SOUTHERN Districts got through a nail-biting semi-final to become the first team into the 2024/25 NTFL Men’s Premier League decider following a three-point thriller over Nightcliff at TIO Stadium on Saturday night. The minor premiers lead throughout the contest but could never truly shake off the hungry Tigers, eventually winning 9.11 (65) to 9.8 (62).

The Crocs had won both encounters with Nightcliff comfortably during the 2024/25 regular NTFL season, though the final felt different. The Tigers were coming off a great win over Tiwi Bombers, and the Crocs had enjoyed a week off.

Despite what could be expected with some rust, it was actually the Crocs who jumped out of the blocks to lead by 10 points at quarter time. The Tigers would rue early inaccuracy, with Nightcliff only able to kick 2.6 through the first half. For most of that time, Nightcliff looked unlikely to put one through the big sticks, but got going from the midway point of the term.

Southern Districts was able to break open the game more in the premiership quarter, but did not punish the Tigers as much as the Crocs should have, and it allowed the underdogs to actually close the gap to just three points at the final change.

Nightcliff continued to push and the contest was set for a fitting finale. Despite the Tigers’ best efforts -with some late forward thrusts, they could not kick the winner. Desperate defending from the Crocs’ back six and hard running from the experienced midfield contingent ensured the top side held on by that exact margin at three quarter time to win by three and stamp their ticket into the grand final.

Jordan Johnston was superb for Southern Districts in the win, with Steven Motlop being the difference up forward with three majors. Matthew Johnston and Tom Clurey also caught the eye, while the usual suspects in Matt Dennis, Jed Anderson and Beau Schwarze all worked hard and hit the scoreboard.

Nightcliff duo Fergus Greene and Felix Henderson both kicked two goals, with Henderson being the standout for the Tigers in a tough loss. Brodie Filo put in his usual strong effort, with ex-Cat Brandon Parfitt showing class across the ground.

The result meant Southern Districts will now await the winner of Nightcliff and St Mary’s in the decider, with the Tigers and Saints to face off this weekend in the preliminary final.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 2.2 | 3.6 | 6.10 | 9.11 (65)
NIGHTCLIFF 0.4 | 2.6 | 6.7 | 9.8 (62)

GOALS:
Southern Districts: S. Motlop 3, J. Anderson, M. Dennis, M. Bowden, B. Schwarze, W. Sexton, W. Ryan
Nightcliff: F. Greene 2, F. Henderson 2, N. Brown, C. Ilett, B. Filo, A. Scott, B. Kennedy

BEST:
Southern Districts: J. Johnston, S. Motlop, M. Johnston, W. Farrer, T. Clurey
Nightcliff: F. Henderson, B. Filo, B. Parfitt, A. Paech, F. Greene

AROUND THE GROUNDS

St Mary’s bundled out the Tiwi Bombers in straight sets thanks to an impressive first half in the earlier semi-final. Despite the Bombers getting the double chance, it was the do-or-die Saints who continued their long way around to the season decider, surviving another week with a 10-point win.

A strong five goals to two first half put the lower ranked side in front by 21 points, and while the Bombers did close the gap to 17 by the final change, it would not be enough. St Mary’s held on to win 11.11 (77) to 10.7 (67) and keep advancing through, this time for a date with Nightcliff in the preliminary final.

Jackson Calder (four goals), Dylan Landt (three) and Kaelan Bradtke (two) all kicked multiple goals for the Saints, with Kieran Parnell and Domonic Grant the stars of the show. Anthony Munkara (three goals) and William Munkara (two) were the pick of the Bombers goalkickers, while Scott Bedford and Kurt Dunn were named in the red and black’s best.