A NEW flag frontrunner has emerged in the NTFL Men’s Premier League after Nightcliff became the first side to book its Grand Final ticket on Saturday. In the qualifying final against minor premier Southern Districts, the Tigers saluted by 49 points in an imperious display of defensive strength.

>> SCROLL for the results & preliminary fixture

While undermanned in defence, the Crocs boasted a side littered with ex-AFL talent and spearheaded by the league’s leading goalkicker, Beau Schwarze. Despite that, they were restricted to just two majors for the match, both coming in the opening term. Schwarze spent time off the field and went goalless.

At the other end of the ground, Tigers trio Boyd Bailey, Shay Linke, and Petros Politis bagged two goals apiece to apply scoreboard pressure in the 9.13 (67) to 2.6 (18) victory. Lachlan Tardew was named best afield, though the likes of Riley Baldi and Brandan Parfitt were also integral through midfield.

The result means Nightcliff, who finished the home-and-away season in third, will face either Southern Districts or St Mary’s in next week’s decider. The second-seeded Saints advanced via a thrilling four-point win over PINT, thanks largely to four goals from hampered skipper Dylan Landt.

The Saints superstar was not initially named in the starting side, but carried his calf complaint into the game and started deep in attack. After booting four majors to three-quarter time, he shifted back on-ball as brother Jack popped up to slot the winning goal with only 11 seconds left on the clock.

The dramatic final stanza was full of momentum shifts. PINT’s elimination final hero Jak Trewin thought he had put the Green Machine to bed with two goals to start the term, only for the Saints to hit back immediately. Bailey Frauenfelder then reestablished the Greenants’ lead, only for Landt to save the day.

In support of their fearless leader, the Saints were served well by the likes of Josh Smithson and Curtis McCarthy in midfield. Kieren Parnell also came up clutch with a goal and assist to help spur his side in the fourth quarter, while Jackson Braunthal bagged two goals in the win.

SEMI FINALS RESULTS

Elimination Semi-Final:
St Mary’s 11.8 (74) def. PINT 10.10 (70)

Qualifying Semi-Final:
Southern Districts 2.6 (18) def. by Nightcliff 9.13 (67) 

REMAINING FINALS FIXTURE

Preliminary Final:
Southern Districts vs. St Mary’s
Saturday March 7, 6:45pm @ TIO Stadium

Grand Final:
Nightcliff vs. Winner PF
Saturday March 14, 6:45pm @ TIO Stadium