Round 2 of the 2026/27 TIO NTFL Season begins with North Darwin hosting Waratah in a Friday night blockbuster at Cazalys Arena.
The Magpies started their season in fine style with a comprehensive win over the Tiwi Bombers last weekend. Big man Tristen Waack was dominant, Shaun Wilson’s leadership was immense, while new recruit Phillip Moimoi showed some exciting signs. Former AFL-listed player Ben Darrou was also a strong presence up forward, finishing with six goals.
Despite never giving up on the contest, Waratah will be disappointed with last weekend’s loss to Southern Districts. The Warriors’ prime movers in Scott Carlin, Joel Stevens and Cody Szust found plenty of the footy, while Brodie Carroll (three goals) and Joel Hillis (25 disposals) also made an impact. But they will need more from their depth players to challenge the competition’s top teams in 2026/27.
Waratah will enter tonight’s contest boasting arguably their strongest line-up on paper since Rick Nolan took over as coach. AFL champion Dane Swan and Central Australian superstar Nigel Lockyer headline a host of inclusions. For Palmerston, Alwyn Davey and Baxter Mensch are welcome returns, while marquee recruit Arnold Kirby will face his former side for the first time.
Palmerston have improved, there’s no doubt about that, but the big question is: just how much have they improved? Friday night should give us some more answers. If they can record back-to-back wins, this time in front of a vocal home crowd, the lid will well and truly be off.
Tiwi Bombers will face Nightcliff in the opening match of a triple-header at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It shapes as an important clash between two teams who would love to put their Round 1 performances behind them.
Tiwi were best served by ruckman Jack Elliott last weekend, who gathered more than 30 disposals and controlled the aerial contest. The returning Sam Darley was also at his prolific best, but it was not enough to overcome a resurgent Palmerston.
Despite losing by more than 10 goals to St Marys last Friday night, Nightcliff will head into this match as comfortable favourites. The Tigers will be hoping for big performances from their experienced heads, including Brodie Filo, Ryan Nyhuis and Boyd Bailey.
In the middle game at TIO Stadium, Darwin Buffaloes will take on PINT.
The Greenants looked clinical in their win over Banks last Sunday, producing a cohesive and attractive brand of football in a runaway victory over the Bulldogs. Noah Spiteri and Tom Higgins proved a damaging combination up forward and loom as an ominous threat for opposition teams this season.
Darwin were well served by ever-reliable skipper Jarrod Stokes and new recruit Caleb McPherson, but last weekend was ultimately an opportunity they let slip.
It shapes as an entertaining contest between two sides with plenty of attacking talent.
In the late game at TIO Stadium, traditional rivals St Marys and Wanderers will meet in another highly anticipated clash.
St Marys made a major statement last week with a huge win over reigning premiers Nightcliff. Josh Smithson found plenty of the football, finishing with 35 disposals, while Dylan Landt continued doing Dylan Landt-things with 30 touches and three goals.
The Eagles escaped with a win last week, thanks largely to the poise and composure of experienced stars Steven Motlop and Braedon McLean and the ruck dominance of AFL premiership player Nathan Vardy.
The Saints have named a couple of handy inclusions, headlined by spearhead Jackson Calder, who looks set to return after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. They have also sprung a surprise selection with the inclusion of former Tiwi Bombers and Palmerston star Ashton Hams. Meanwhile, Wanderers have named exciting youngster and 2026 AFL Draft prospect Sonny Smiler.
Closing out the round is a clash under lights at Gardens Oval between newcomers Banks and Southern Districts.
A young Southern Districts side impressed last weekend, holding off Waratah to record a seven-point victory. Beau Schwarze was excellent with more than 30 disposals and three goals, while Jack Sexton also found plenty of the football.
Banks, meanwhile, were given a reality check against PINT and will be looking to produce a much stronger four-quarter performance against the Crocs. The Bulldogs were best served by classy recruit Quinton Narkle and will be hoping for another big performance from him as he comes up against his former team.
Expect a hot contest in this one.