THE NORTHERN Territory Football League (NTFL) returns after All-Star Saturday, with Round 16 of the Men’s Premier League kicking off tonight. A ‘Battle of the Beaches’ between Nightcliff and Waratah shapes as the match of the weekend, as the finals picture becomes all the more clear.

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MATCH OF THE ROUND

Nightcliff Tigers (4th) vs. Waratah (5th)
Friday January 30, 7:00pm @ Nightcliff Oval

This clash is for more than just the golden shovel. It has massive implications on the top five race, with Waratah keen to lock in a finals spot while Nightcliff chases a double chance. A win for the Warriors would seal an elimination final berth, but the Tigers could finish the round in second if they salute.

Last time around, Waratah won by six points in what was a low-scoring affair. Both sides have also been flawless in their two games post-Christmas, so will be full of confidence with so much to play for. While there are influential players across the park, all eyes will turn to the midfield battle on Friday night.

Captains Brodie Filo and Scott Carlin will battle it out through the middle, for starters. The Tigers also have star import Mitchell Trewhella to lean on alongside ex-AFL mid Brandan Parfitt. Fresh off a best on ground All-Star performance, Cody Szust will be amongst the action for Waratah alongside Joel Stevens and young gun Zac Withers.

Nightcliff has been dealt a blow to its forwardline with leading goalkicker Wade Derksen recently signing with Carlton’s VFL affiliate. Boyd Bailey and Shay Linke can pick up the slack, though the Tigers have notoriously been stingy at the other end of the ground with one of the league’s best defences.

Prediction: Nightcliff by 20

TEAMS:

Nightcliff

2. Cruz Polkinghorne
4. Jonathan Lanyon
6. Brett Kennedy
8. Ben Vile
9. Ryan Nyhuis (c)
10. Rhett Montgomerie
11. Jack Peris
12. Shay Linke
13. Blake Launer
14. Nathan Brown
16. Mitchell Trewhella
17. Brandan Parfitt
18. Petros Politis
19. Zackary Derksen
22. Marly McGregor
23. Brodie Filo (c)
24. Macaulay Glover
26. Mac Johnston
27. Lewis Rinaldi
32. Boyd Bailey
36. Amos Farrell
37. Nic Couroupis

Waratah

1. Arnold Kirby
3. Brodie Carroll
4. Dylan Collis
5. Jayden Magro
6. Timothy Kerinaiua
7. Cody Szust
10. Harvey Roberts
11. Zac Withers
12. Robby Bartee (vc)
13. Joel Stevens
15. Max Urwin
20. Brody Embuscado
21. Joel Hillis
22. Scott Carlin (c)
23. Robert Turnbull
26. Samuel Kenna
28. Ryley Hutchins
33. Lucas Gray
34. Bailey George
41. Clay Shadforth
52. Jordan Watkins
90. Lochie Nash

AROUND THE GROUNDS

St Mary’s will hope to consolidate its position in the top three when it faces Darwin at TIO Stadium on Saturday. The Green Machine has been rolling since December, while the Buffs’ faltering form has bundled them out of the finals race. One to watch as a potential debutant for Darwin is youngster Nathias Bourke-Miler, named on a wing.

In the second game of Saturday’s TIO Stadium double-header, Tiwi will be out to keep its top five hopes alive when it faces the bottom-placed Palmerston. The Bombers are one of the most free-scoring teams in the competition, so will hope to blow the young Magpies away with their firepower.

Over at Norbuilt Oval, ladder leader Southern Districts enters the fray fresh off an extended bye. The Crocs host Wanderers with eyes on maintaining pole position, boasting a slew of big names and ex-AFL talent. The Muk Muks can play spoiler, but will likely remain in eighth no matter the result.

ROUND 16 FIXTURE

Nightcliff Tigers vs. Waratah
Friday January 30, 7:00pm @ Nightcliff Oval

Darwin Buffaloes vs. St Mary’s
Saturday January 31, 4:00pm @ TIO Stadium

Southern Districts vs. Wanderers
Saturday January 31, 6:00pm @ Norbuilt Oval

Tiwi Bombers vs. Palmerston Magpies
Saturday January 31, 6:30pm @ TIO Stadium

Bye: PINT

NTFL MPL LADDER

1. Southern Districts | 10-2 | 158.0% | 42 points
2. PINT | 9-3-1 | 130.2% | 40 points
3. St Mary’s | 9-3 | 183.0% | 38 points
4. Nightcliff Tigers | 8-3-1 | 137.1% | 36 points
5. Waratah | 7-5 | 117.6% | 30 points
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6. Tiwi Bombers | 6-8 | 96.0% | 24 points
7. Darwin Buffaloes | 3-9 | 61.6% | 14 points
8. Wanderers | 2-11 | 48.4% | 10 points
9. Palmerston Magpies | 1-11 | 55.4% | 6 points