Round 2 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL begins with a Friday night clash between PINT and Wanderers at TIO Stadium.
The Greenants could not have asked for a better start to their campaign, dominating Waratah and recording a convincing 35-point win. Carlton VFL midfielder and Hampden Football League star Archie Stevens was electric in his NTFL debut, racking up 40 disposals and 12 clearances in a commanding display. With Stevens leading the midfield brigade, PINT look every bit a top-three contender this season and will be expecting to easily account for Wanderers in tonight’s contest.
The Eagles will be desperate to respond after a tough 52-point defeat to the Darwin Buffaloes in Round 1. Despite the scoreline, Cody Leggett was a standout for the Eagles, showcasing his class and leadership, but he’ll need far greater support if the side is to challenge the in-form PINT.
The Battle of Palmerston on Saturday looms as an early-season blockbuster between two sides eager to make a statement. It is a rivalry that will continue to build each season, and both teams will be hungry for bragging rights.
Palmerston will be keen to show improvement after a challenging past couple of seasons. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes impressed in Round 1, boosted by a wave of interstate recruits who added depth and polish to their line-up. Club captain Jarrod Stokes led from the front once again, proving why he remains one of the competition’s most reliable performers.
With the sides splitting their two meetings last season, this clash promises to be another tight and competitive affair.
Tiwi Bombers will face Waratah in an intriguing contest on Saturday afternoon at TIO Stadium.
Both sides will be eager to notch their first win of the season. The Bombers showed plenty of promise against Nightcliff but were left to rue inaccurate kicking in front of goal. Mihail Lochowiak showed promising signs in his first game in red and black colours, while Sam Darley again led from the front.
Waratah have welcomed back a few key additions and will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Round 1 performance against PINT. The Warriors were well served by Robbie Turnbull, Cody Szust, and Scott Carlin, who toiled hard through the midfield despite the loss.
Expect this one to be an open, attacking contest – particularly if the Bombers can convert their opportunities.
This clash has all the makings of the match of the round. These two NTFL heavyweights produced one of last season’s most thrilling encounters in the semi-final, and both squads again boast an abundance of top-end talent.
Southern Districts impressed in their Round 1 win, with Quinton Narkle showing his class in his TIO NTFL debut – finishing with 27 disposals – while Jed Anderson continued his strong form with 28 touches.
Nightcliff remain a quality side but will once again be without several key players, which gives the Crocs the edge heading into this contest. Still, expect the Tigers to push them all the way in what should be a high-quality, finals-like battle.
All Men’s Premier League matches in the 2025/26 TIO NTFL season can be streamed live on KommunityTV, with the PINT vs. Wanderers clash available to watch for free.
