PINT’S enthralling comeback win over Waratah headlined the action from week one of the NTFL Men’s Premier League finals series. The Greenants stormed home from 17 points behind at three-quarter time of their elimination bout with the Warriors, going on to win 8.11 (59) to 8.9 (57) at TIO Stadium.

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The Tahs scrounged a one-goal lead at half time and extended their buffer in term three, but were held to just three behinds throughout the final quarter as the Greenants marched on. Jak Trewin showed great composure to slot the winning goal and put his side ahead with just 2:40 left on the clock.

Kyle Weightman and Cameron Wilson impacted the scoreboard with three majors each for PINT, while the midfield combination of Archie Stevens and James Rowe caused headaches. Joel Stevens was Waratah’s best alongside Cody Szust (both two goals) as Brodie Carroll notched up his 150th game.

The result means Waratah’s season is over, while PINT moves on to face St Mary’s in another knockout match on Saturday. The second-seeded Saints were brought undone by Nightcliff, who controlled much of their qualifying final clash on Friday night to salute 9.10 (64) to 5.11 (41).

The Green Machine was brought to a halt by the relentless Tigers, who restricted them to just five goals. Meanwhile, Nightcliff forward Fergus Greene booted four majors on his own to help set up a comfortable win. There was no way back once the victors led by an even six goals at three-quarter time.

Nightcliff had plenty of contributors on the night. Mitchell Trewhella was named best afield for his grunt work in midfield, complimented well by ex-AFL onballer Brandan Parfitt. Riley Baldi also played a key role in the engine room while Rhett Montgomerie sured up the bookend opposite to Greene.

The Tigers have kept their double chance intact and will welcome minor premier Southern Districts to the postseason in Saturday night’s qualifying semi-final. Another win there would secure Nightcliff direct entry into the final day of the season, although the Crocs have looked imperious all season.

FINALS WEEK 1 RESULTS

Qualifying Final:
St Mary’s 5.11 (41) def. by Nightcliff 9.10 (64)

Elimination Final:
PINT 8.11 (59) def. Waratah 8.9 (57)

Bye: Southern Districts (1st)

FINALS WEEK 2 FIXTURE

1st Semi-Final (Elimination):
St Mary’s vs. PINT
Saturday February 28, 4:15pm @ TIO Stadium

2nd Semi-Final (Qualifying):
Southern Districts vs. Nightcliff
Saturday February 28, 6:45pm @ TIO Stadium

FINAL NTFL MPL LADDER

1. Southern Districts | 13-2 | 190.0% | 54 points
2. St Mary’s | 12-3 | 208.3% | 50 points
3. Nightcliff | 11-3-1 | 155.4% | 48 points
4. PINT | 10-4-1 | 143.1% | 44 points
5. Waratah | 8-7 | 121.2% | 34 points
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6. Tiwi | 7-9 | 94.0% | 28 points
7. Darwin | 3-12 | 46.6% | 14 points
8. Wanderers | 2-13 | 39.7% | 10 points
9. Palmerston | 1-14 | 51.0% | 6 points