Round 14 of the 2024/25 TIO NTFL season begins with what shapes as an entertaining contest between two clubs who would love a win.
Wanderers enter as favourites, but despite a much-improved pre-Christmas period, they have had a disappointed start to 2025. The Eagles will look to bounce back from a draw against Palmerston and last weekend’s heavy defeat to the Tiwi Bombers by producing a strong showing against the bottom of the ladder Darwin.
For the Buffaloes, tomorrow’s contest shapes as an opportunity to notch their first win of the season. It was a close encounter the last time these two teams met, with the Eagles prevailing by just the solitary goal. Despite still losing comfortably to PINT last week, there were still plenty of positives for the rebuilding double blues team to build on.
The game between Waratah and Tiwi Bombers shapes as the most anticipated match-up of the round. The Warriors suffered their first loss since October last Sunday against Southern Districts, so they will look to get back on the winner’s list with a win tomorrow. Waratah led for large periods of last week’s match and there were plenty of positives, including the performances of Robby Bartee, Ricky Monti and Tanner Lovell.
The Bombers have started the post-Christmas period on a high with comprehensive wins against the Darwin Buffaloes and Wanderers. Former St Kilda and Richmond player Matthew Parker was excellent again last weekend, gathering 30 disposals in the demolition of the Eagles, while Braedon McLean – against his former team – produced one of his best games of the season.
It will be a battle of contrasting game styles, so it will be about whichever team is able to wrestle the momentum their way and play the match on their terms.
There is no sugar coating it, St Marys must win this game against Palmerston to get their season back on track. After four consecutive losses, the Saints are on the ropes, but the inclusion of former West Coast midfielder Connor West will be a valuable boost.
For Palmerston, it is all about building on the foundations set during the pre-Christmas period. A draw with Wanderers is a positive start, but a strong showing against last year’s premiers would be even better.
The final game of the round will see Nightcliff host PINT.
The last time these two teams met, it was a close contest at DXC Arena, with the Tigers ultimately securing the win by just nine points. However, the home team is in much better form now, and with players the calibre of Lachlan Tardrew, Brodie Filo and Brandon Parfitt running through the midfield, it is hard to see where PINT have the advantage.
The TIO Northern Territory Football League (TIO NTFL) is thrilled to announce that kids aged 14 years and under will have FREE entry* to all TIO Stadium games during Rounds 13 to 15 of the 2024/25 TIO NTFL Season! Click here to see the full fixture.
*All children must be accompanied by an Adult; tickets are subject to the TIO Stadium Ticket and Entry Conditions. Promotion dates 10/01/2025 – 26/01/2025.