Round 5 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL season begins with Nightcliff hosting Palmerston under lights in a Friday night showdown at Nightcliff Oval.
The Tigers will enter as firm favourites after getting the job done last weekend against Darwin, but coach Leigh Crossman will know that there is plenty of improvement left in his team. Former AFL player Brandan Parfitt impressed in his first game of the season, while Lachlan Tardrew and Brodie Filo continued their strong form through the middle.
Palmerston welcomed back the Davey twins – Alwyn Jr and Jayden – in their clash with Wanderers last week, but it wasn’t enough to secure their first win. Baxter Mensch found plenty of the footy, and Waylon Davey looked lively in attack, but the Magpies will need a collective lift to challenge Nightcliff on their home deck.
It could be a scary Halloween night for the Magpies if the Tigers find their groove early.
Tiwi Bombers will host their first home game of the season when they meet the Darwin Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon in Wurrumiyanga.
The double-blues showed plenty of fight last week against Nightcliff, finishing strongly with a six-goal final term, but will need to get to work early against the Bombers. The Buffaloes enter the contest without their inspirational skipper Jarrod Stokes, who succumbed to a hamstring injury against the Tigers.
The Bombers, meanwhile, will be desperate to make a statement in their first outing at home. Expect experienced defenders Braedon McLean and Ashton Hams to play key roles with their precision ball use and experience as Tiwi look to ignite their season.
Ex-AFL forward Willie Rioli was kept quiet against St Marys but will be eager to deliver a statement performance in front of family and fans on the Tiwi Islands.
The battle of the Green and Gold at DXC Arena shapes as the Match of the Round.
PINT have been one of the season’s biggest improvers and pushed Southern Districts all the way last weekend. The Greenants have named champion Southport Sharks ruckman Braydon Crossley as an emergency – and his potential inclusion could be a major point of difference if he takes the field.
St Marys, as always, look formidable and made a statement last week with an impressive win over Tiwi. Skipper Dylan Landt was outstanding with a season-high 42 disposals, and his influence will again be crucial if the Saints are to get the job done in this contest.
Wanderers broke through for their first win of the season last weekend and will look to carry that momentum into their clash with Waratah on Saturday night at Gardens Oval.
Ruckman Tyler Phillips has been an excellent inclusion for the Eagles, while Billy Shanks and Lennon Marlin were other strong contributors in last weekend’s nine-point win over Palmerston.
Waratah, still searching for consistency, will be keen to make a statement at Gardens Oval as they look to climb the ladder. The Warriors will enter the contest as favourites off the back of strong form from midfield duo Scott Carlin and Cody Szust.
Stream all matches in 2025/26 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League season live via the NT News and KommunityTV, with the PINT and St Mary's clash available to be streamed live and free.