Round 7 of the 2024/25 TIO NTFL commences with a big clash under lights at Gardens Oval between Wanderers and the Darwin Buffaloes. It has been a dismal year for the Buffaloes so far, but the double-blues have named their strongest team of the season. Former AFL player Matt Campbell and star ruckman Ben Archard are among the big inclusions, while Tim Eldridge will play his first game since Round 2.
Wanderers stopped to a halt last weekend against Nightcliff but will look to build on some promising signs shown in the first half. Cody Leggett and Jaxon East found enough of the footy last week, but the Eagles will need a stronger effort from across the board with 16 players recording eight disposals or less against the Tigers.
On Saturday, Palmerston host St Marys at Cazalys Oval. The Magpies were obliterated last weekend against Southern Districts and will be hoping to restore some pride against the Saints. Lucas Edmonds and Nayef Hamad have returned to bolster the midfield but they are likely to have a tough afternoon against last season’s premiers.
Led by another superb performance from the prolific Dylan Landt, the Saints are fresh off a thrilling one-point triumph over the Tiwi Bombers. The reigning back-to-back Nichols Medallist had 38 disposals and three goals last week, so expect the Magpies to do everything in their power to try and curtail his influence.
Tiwi Bombers and Waratah will battle it out for the Maurice Rioli Cup on Saturday evening. The Warriors were impressive in last weekend’s win over PINT with their run-and-gun rebounding from defence. Scott Carlin continued his brilliant start to the season with another strong display while Geelong VFL player Tanner Lovell had his best game of the season.
The Bombers will look to rectify last weekend’s disappointing loss in which they led the contest against St Marys for most of the game before ultimately falling short by a solitary point.
In the final game of the round, PINT host Nightcliff at DXC Arena. This looms as almost a must-win game for the Greenants in order to keep in touch with the top-five teams. While Nightcliff enter the game as favourites, PINT have shown a willingness to compete. Big man Connor McDonald was an excellent inclusion last week while former AFL player Frazer Dale has been named to play his first game for the club.
The Tigers were slow starters against Wanderers last weekend but powered away in the second half to cruise to an 83-point victory. Lachlan Tardrew was a big inclusion, while Brodie Filo finished with a match-high 29 disposals and a couple of goals.