Round 7 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL Season begins with a blockbuster between Southern Districts and Waratah at Norbuilt Oval on Friday night.
After knocking off Nightcliff last weekend, Waratah have an opportunity to complete a remarkable fortnight if they can cause another upset in this clash. What a statement it would be if they can topple the premiership favourites in Southern Districts. The Warriors have included a handful of quality players, including former Collingwood player Trey Ruscoe, Central District gun Jake Gasper and ex-Brisbane midfielder Zac O’Brien.
Throw in Joel Stevens – who was outstanding against the Tigers – and the damaging duo of Cody Szust and Scott Carlin and Waratah are beginning to look like a formidable unit.
With that said, Districts remain the competition’s benchmark. The Crocs steamrolled Wanderers at Tracy Village Oval last weekend, with veteran forward Will Farrer turning back the clock for six goals and Jordan Johnston matching his impact with five. Ex-AFL pair Quinton Narkle and Jed Anderson continue to give Districts a touch of polish and maturity around the contest.
This shapes as an excellent match-up.
Tiwi will face Wanderers in what is expected to be a hot clash at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers were not at their absolute best last weekend, but still showed the sort of maturity and resilience that has been missing in previous seasons. Tiwi trailed Palmerston at stages but steadied when it mattered, thanks largely to a game-breaking third quarter from Michael Thompson. Undersized ruckman Tanna Blackney-Noter has pieced together a brilliant fortnight and continues to compete tirelessly in the stoppages.
Wanderers were comfortably beaten by Southern Districts, but still managed to post their highest score of the season. Cody Leggett is in scorching form and is emerging as one of the most influential players in the competition, giving the Eagles a genuine spark ahead of this weekend’s clash.
PINT host Palmerston in a Saturday afternoon clash at DXC Arena.
The Magpies showed promising signs last weekend despite their loss to Tiwi. Skipper Shaun Wilson once again set the tone and the talented Waylon Davey looked dangerous every time the ball entered his vicinity.
PINT have been the big movers of the 2025/26 season and will head into this clash as deserved favourites. The Greenants have built a consistent, reliable brand of footy and will be out to consolidate their position inside the top tier of the ladder.
While there is enough there to suggest the Magpies are not far off a breakthrough win, but it is unlikely to be against PINT.
Arguably the match of the round will take place on Saturday night as St Marys take on Nightcliff at TIO Stadium.
The Saints delivered a powerful response to their loss to PINT a fortnight ago, producing a clinical win over Darwin. Their superior work rate and clean ball movement shone throughout, with skipper Dylan Landt collecting 30 disposals despite being followed closely all day. After a quiet month by his lofty standards, spearhead Jackson Calder roared back to life with a stunning ten-goal haul. Jackson Braunthal also continued his strong form across half forward with his relentless defensive pressure and work rate.
Nightcliff, meanwhile, will be eager to atone for their narrow six-point loss to Waratah. The Tigers traditionally rise for these big occasions, and a win over St Marys would reset their season nicely.
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 Crocs and Waratah clash available to be streamed live and free.