DARWIN Buffaloes have recorded their first win of the 2024/25 NTFL season after defeating Wanderers by 27 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday evening. The Buffs burst ahead with three unanswered goals in the second term and restricted the Muk Muks to 3.10 to take home their first set of four points.

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Hayden Brown finished as the game’s sole multiple goalkicker with two, while the Stokes – Jarrod and Brad – racked up 59 disposals between them. The former was strong at the contest with eight clearances as the latter had 13 marks and 26 uncontested possessions to help his side control play.

Despite the result, Darwin remains planted to the bottom of the ladder. The Buffs are level on points (six) with Palmerston, with the two sides set to do battle in a fortnight’s time. Meanwhile, Wanderers’ top five hopes continue to dwindle as they now sit 12 points outside the finals spots with four rounds to play.

The current fifth place side, Waratah, was defeated by a resurgent Tiwi Bombers to the tune of 13 points at Gardens Oval. The visitors led at every break and proved more efficient in front of goal, particularly in the second half with a scoreline of 5.3 to Waratah’s wayward 5.9.

Scott Carlin led all comers in a losing effort with 35 touches and a goal, while Ashton Hams chalked up 30 touches in red and black. Nathaniel Cooper (21 disposals, eight marks) was named best afield for the victors and former Tiger and Saint Matthew Parker played a key role.

Tiwi remains percentage behind the second-placed Nightcliff, who beat PINT by 58 points on home turf. The Tigers, who have a game in hand on the Bombers, kicked six unanswered goals in the first half and built on their 40-point lead thereafter to run out comfortable winners.

Zackary Derksen (four goals) and Lachlan Tardew (three) were among four of the six Nightcliff goalkickers to boot multiple majors. Tardew also picked up 35 disposals in midfield alongside Brandan Parfitt (37) and Brodie Filo (32) to form an unstoppable trio.

Elsewhere in Round 14, St Mary’s continues to recapture form after a 45-point win over Palmerston. The Saints kicked five goals to nil before the main break and never looked back to seal their second consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the Magpies are languishing in eighth with a win and a draw.

Dylan Landt ran riot with 43 disposals, 11 marks and six clearances to be named best on ground. Spearhead forward Jackson Calder (4.4) dined out, with Jack Landt (three goals) and inclusion Connor West (two) also hitting the scoreboard.

ROUND 14 RESULTS

Darwin Buffaloes 8.7 (55) def. Wanderers 3.10 (28)
Waratah 8.14 (62) def. by Tiwi Bombers 11.9 (75)
St Mary’s 11.11 (77) def. Palmerston Magpies 4.8 (32)
Nightcliff 13.13 (91) def. PINT 5.3 (33)

Bye: Southern Districts

NTFL LADDER

1. Southern Districts (11-1, 258.7%)
2. Nightcliff (9-3, 150.8%)
3. Tiwi Bombers (9-4, 128.6%)
4. St Mary’s (8-5, 139.4%)
5. Waratah (7-4, 125.6%)
6. Wanderers (4-8-1, 63.3%)
7. PINT (4-9, 83.0%)
8. Palmerston Magpies (1-10-1, 41.8%)
9. Darwin Buffaloes (1-10-1, 41.3%)

ROUND 15 FIXTURE

Friday January 24:

Darwin Buffaloes vs. St Mary’s
8:00pm @ TIO Stadium

Saturday January 25:

Palmerston Magpies vs. Tiwi Bombers
2:00pm @ Cazalys Arena

Southern Districts vs. Nightcliff
4:00pm @ Norbuilt Oval

Wanderers vs. Waratah
7:00pm @ Gardens Oval

Bye: PINT