The opening game of round 10 in the 2024/25 TIO NTFL season will see traditional rivals Wanderers and St Marys clash under lights at Gardens Oval.
The Saints are coming off a big win against the Darwin Buffaloes last weekend. Ex-Brisbane Lions player Jaden McGrath was an excellent inclusion for St Marys, providing another option up forward and finishing with an impressive five goals. Dylan Landt continues his superb form while his midfield partner in crime Connor West continues to get better each week as he acclimatises to the tricky Top End conditions.
Wanderers were gallant in defeat against Waratah last weekend but it would take a herculean effort to match the Saints in this game.
In arguably the match of the round, Tiwi Bombers will face Nightcliff tomorrow at Gardens Oval. The Bombers will fancy their chances after a confidence-boosting performance during last weekend’s shortened match against Palmerston. WAFL gun Matthew Parker further strengthens the Bombers’ team while the continual improvement of their local players would be pleasing coach Patrick Bowden.
Nightcliff are a formidable unit and will be looking to bounce back strongly from last weekend’s disappointing showing against Southern Districts. The Tigers will be boosted by the huge inclusion of former AFL player Brandan Parfitt, who will return to his junior club after an eight-year tenure at Geelong. Brodie Filo is back to his best he followed up his 40-disposal effort against Palmerston with another 35 disposals in last Friday night’s loss to Southern Districts.
The Darwin Buffaloes take on Southern Districts tomorrow and will be hoping for a much-improved performance from the last time these two teams met, which was a 151-point drubbing in Round 5. Jarrod Stokes had a career-high 39 disposals in the last encounter against the Crocs and he continues to perform at a high-standard with 24 disposals and three goals against the Saints.
The Crocs are back in form after a resounding 53-point win over Nightcliff last Friday night. Steven Motlop kicked four goals up forward while Connor Giddings and Brodie Lake continued their consistent seasons.
PINT’s clash against Palmerston will present an opportunity for redemption and to build some confidence. The last fortnight must have felt like an eternity for the Greenants after a loss to Wanderers in Round 8. It has been a disappointing season so far but Saturday’s game shapes as a massive chance to record a win.
The Magpies certainly have enough talent to get the job done with Tristen Waack, Lucas Edmonds and Matthew Payne all prominent in last week’s abandoned game against the Tiwi Bombers.