ANOTHER Friday night opener takes place tonight as Palmerston Magpies play host to Darwin Buffaloes in a double-header at Cazaly’s Arena, while Tiwi Bombers and Southern District face-off in the men’s competition.. The NTFL Men’s and Women’s Premier Divisions head into Round 3 with the struggling Wanderers earning a break for the weekend. We preview both competitions.

MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE:

Tiwi Bombers vs. Southern Districts
Friday, October 18 @ Gardens Oval, 7:30pm

A massive top of the table clash between the two 2-0 sides takes place to kick off Round 3, with the Bombers marginally ahead on percentage (221.78 to 214.29). Both teams easily took care of Wanderers, while in their respective other wins over Waratah and PINT, those sides won their other games. Inspired by the inclusion of ex-Tiger Marlion Pickett who has been playing ruck, the AFL premiership player will be excited by Jackson Broadbent stepping up to the seniors side to take on well renowned ruck Matthew Dennis. The inside battle between Sam Darley and Jed Anderson will be one of many head-to-heads to watch.

Palmerston Magpies vs. Darwin Buffaloes
Friday, October 18 @ Cazaly’s Arena, 8pm

Palmerston had a rude awakening in Round 2 with a 120-point loss at the hands of Waratah, while Darwin is also winless to start the season, going down to PINT and Nightcliff in the first fortnight. Josh Koster kicked a couple of goals on debut for the black and whites, but if the result is anything to go by, then Palmerston is in for a long season. Darwin on the other hand has played some tough opposition, and with Jarrod Stokes and Liam Holt-Fitz stepping up to the plate, and Baxter Mensch returning for his first game of the NTFL season, all signs point to a Darwin victory.

PINT vs. St Mary’s
Saturday, October 19 @ TIO Stadium 2, 4pm

St Mary’s will come into Round 3 refreshed off a Round 2 bye to take on PINT, with the Ants humbled by Tiwi Bombers last week. PINT did comfortably put away Darwin by eight goals in Round 1 so will be looking for the bounce-back victory this weekend. The Saints are premiership favourites and deservingly so, with skipper Dylan Landt in the middle, and the likes of Jackson Calder and Jack Landt up forward. Add in Kieren Parnell and Joel Garner and it will be a tough side to topple. PINT has some quality players too with Jack Tillig named at full-forward, while Harry McKimmie will have a huge role up the other end of the ground.

Nightcliff vs. Waratah
Saturday, October 19 @ Nightcliff Oval, 6:30pm

Completing the Round 3 action are two sides with 1-1 records in 2024/25, sitting fifth and third respectively. Despite Waratah’s smashing win over Palmerston last round, the ‘Tahs will be heavy underdogs in this one against a Nightcliff side that might have lost to St Mary’s in Round 1, but will likely not lose too many throughout the course of the season. Hau-Tze Rock has been a shining light for the Tigers this season, while captain Brodie Filo and Stanley Cox are other key players. Scott Carlin has made a bright start to the season, while fellow south west import Sam Kenna will look to lock down on a crucial opponent in Round 3.

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE:

Palmerston Magpies vs. Darwin Buffaloes
Friday, October 18 @ Cazaly’s Arena, 6pm

Palmerston return coming off that 28-point win over Waratah, while Darwin suffered a second straight defeat, this time at the hands of Nightcliff. The Magpies have some talented players such as ex-Port young gun Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap and speedy bottom-ager Marika Carlton, while Ella Ward and Erica Rowe provide height and experience from other state leagues. Darwin welcome back dominant golkicker Molly Althouse to try and turn its form around, while Kylie Duggan and Machaelia Roberts are crucial for experience with the squad as well.

Tiwi Bombers vs. Southern Districts
Saturday, October 19 @ Gardens Oval, 2pm

Top of the table Southern Districts has dominated thus far in season 2024/25, smashing the hapless Wanderers by 92 points in Round 2 to back up nine-point win over Wgoalkickeraratah in the opening round. Tiwi Bombers made light work of Wanderers by 129 points in Round 1, before being brought back to earth by reigning premier PINT last week. The Crocs have a team capable of competing with the likes of Maddi Shaw, Nayeley Borg and Grace Whittaker all lining up for them in Round 3. Freda Puruntatameri, Maria Rioli and Arthurina Moreen are threats up forward, while Ellie Kellock will be a guaranteed ball-winner.

Nightcliff vs. Waratah
Saturday, October 19 @ Nightcliff Oval, 4:30pm

Nightcliff has an unbeaten record to hold up in Round 3 when it goes out to face Waratah on its home deck. The Tigers impressively beat St Mary’s in Round 1, then Darwin in Round 2 and should be able to overcome a winless Waratah side here. The Tigers will have some marking targets in Lucy Northcott and Cassie McWilliam, while Sally Evans and Christy Landwehr are other key players. For the ‘Tahs, Jenna Singh and Ruby O’Dwyer are ones to watch.

PINT vs. St Mary’s
Saturday, October 19 @ TIO Stadium, 6:30pm

Rounding out the weekend is a blockbuster Saturday night match. St Mary’s suffered defeat in Round 1 before having a bye last week to be fresh for a huge contest against reigning premier, PINT. The Queen Ants looked vulnerable in a tight win over Darwin in the opening round, before getting back to business last week thanks to a 67-point thrashing of Tiwi Bombers. Steph Lawrence and Reni Hicks are terrific leaders, never mind bringing in ex-AFLW talent Iilish Ross and her West Adelaide teammate and Bloods skipper Madison Russell to the side. St Mary’s will have some AFLW experience of its own in Janet Baird, Caitlin Sargent and Keyshia Matenga running around in the green and gold.