at 4:15pm on Saturday 22 February at TIO Stadium.
Waratah, under the new coach in Ricky Nolan, had a sluggish start to the season but have found themselves in a terrific position to win the flag. While the Tahs have occasionally allowed their opponents to score heavily in the fourth quarter, you can count on them to ensure it doesn't jeopardise their finals campaign. Scott Carlin has been dominant all season, with recruits Tanner Lovell and Ricky Monti grouping up to become a formidable midfield.
St Mary's enjoyed a stellar start to the season, securing 7 wins from their first 8 games. However, their momentum faltered with a streak of 4 consecutive losses. The Saints turned things around in Round 14, with a dominant 45-point win over Palmerston, reigniting their form just in time for the finals. Two-Time Nichols Medallist Dylan Landt, Kieren Parnell, and Men’s leading goal kicker Jackson Calder will be out to defend their crown.
All other divisions entering finals will have their fixtures uploaded to the PlayHQ Website after the completion of Round 18.
2024/25 TIO NTFL Finals Week One
Women’s Premier League
Elimination Final – 2:15pm Saturday 22 February – TIO Stadium – Palmerston Magpies v Tiwi Bombers
Qualifying Final – 6:45pm Saturday 22 February – TIO Stadium – St Mary’s v Nightcliff Tigers
Men’s Premier League
Qualifying Final – 6:45pm Friday 21 February – TIO Stadium – Nightcliff Tigers v Tiwi Bombers
Elimination Final – 4:15pm Saturday 22 February – TIO Stadium – Waratah v St Mary’s
2024/25 TIO NTFL Finals Series Ticketing Information
How much do tickets cost at the gate?
Adults - $12.00
Concession/Student - $7.00
Youth (10-17 years old) - $6.00
Child (9 years and under) - FREE
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 youth) - $25.00
All youth grades (except U12’s) will be $6.00 for patrons aged 10 years and over.