Round 18 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL season gets underway under lights at Cazalys Arena on Friday night, with Palmerston hosting a St Marys outfit that enters the contest as overwhelming favourites.
For the Saints, this clash shapes as a final tune-up before the finals. They were dominant the last time these sides met and boast a midfield advantage that looms as a major threat to the Magpies. Skipper Dylan Landt is in irresistible form, coming off a 39-disposal, two-goal performance against Waratah. He tore Palmerston apart earlier in the year with a 45-disposal, three-goal effort and will again pose an incredibly tough challenge for the Magpies to contain.
Palmerston endured a torrid afternoon last weekend, failing to trouble the scorers against Southern Districts. One shining light in a difficult season, however, continues to be the emergence of young midfielder Cohen Frith. Playing well beyond his years, Frith collected a team-high 31 disposals against the Crocs and has shown a competitiveness that bodes well for the future.
In the early game on Saturday, Southern Districts host Tiwi Bombers at Norbuilt Oval.
The Crocs were ruthless last weekend, producing a defensive masterclass to keep Palmerston scoreless.
Jordan Johnston controlled the game across half-back, Quinton Narkle was influential once again, while Beau Schwarze was unstoppable up forward with seven goals.
It is crazy to think that if the Darwin Buffaloes were somehow able to cause a monumental upset win over Waratah later that night, a Bombers victory here would see Tiwi sneak into fifth spot and claim a surprise finals berth.
So the Bombers return from the bye knowing finals are effectively out of reach, but pride – and momentum heading into the off-season – remains very much on the line.
PINT meet Nightcliff at DXC Arena in what is comfortably the match of the round.
The Greenants come into the contest buoyed by a much-needed confidence boost after dismantling Darwin by 147 points. Jack Brown and Cam Wilson were prolific through the midfield and will be keen to replicate that output against far sterner opposition.
Nightcliff were equally dominant, coincidentally winning by the same margin against Wanderers. Fergus Greene and Shay Linke combined for 11 goals in a potent forward display, while Lachlan Tardrew and Mitch Trewhella ran riot through the middle.
With both sides hitting form at the right time, this clash looms as a genuine finals-style contest and a potential preview of what’s to come.
The final game of the minor rounds sees Waratah host Darwin on Saturday night at Gardens Oval.
The Warriors will start strong favourites on their home deck after showing encouraging patches against St Marys last weekend before ultimately being outclassed. Captain Scott Carlin was again prolific, while Cody Szust continues to pose problems both through the midfield and inside 50. Both were dominant the last time these sides met.
For Darwin, the task is simple: remain competitive and finish a tough campaign on a positive note. Ending the season with a spirited performance would provide something to build on heading into the off-season.
Stream all matches in the 2025/26 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League season live via the NT News and KommunityTV, with the Southern Districts and Tiwi Bombers clash available to be streamed live and free.
