Round 9 of the 2025/26 TIO NTFL season kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah at Stanley Tipungwuti Oval in Wurrumiyanga.
Waratah have found form over their past two outings, backing up a strong win over the highly-fancied Nightcliff with a narrow five-point loss to premiership favourites Southern Districts. Sitting just outside the top five, the sixth-placed Warriors know a win on the Islands will be important to their finals aspirations. Joel Stevens continues to lead the way with his physicality around the contest, while Cody Szust’s clean ball use remains a major weapon.
Tiwi, meanwhile, produced a mature performance in their last hit-out, overcoming Wanderers by 59 points in slippery conditions. Prime mover Michael Thompson is in fine form, while veterans Ashton Hams and Braedon McLean continue to steady the Bombers’ defence with their leadership and experience.
Nightcliff and Southern Districts meet in a blockbuster Match of the Round – and potentially a grand final preview.
The Crocs never truly looked troubled despite only edging past Waratah by five points a fortnight ago. Matt Johnston delivered his best performance of the season, while Jed Anderson again set the tone with his hard edge at stoppages.
Nightcliff, on the other hand, made a serious statement in their dismantling of St Marys. Mitch Trewhella brought toughness with 10 tackles, and former GWS utility Wade Derksen lit up the contest with 19 disposals and three goals in a best-on-ground display.
Both sides are assembling formidable lists, and the psychological edge gained this weekend could loom large later in the season. Their recent match-ups have been must-watch viewing, including last season’s unforgettable semi-final, which was one of the standout games of the entire 2024/25 campaign.
The Palmerston Magpies and Darwin Buffaloes square off under lights at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
For Palmerston, this looms as a golden chance to break a win-drought that has stretched beyond 12 months. They will need a vastly improved showing after being overwhelmed by PINT a fortnight ago. But there were positives from that match – Nayef Hamad was superb with 32 touches, while Waylon Davey snared three goals in a lively display up forward. The Magpies hierarchy will be expecting a far more competitive effort against the Buffaloes.
After the bye a fortnight ago and last weekend’s abandoned match, Darwin have spent nearly three weeks stewing on their heavy loss to St Marys. The Buffs have made gains this season, but a stumble here would undo much of that progress. The potential return of skipper Jarrod Stokes would be a significant boost as they look to steady the ship.
In the final match of Round 9, Wanderers will host PINT on Sunday afternoon at Tracy Village Oval.
The Greenants continue to surprise the competition and head into this clash against Wanderers full of confidence following their comprehensive win over Palmerston. NTFL newcomer Noah Spiteri could not have scripted a better debut, booting eight goals, while former Crow James Rowe and midfielder James Boyer again drove PINT’s dominance around the ball.
Wanderers were not without their moments against Tiwi Bombers but ultimately relied too heavily on a handful of standouts. Cody Leggett’s stellar season rolled on with 33 disposals, and Fraser Bradley produced his best performance in the Top End, finishing with six goals.
PINT will start deserved favourites, but as Wanderers have shown in flashes, they can trouble sides if they sustain their effort for long enough.
Stream all matches in the 2025/26 TIO NTFL Men's Premier League season live via the NT News and KommunityTV with the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah clash available to be streamed live and free.