ROUND 11 marked the final round for Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s football in 2018. Tracy Village kicked off things with a victory over St Marys. Both teams were desperate to end their losing streaks, but it was the Razorbacks who claimed the reward. Waratah handed the Magpies a wake-up call after a pounding that led to a 38-point deficit. Palmerston learned it will take more than talented youth to defeat last season’s premiers. The Wanderers had a tough day against the Buffettes, as Darwin made short work of the Eagles. The last game had Nightcliff raring to go on Sunday, but Pint’s desperation proved too much for the Tigers. The NTFL Women’s competition will resume on January 5.

TRACY VILLAGE 2.0 I 2.0 I 2.0 I 5.1 (31)
ST MARYS 0.1 I 1.1 I 3.1 I 4.3 (27)

GOALS:

Tracy Village: R. Bull 3, J. Downie, K. Irvine.
St Marys: B. Ullungura, N. Dunn-Richards, K. Hayes-Clarke, A. Coombes.

BEST:

Tracy Village: Z. Clarke, K. Irvine, A. Lidbetter, E. Lima, K. Brown, R. Bull
St Marys: Not Supplied 

In the first term, the Razorbacks came into the game with real purpose. Tracy Village kicked the first two majors to start the game, with forward, Rachael Bull looking dangerous. However, for the next two terms, the Razorbacks did not score. The Saints poked their nose in front in the third quarter, and it looked like Tracy Village was doomed for another loss. Kristy Irvine proved the difference, as the gun midfielder dug into congestion and kicked a goal to steady the ship. Irvine was not alone as Zhoe Clarke was awarded best on the field. Clarke was the support Irvine needed, and their combined efforts sealed the win for Tracy Village. The Saints seem to be in a spot of bother, as they have now lost three matches in a row. Natasha Dunn-Richards and Alana Coombes have combined well up forward in previous years, but lately, their influence has been curbed. 

DARWIN BUFFETTES 3.2 I 6.4 I 8.6 I 9.7 (61)
WANDERERS 1.0 I 1.0 I 3.2 I 4.2 (26)

GOALS:

Darwin: Not supplied.
Wanderers: P. Koulakis, C. Boyd, G. Halkitis, S. Bading.

BEST:

Darwin: Not supplied
Wanderers:  L. Motlop, D. Pikos, P. Koulakis

The Eagles had a good run of wins after a horror start to the year but on Saturday, they got shown the horns. Kylie Duggan showcased her drive in Darwin’s midfield, as the Buffettes went on a rampage in the first half. The difference in skill was overwhelming for the Eagles, as the heavy favourites stormed away by 35 points. Lauren Motlop was one of few Wanderers to stand up that day, but the Buffs had contributors everywhere on the field. Darwin now sits second on the ladder heading into the break. A well-rested Buffettes outfit could enter 2019 as an even more dangerous team, which is a scary prospect for the rest of the competition.

WARATAH 0.1 I 3.1 I 6.2 I 9.2 (56)
PALMERSTON MAGPIES 0.2 I 1.3 I 2.5 I 2.5 (17)

GOALS: 

Waratah: M. Reisinger 3, A. Chittick 2, A. Love, L. O”Shea, J. Kerinaiua, M. Gault
Palmerston:  J. Stassi, B. Byers

BEST:

Waratah: A. Stanley, L. Roberts, H. Goodall, M. Reisinger, T. O”Hehir
Palmerston:  B. Byers, K. White, T. May, N. Medbury, S. Bush, G. Garling

If Waratah was a test for the Magpies to see how far they were from winning a premiership, they have a long way to go. Palmerston only managed two goals in a game that saw the Pies’ youngsters get outdone by the experienced Warriors. As for Waratah, Madeline Resinger put on a show for the Warriors, kicking three goals straight for the game. Amy Chittick complemented Waratah with a pair of majors, and Northern Territory Under-18 representative, Madeline Gault kicked one of her own. Billie Byers and Natasha Medbury fought well in the middle for Palmerston, but no forwards could escape the tight grip of Waratah’s defence. The Magpies will take notes from this game as they were rattled on Sunday by the reigning premiers. The Magpies need to get back to playing their fast-paced game that burns off defenders. Only then will the Pies have a chance of piercing Waratah’s backline.

PINT 3.3 I 4.5 I 8.8 I 8.11 (59)
NIGHTCLIFF 0.2 I 0.4 I 2.4 I 3.5 (23)

GOALS:

Pint: C. Henderson 3, D. Suddaby 2, C. Morris, E. Ryan, K. Smits.
Nightcliff: Not supplied.

BEST:

Pint: Not supplied
Nightcliff: Not supplied

The Queen Ants secured a decisive win over Nightcliff, getting over the line by 36 points. Cassie Henderson was the machine that would not stop running all day, as she kicked three goals and gave the Queen Ants the winning edge. Pint had its confidence restored and the Tigers paid for it, as the players went into their shells again. Even with Adelaide AFL Women’s player, Chloe Scheer in the side, the Tigers could not score a goal for the first half. Pint forwards, Ellie Ryan and Kristen Smits hit the scoreboard, but due to inaccuracy, the pair would kick only one goal apiece. Nightcliff must regain its confidence over the holidays, because although finals may be out of reach, pride will be on the line for the remainder of the season.