THE Razorbacks experienced their worst defeat of the season last week when they were held scoreless for the entire game. This week, they meet ladder-leaders, Waratah in an attempt to redeem a poor performance. The Magpies are flying at the moment after downing Darwin last weekend, and will look to continue their good form when they face the Saints on Saturday. On Sunday, the Crocs will meet the Queen Ants. The Southern Districts have been on a roll these past weeks but Pint has proven to be a competitive outfit and may push the Crocs to their limit. The last match of the round will see the Wanderers play Nightcliff. Both teams are still searching for their first win of the season, and one team will finally get to sing their song after Sunday’s match, given the result isn’t a draw.

TRACY VILLAGE V WARATAH

Round 9 – Saturday December 1, 10:30am

TIO Stadium

The Warriors may have lost one game this season, but still remain the team to beat as they hover over the rest of the league. After a poor performance against the Crocs, the Warriors clicked into gear in their last game by smashing Pint. Waratah forward, Lisa Miceli has been damaging all season, but defenders, Alysha Healy and Lauren O’Shea have pushed forward from the back half in recent weeks to hit the scoreboard. The Warriors’ versatility has shown that they can kick majors from any position. Tracy Village started off the season strongly but has hit a slump in the past month. Kristy Irvine has had to carry her team through the midfield and up forward, standing as the club’s dual leading goal scorer. The Razorbacks cannot allow Irvine to carry this load alone if they are any chance to beat Waratah. Kristi Barnes once looked to be the spearhead up forward for Tracy Village, but is yet to string together some consistent performances. A few goals to Barnes against Waratah may give her a shot of confidence again.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES V ST MARYS

Round 9 – Saturday December 1, 3pm

TIO Oval No.2

The Saints escaped the Wanderers by the skin of their teeth last week, but on Saturday they will have to fend off a hungry Magpies army. Palmerston got the better of the Buffettes on the weekend with a gutsy performance by Under 18 representatives, Tabitha May, Freda Puruntatameri and Janet Baird. Baird has been causing all kinds of havoc since moving into forward line, and could have the same profound influence again this week. St Marys defenders, Nikita Long and Lori Neven will need to be at their best if they are to stop last year’s Rising Star. The talent of youth in the Magpies is deep, but the Saints have a young gun of their own in Danielle Ponter. Ponter was recently drafted by the Adelaide Crows and has just recently returned to the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s competition. Her skill in the midfield, as well as up forward, could prove to be the difference against Palmerston.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS V PINT

Round 9 – Sunday December 2, 10am

Norbuilt Oval

Inconsistency in front of goal has not yet come back to bite the Crocs, as they have torn apart their competition in recent games and now sit second on the ladder. Southern Districts’ Tayla Thorn and Charles Deegan may not be the most accurate forwards, but their efforts week after week have been nothing short of first class. The pair has kicked 16 goals between them, and could’ve had more if it weren’t for inaccuracy. Crocs stars, Lateesha Jeffrey, Tahlia Holtze and Ebony Miller have been admirable in the centre of the ground, but the Queen Ants trio of Erin Hetherington, Katie Streader, and Cassie Henderson may give them a challenge this week. Southern Districts defenders, Holly Engelhardt, Tyler Thornton and Northern Territory Under 18 representative Bella Clarke have shut down the best of opposition forwards, so Pint’s leading goal kickers, Kristen Smits and Madeline Keeble will have to put in some extra effort if they are to penetrate this Crocs defence.

WANDERERS VS NIGHTCLIFF

Round 9 – Sunday December 2, 11:30am

Gardens Oval No.2

Despite the fact that both teams currently sit at the bottom of the ladder, this game could prove to be a real nail-biter. Last week, the Eagles put up a good fight against St Marys but just let them slip away in the final quarter. A stronger defensive effort will be needed if they are to avoid sinking to last place. Northern Territory Under 18 representative, Arthurina Moreen has been lively up forward but has also been starved of opportunity all season. Wanderers’ midfielders, Calista Boyd and Keyona De Satge will need to dig deep this game and supply Moreen with some genuine opportunity in front of goal. On the other hand, the Tigers will need their own heroes to stand up and find a way to kick some goals. In previous matches, the efforts of defenders like Eliza Wear have held strong early in games, but the severe lack of scoring power has led to some crushing defeats by their opposition. Nightcliff must find a way to correct this weakness if they want to defeat the Eagles.