PINT remain unbeaten to start their 2025/26 TIO NTFL campaign but face a tough test this Saturday at TIO Stadium against a Tiwi Bombers outfit fresh off an impressive win over Waratah.
The Bombers’ trademark speed and flair troubled the Greenants last season and they will be hoping to utilise the same advantages again this weekend. Athletic forward Nigel Lockyer is proving to be an early-season X-factor in attack while the experienced Ashton Hams and Sam Darley continue to provide damage when rebounding the football from defence.
PINT, meanwhile, will rely heavily on former Adelaide Crow Jimmy Rowe, who was superb last week against Wanderers gathering a game-high 29 disposals and two goals. James Boyer is another who has made a strong start to the season, but ultimately it is a Greenants team that has an even spread of talent across the playing list.
It shapes as an intriguing match-up and one not to miss.
All eyes will be on Collingwood great Dane Swan, who is set to make his long-awaited Waratah debut. Expect a bumper crowd at Gardens Oval on Saturday eager to watch the Brownlow Medallist in action against Palmerston.
It shapes as an absolute must-win contest for the Warriors, who have enjoyed strong contributions from skipper Scott Carlin, Joel Stevens and Cody Szust across the opening rounds.
The Magpies showed plenty of fight in last week’s storm-affected clash with Darwin but were eventually overrun. Lucas Edmonds was their best player, while small forward Waylon Davey provided a handful of highlights among his three goals. Palmerston will be eager to turn competitive effort into four points this time around, but they will enter as underdogs.
After a narrow Round 1 loss to Southern Districts, St Marys will be determined to notch their first win of the season and enter this clash as firm favourites.
Wanderers have shown glimpses of improvement but need to uncover more consistent avenues to goal having only scored 43 points across their opening two games. Tyler Phillips and Billy Shanks battled hard last week, while the returning Daniel Weetra added experience and composure to the Eagles’ line-up.
Wanderers caused the upset of the season in this corresponding game last season, but one would expect the Saints to win comfortably this weekend.
Darwin Buffaloes will host Southern Districts in a Sunday afternoon clash at Cazalys Arena.
The double-blues have started the season in encouraging form, notching back-to-back wins, but now face the ultimate test against reigning premiers Southern Districts. Captain Jarrod Stokes led from the front last weekend with a 32-disposal effort against Palmerston and will be keen for another big performance in his brother Bradley Stokes’ 150th game.
The Crocs are a consistent team across the board, but will again look to dominant ruckman Wyatt Ryan, who caused plenty of headaches for Darwin last season. Jed Anderson has been in excellent form to start the season and will be expecting another big game against his former team.
The Buffaloes are brimming with confidence but will need to be at their best to be competitive with the NTFL’s powerhouse.
Stream all matches in 2025/26 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League season live via the NT News and KommunityTV, with the Darwin Buffaloes and Southern Districts clash available to be streamed live and free.
