THIS past weekend saw another round of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League take place across a number of grounds. Three matches took place in Round 17, the penultimate weekend of the season, while the Tiwi Bombers forfeited their clash against St Mary’s given their withdrawal from the competition for the remainder of the season. However, there was still some excellent football to be enjoyed around the territory as the league starts to wrap up the home and away season.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 1.1 | 4.3 | 7.7 | 9.9 (63)
NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS 4.7 | 8.10 | 14.13 |15.19 (109)

The Tigers were able to seal their title as ladder-leaders over the weekend, as they took down the Southern Districts to the tune of 46 points at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers got out to a ripping start, dominating the inside-50 count 19-7 in the first term, and storming out to an early lead. Their ability to get the ball on the outside of the contest was one of their biggest strengths, excelling in the uncontested possession count 226-145 for the match. In the end, the match was over by the end of the third term, with the Districts unable to match the strong play of Nightcliff.

For the Tigers, Daniel Bowles and Brodie Filo racked up 26 disposals each as they both proved to be extremely impactful contributors for the win. The duo have been in ripping form of late, proving consistent performers for Nightcliff on a weekly basis, and this form continued again this week. For the Districts, Frazer Driscoll accumulated a game-high 31 touches and 14 rebound 50s as he looked to give his side a drive from the backline, given the ball was parked in there for a large portion of the contest.

DARWIN BUFFALOES 2.3 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 10.7 (67)
WARATAH 4.2 | 9.3 | 10.9 | 12.13 (85)

Waratah have begun to finish their season in style, taking down the Darwin Buffaloes to the tune of three goals at TIO Stadium on Saturday night. After a disappointing first half, the Buffaloes staged a bit of a comeback in the final two quarters, bringing themselves to within 10 points at the final break. However, they could not complete the job as the Warriors managed to hold off their opponents and claim their 12th win of the season, as they begin to prepare for the upcoming finals series.

For the victors, Dylan Collis racked up a game-high 27 touches to go with six rebound 50s, having no trouble finding the ball throughout the contest. His namesake in William was named best afield in the win, while Jayden Magro booted three goals up forward. For the Buffaloes, Gareth Remfrey impressed with 24 touches, eight clearances and a goal in a brave midfield performance despite the loss.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES 2.2 | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.8 (44)
WANDERERS 7.2 | 7.4 | 11.4 | 14.8 (92)

The final match of the round saw the Wanderers claim a dominant win over the Palmerston Magpies when the two sides went head-to-head at Cazaly’s Arena on Saturday night. The Wanderers got off to a ripping start, booting seven goals in the first term from a whopping 19 inside 50s as they controlled play. They were able to ride this home for the rest of the match, with the margin proving too much for the Magpies throughout the remainder of the contest. The victors were excellent in preventing the Magpies from getting any flow of play rolling as they grabbed their 11th win of the year.

For the Wanderers, Marlion Motlop racked up a game-high 31 touches, but his namesake in Thomas wasn’t far behind with 30 himself. The duo managed to find the ball all over the ground, with the opponents unable to keep up with the two for the majority of the contest. For the Magpies, Lennon Marlin once again led the way with 27 touches as he fought valiantly despite his side trailing the whole night.