The NTFL season will kick off with a fascinating Thursday night clash between Nightcliff and the Tiwi Bombers.
For Tiwi, it’s a chance at redemption after last year’s qualifying final, when the Tigers dismantled them by 73 points. Last season was about laying the foundations, but in 2025/26 the Bombers have their sights firmly set on a premiership tilt.
Nightcliff, meanwhile, were never far off the pace in 2024/25 and pushed eventual premiers Southern Districts all the way in a thrilling semi-final. Leigh Crossman’s side fell one step short of a grand final appearance, and they’ll be determined to go further this time around.
The Bombers have named exciting forward Nigel Lockyer for his first appearance in red and black colours, while the Lochowiak brothers – Mihail and Anzac – will be strong inclusions.
Friday night shapes as a blockbuster grand final rematch between Southern Districts and St Marys.
The Crocodiles have already stamped themselves as early premiership favourites, keeping the core of last year’s flag-winning side together while adding former AFL talent Quinton Narkle – with whispers of more big-name recruits still to come.
St Marys, the competition’s traditional powerhouse, will be eager to turn the tables and land an upset win to kick-start their campaign in style.
Traditional rivals Wanderers and Darwin Buffaloes will face off in a Saturday afternoon encounter at TIO Stadium.
The Eagles were impressive before Christmas last season but faded badly in the final rounds, while Darwin enters 2025/26 in the midst of a rebuild under second-year coach Phillip Wills.
The Buffaloes will again lean on their big guns in Jarrod and Bradley Stokes, while banking on further growth from their emerging talent in Tashaun Wright, Kalen Russell and Nathan Spry – who heads into the season fresh from a premiership with North Cairns in the AFL Cairns competition.
Wanderers have bolstered their list with four handy recruits from South Australia and will be determined to turn last year’s promise into a finals berth.
With the heat of a 2PM start to contend with, expect a fierce contest as both sides look to set the tone early in the season.
The final game of the round sees Waratah take on PINT in a Sunday afternoon clash at TIO Stadium.
Expectations are high in the Greenants’ camp, with former Adelaide small forward Jimmy Rowe set to join the side after starring at SANFL level. Under coach Mark Whiley, now in his second year in charge, PINT are tipped to improve on last season’s sixth-placed finish.
Waratah, meanwhile, have had a relatively quiet off-season. Devon Meadows gun Joel Hillis is expected to return, while ex-SANFL midfielder Cody Szust will also bolster the red and white.
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