The post-Christmas period kicks off with a contest between the Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium. The Bombers will be looking to cement a win against the winless Buffaloes to build momentum as the competition enters the home stretch towards the finals.
The TIO NTFL’s big improvers currently sit in fifth position and despite missing some quality players missing this weekend, they will be full of confidence after posting a win against St Marys in the last game before the Christmas break.
It is the opposite story for the Buffaloes who had to rue a 200-plus point loss to Southern Districts. While the double-blues know that a finals berth won’t happen, the club will be out to restore pride in the second half of the season.
Skipper Jarrod Stokes has been in outstanding form, averaging over 27 disposals per game, but he will need more assistance from his teammates if they are any chance to score an upset win.
Reigning premiers St Mary’s face a tough task against Waratah in the later game on Saturday night at TIO Stadium. The Saints are coming off two consecutive losses and succumbed to the Warriors when the two teams met earlier in the season. Arguably the competition’s best player in Dylan Landt has been named to return from an injury that sidelined him for the last two matches before the Christmas break.
Waratah have slipped under the radar so far this season and have not tasted defeated since mid-October. The Warriors will have the belief that they have the formula to topple the Saints after their impressive victory earlier in the season. Classy ruckman Arnold Kirby has been named for his first game of the season, and he should form a strong partnership with Riley Irvin.
Wanderers host Palmerston at TIO Stadium in the first game of a double-header at TIO Stadium on Sunday. The Eagles have shown plenty of improvement from last season and a win in this match will keep their slight finals chances alive. The Muk Muks are missing some key players, but they will hope for big games from defensive star Mitchell Taylor and creative forward Jak Trewin.
It has been another challenging season for Palmerston, but there is no denying there has been solid improvement pre-Christmas. Despite finding consistent scoring avenues when going into attack, the Magpies have impressed with their intensity and tenacity at the ball.
Wanderers will enter the game as favourites, but they will need to come prepared and ready for everything that Palmerston will throw at them.
Closing out the round will be a contest between Southern Districts and PINT. The Crocs have comfortably been the form team of the competition prior to the Christmas break. Former AFL player Jed Anderson has been in outstanding form, while ruckman Wyatt Ryan has dominated the aerial contests.
PINT have had a shaky beginning under new coach Mark Whiley, but they will be looking for a strong second half to the season. The Greenants will draw confidence from a competitive showing the last time these two teams met in Round 4.
TIO Stadium will play host to all Round 12 TIO NTFL Matches this weekend. Tickets are available for purchase here – including an exclusive $20 Weekend Pass, kids aged 14 and under are free in Round 12!