AS the mid-season break edges closer, the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League Round 10 of action kicks off this weekend. A bottom two and top three clash highlight the round, with plenty on offer for fans over the next couple of days. This is Rookie Me Central’s NTFL Men’s Premier League Round 10 preview.

TIWI BOMBERS vs. PALMERSTON MAGPIES
Saturday, December 4 @ 2:30pm
TIO Stadium

It is a battle of the two bottom sides to open Round 10, with Tiwi Bombers playing host to Palmerston Magpies. The Bombers are yet to win a game in eight tries, sitting last with a percentage of 46.72. The Magpies have fared a little better, with wins against the Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes back-to-back in Rounds 2-3. Since then, the Magpies have dropped five straight games, and will be keen to bounce back. For the Bombers, they just want to record a win to break a drought that stretches beyond last season. No doubt the winner of this game will feel a sense of relief, but in saying that, it will be viewed as more of a season kick-start to try and get some wins rolling before having the Christmas break.

WARATAH vs. SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Saturday, December 4 @ 6:30pm
Gardens Oval

Having grabbed top spot after last week’s win, Waratah will be keen to retain it heading into Round 11. The Tahs are sitting pretty with six wins and a draw from eight games, and a superior percentage of 169.79. They are two points clear of Nightcliff in second spot, and it was actually the Crocs that spoiled the Tigers’ party and helped Waratah secure top spot. That also pegs the Crocs as a massive threat in this game, with Southern Districts no doubt keen to make it back-to-back wins against top of the table sides. If they can get up, they will not only likely force Waratah to lose top spot, but also keep pressure on the top four and breakaway from the bottom three.

NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS vs. WANDERERS
Saturday, December 4 @ 6:30pm
Nightcliff Oval

Second placed Nightcliff will be reeling after dropping its Round 9 clash to Southern Districts, and will be keen to make amends. Wanderers had a very different experience last weekend, causing an upset with the win over St Mary’s. That not only gave them a handy six-point buffer on the Saints, but drew them level with the Tigers. That means second spot is on the line in this game, and potentially even more. If Southern Districts can upset Waratah, then the winner of this match would secure top spot. Wanderers have had a great season thus far with a 6-2 win-loss record, having won the past four games. Given Nightcliff won tis head-to-head back in Round 3 by 76 points, the Eagles will be keen to turn that around and get revenge.

ST MARY’S vs. DARWIN BUFFALOES
Sunday, December 5 @ 4:30pm
TIO Stadium

Wrapping up Round 10 action, the fourth placed St Mary’s take on the sixth placed Darwin Buffaloes in what should really be a much-needed win for the Saints. St Mary’s looked the team to beat after its Round 1 win over reigning premiers Nightcliff, but with a shock loss to the Crocs last round, coupled with the loss to the Tigers in their second encounter, and the Saints sit six points off the top three. That is partially due to a team submission error last season which cost them four premiership points, but nonetheless, they cannot afford to lose this game. Though the same could be said for Darwin, who despite being just two places lower, are eight points behind, and more than 68 percentage points adrift too. The Buffs did win their second game last round but it came against Tiwi Bombers again, so they will be hoping to take down a big scalp in this match.