THE weekend is here and that means so is the upcoming round of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League. Round 11 has plenty of eye-catching matchups on the schedule, and perhaps there are none more so than two of the competition’s top four sides facing off in a crucial clash. With the upper quarter of the ladder only separated by one win, this match will go a long way in shaping the finalists moving forward with the competition well over the half way point of the season.

WANDERERS vs TIWI BOMBERS
Saturday, December 11 @2:30pm
TIO Stadium

The round’s action kicks off with the Wanderers taking on the Tiwi Bombers at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two sides are enjoying contrasting seasons, with the Wanderers currently occupying third spot on the ladder, while the Bombers are yet to win their first match with the side currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder, and have been unable to get any momentum. The Wanderers will be looking to take full advantage of this matchup and move up on the ladder with the standings so close up the top, while the Bombers will be looking to cause a major upset with their first win of the season. The Wanderers are expected to win this match, but there will be the ever-looming risk of a shock loss so they will need to bring their best.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS vs PALMERSTON MAGPIES
Saturday, December 11 @3:00pm
Norbuilt Oval

In what should be a thrilling clash, the Southern Districts and the Palmerston Magpies will lock horns on Saturday afternoon at Norbuilt Oval. These two teams are in the midst of extremely similar seasons to date, with just two points separating the teams as the Districts played out a draw which gives them the advantage in the standings. The Magpies are fresh off a massive win over the Bombers, and will enter this clash with plenty of confidence, but face a tougher opponent this week. The Districts found themselves bested by Waratah last week, with plenty to take from their round 10 loss. They face a team much more within their reach this week and will be hoping to bounce back with a strong victory in what should be a cracking contest.

NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS vs DARWIN BUFFALOES
Saturday, December 11 @6:45
Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval

The Darwin Buffaloes face a tough task when they travel to the Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval to take on the Nightcliff Tigers on Saturday night. The Tigers have been in terrific form and currently sit in second spot on the ladder with seven wins and two losses coming from their first nine games of action. They are fresh off a 10-goal triumph over the third placed Wanderers, so there will be shortage of belief coming from this side as they look to keep their momentum rolling. The Buffaloes have not enjoyed the same level of success, winning just two of their eight games so far this season. They will be looking to turn things around with an upset win here, but face an uphill battle based on their recent form, which included a tough loss last weekend.

ST MARY’S vs WARATAH
Saturday, December 11 @7:00pm
TIO Stadium

The final match of round 11 will see a cracking matchup with St Mary’s taking on Waratah on Saturday night at TIO Stadium as a part of a double-header at the ground. The two sides occupy two spots in the top four of the standings, with St Mary’s sitting in fourth spot while Waratah are the competition’s ladder leaders with seven wins, one loss and one draw from their nine matches in the 2021/22 season. Both teams won their round 10 matches and will be heading into this clash with plenty of belief in their abilities to win this match. This will be the first time these two teams face off this season with their scheduled clash earlier in the year cancelled. The two sides are likely to produce a must-see clash in a match that should have a massive effect on the top four moving forward.