Week 1 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL Finals Series Men’s and Women’s Premier League fixtures has been confirmed.
The Nightcliff Tigers Women’s Premier League side, having dominated the home-and-away season with an unbeaten 15-0 record, will enjoy a well-earned bye in Week 1 of finals. As minor premiers, they automatically advance to Week 2 of the TIO Finals Series, where they will take on the winners of this weekend’s Women’s Premier League Qualifying Final.
The Women’s Premier League kicks off with an Elimination Final between fourth-place Southern Districts and fifth-place finishers Darwin Buffaloes at 2:15 PM on Saturday 21 February at TIO Stadium. Southern Districts, after finishing with eight wins this season, have been bolstered by standout performances across the squad and will look to carry that momentum into finals. Darwin Buffaloes, finishing fifth with seven wins, are aiming to make a strong impact, with their proven finals pedigree likely to be a key factor as they look to challenge the higher-ranked Crocs.
Later on Saturday, the Women’s Qualifying Final sees second-place St Mary’s take on third-place PINT at 4:30 PM under the lights at TIO Stadium. Both teams finished the regular season strongly, with St Mary’s recording 12 wins and PINT collecting 10. St Mary’s will be chasing redemption after narrowly missing the premiership last season, while PINT aim to push deep into the finals after a consistent campaign, buoyed by their star performers. In the Men’s Premier League,
In the Men’s Premier League, Southern Districts will enjoy the Week 1 bye after finishing as minor premiers with 12 wins and only two losses. The Crocs have been one of the most consistent sides all season, combining a strong defensive foundation with explosive scoring power across the forward half. As minor premiers, Southern Districts automatically advance to Week 2 of the TIO Finals Series, where they will take on the winner of the Men’s Qualifying Final.
The Men’s Qualifying Final, set for Friday 20 February at 6:45 PM, features St Mary’s taking on Nightcliff Tigers at TIO Stadium in what shapes as a blockbuster opening to the finals series. St Mary’s finished second on the ladder with 12 wins, while Nightcliff Tigers secured third place with 11 wins. Both sides have built momentum across the home-and-away season and will be eager to lock in a place in the Preliminary Final.
The Men’s Elimination Final will be played at 6:45 PM on Saturday 21 February, with fourth-place PINT taking on fifth-place Waratah at TIO Stadium. PINT enter finals after a strong season that saw them remain in the top five throughout the campaign, while Waratah have surged into finals football after fighting their way into the top 5 position. With the season on the line, both clubs will be desperate to keep their premiership hopes alive, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest where pressure and execution will be everything.
2025/26 TIO NTFL Finals Week One:
Women’s Premier League
- Elimination Final – 2:15 PM Saturday 21 February – TIO Stadium – Southern Districts v Darwin Buffaloes • Qualifying Final – 4:30 PM Saturday 21 February – TIO Stadium – St Mary’s v PINT
Men’s Premier League
- Qualifying Final – 6:45 PM Friday 20 February – TIO Stadium – St Mary’s v Nightcliff Tigers
- Elimination Final – 6:45 PM Saturday 21 February – TIO Stadium – PINT v Waratah
All other divisions entering finals will have their fixtures available on the PlayHQ website, where supporters can check match times and venues. Any remaining matches scheduled for Sunday 22 February will be updated on PlayHQ once all results from this weekend’s fixtures are confirmed.
2025/26 TIO NTFL Finals Series Week One Gate Prices:
- 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 U12s) will be $6.00 for patrons aged 10 years and over. Tickets are available online ahead of time via INTIX.