ANOTHER weekend has concluded, as has the latest batch of games in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League. Round 14 saw a number of clashes that were crucial in shaping the standings. With the finals series just around the corner, teams were fighting tooth and nail to claim wins that may well define their seasons. There was a healthy mix of big wins and close contests across the grounds, and fans were thoroughly entertained with Saturday’s triple-header.

Unfortunately, the Tiwi Bombers were forced to forfeit their match against Wanderers, so there were only three clashes to take place around the grounds.

NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS 2.1 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 8.8 (56)
ST MARY’S 4.2 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.11 (47)

In what was expected to be the most entertaining game of the round, the Nightcliff Tigers have strengthened their grip on top spot, taking down St Mary’s by nine points at Nightcliff Oval on Saturday night. With the two sides occupying top four positions, this was a massive clash in the context of the standings and it did not disappoint. St Mary’s was able to burst out of the gates in the opening term and take an early lead, before the class of the Tigers came through in the remaining three periods. The Saints’ inaccuracy did prove costly, given they had more scoring shots than the Tigers, but there is no denying the impressive nature of Nightcliff’s play as they edge closer towards a home final in four weeks time.

For the Tigers, John Butcher was the star of the show, booting five goals in a match-winning effort. In a match that saw goals hard to come by at stages, Butcher was the difference. Teammate Brodie Filo controlled things through the middle, accumulating 21 disposals, extracting the ball from a stoppage four times and sending the ball inside 50 six times. For St Mary’s, Nathaniel Paredes fought all day to give his side ascendancy with ball in hand. He recorded a game-high 24 disposals and was ruthless around the contest.

WARATAH 6.2 | 11.6 | 15.11 | 19.15 (129)
PALMERSTON MAGPIES 4.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 8.6 (54)

The second clash of the round saw Waratah deliver a commanding performance, taking down the Palmerston Magpies by a whopping 75 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With finals approaching, Waratah will be looking to build some strong momentum heading into the postseason, and this win has certainly started to get the ball rolling. The home side were clinical for all four quarters, and despite a strong opening term, the Magpies were unable to keep up with their opponents for the rest of the match. If Waratah can produce performances of this calibre come finals time, then they will be a serious contender for the flag.

For the Warriors, Jayden Magro was simply outstanding in the victory, stuffing the stat sheet with 20 disposals and seven goals as he drove his side to a big win. He could have reached double-digit majors too, had he not missed three shots on goal. Teammate Corey Rich was also terrific on the day, racking up 31 disposals, pulling down 10 marks and booting four goals of his own. For the Magpies, Lennon Marlin led all-comers with 29 disposals, 11 marks and a goal in the loss.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 2.2 | 10.6 | 11.12 | 13.15 (93)
DARWIN BUFFALOES 0.5 | 1.5 | 4.8 | 5.10 (40)

The final match of the round saw the Southern Districts record a big win over the Darwin Buffaloes, with the final margin sitting at 53 points when the two sides met at TIO Stadium on Saturday night. Districts’ win was set up by a whopping second term, where the victors booted eight goals to one, to essentially seal the result by the time the main break rolled around. The Crocs are a mathematical chance at making the top eight after this result (and St Mary’s falling to the Tigers), so if they can keep this form rolling into the coming weeks, then they may be able to produce a miracle.

For Districts, Michael Bowden found plenty of the ball in the win, racking up 29 disposals and providing some serious run from the backline with eight rebound 50s. Jack Ganley also performed well in the victory with 27 disposals, nine inside 50s and two goals in a terrific attacking performance. For the Buffaloes, Ben Achard was dominant in the ruck with 41 hitouts to go with 19 disposals and 12 contested possessions as he fought all day to give his side ascendancy in the air.