With first round side selected it will be an interesting year where there maybe a massive ladder shake up. The unfortunate part about the two ladder system now is that teams will be able to recruit heavily for the back end if needed and it puts no onus on teams playing good cricket right the way through. It does affect the integrity of the competition and the rules around how many games now qualifies you for finals cricket. Three one day matches to qualify for finals and now only two games (four days) in two day cricket. The NT Cricket website, – DDCC section, the rules was only updated as of April 9th 2024.
Other rules that could be implemented are if you haven’t registered prior to the 1st July, you’re not eligible to play, or restrict what level they can play, similar rules exist in interstate competitions which restrict player movement after December. There is a real lack of consultation when it comes to these decisions (not even put to a vote) and appears to be more of a whim of an idea that became policy without even canvassing it with the playing population.
Of the changes to the rules regarding the two ladder system, there does appear to be semi finals for the OD Comp, which is a positive, there hasn’t been much usually between second to fifth in some cases, so this is a benefit plus the extra games.
The one rule that still hasn’t been fixed is the slash rule. The idea behind this rule is to enable you to field the best side every week with what you have. It shouldn’t mean a player can’t play the second week even if they’re still available, they just slide down to the grade below. It’s been working in every premier cricket competition for decades and it doesn’t make sense this hasn’t been adjusted.
Looking at the balance of most teams, PINT are going to be a big improver and will make the four. Nightcliff will be steady, their young locals will start having a real impact and will give them that depth they need but they still short a fastman (most clubs are to be fair). Palmerston are also on the way up with their young players also to find their legs but may still be a year off finals contention.
Southern Districts aren’t as fast bowling strong as previous years but with some good local returns will have the cattle to still be a major threat. Darwin with a new swag of imports from different competitions will be a team that may struggle to find their rhythm. Waratah are a walk up start to finals, they’re usually extremely tough to bowl out and they are another side with young locals that are starting to meet the expectations of senior cricket.
Tracy Village are still a way off yet, without dynamite recruits to carry them, they’ll still be waiting on their youth development to come through which is going great guns. Their issue long term will be when their talent does make it to senior ranks, if there isn’t success on the horizon, other clubs will be readily in their ear.
From a curating perspective, looks like every square is in pretty good nick however as normal with this time of year, the base moisture content will be high and strong growth coming out of the wet will mean spin is favoured early before the pitches start to quicken up and chop out some of that thatch.
A big thanks to clubs for contributing to the season preview, while some cards have still been kept close to the chest, it is a great opportunity to promote the game preseason and create that genuine competition talk that gets everyone excited. All clubs should be commended on their social media, continuing to excel on a volunteer basis
Flynn Dawg’s Predictions
A grade – Palmerston – One Day Premiers, Waratah T20, Southern Districts – 2 Day Premiers
B Grade – Nightcliff One Day Premiers, Palmerston 2 Day Premiers
Ralph Wiese Medal - Ashley Chandrasinghe
Bowling – Smit Raval
Batting – Ashley Chandrasinghe
Player of the Year – Hamish Martin