THIS is it, the home and away season is coming to an end this weekend in Round 18. Nightcliff belted the Eagles last week but even with their dominant performance, they could not escape the bottom of the ladder. It may stay that way when the Southern Districts look for a win as they take on the Tigers on Saturday morning. At noon fans will get to see the Grand Final Replay as Waratah and Darwin will face off at Gardens Oval. The evening will be a tune-up match for highly ranked Palmerston as they play against the Wanderers. On Sunday Pint will face the Saints as the Queen Ants prepare for finals. As for Tracy Village, they have the bye which puts their season to an end early.

NIGHTCLIFF V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Saturday, February 16 10:00am
PSC BM Oval

Last week the Crocs were missing a few stars in Tahlia Holtze and Tayla Thorn. This Saturday they may be managed ahead of finals as the Southern Districts face the bottom team on the ladder, Tigers. Nightcliff was impressive last week against the Wanderers, but the Crocs are a far superior team to the Eagles. The Tigers will look to Emma-Lou Wolsey and Shantel Miskin-Ripa in order to slow the Districts’ backline.

WARATAH V DARWIN BUFFETTES
Saturday, February 16 12:00pm
Gardens Oval

Another classic bout between Waratah and Darwin would normally see an entertaining duel. However, the Buffettes have had a run of average matches against higher ladder teams. Tikesa Docherty-Cole is still missing from the side, meaning their forward line pressure is coming in waves. Kylie Duggan, Machaelia Roberts, and Celina Whan have been outstanding for the Buffs, but the rest of the team will need to step up to challenge Waratah. Waratah is a different story, as most of their players haven’t missed a beat.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES V WANDERERS
Saturday, February 16 5:00pm
Asbuild Oval

The Wanderers will finally see an end to a disappointing season, while Palmerston can cement their spot in second place with a win. Natasha Medbury, Jessica Stassi and Tabitha May are likely to prove too strong for the Eagles midfield, while forwards Freda Puruntatameri and Shenaida Bush have proved a deadly combination of late. As for the Eagles, it’s all about rebuilding from here. However, the Eagles will want to push the Magpies in their final game of the season.

PINT V ST MARYS
Sunday, February 17 2:00pm
MCG

Pint has waited out some of the best teams due to their strong defense in the past few weeks, but this round they will want to boost their percentage. Cassie Henderson has had a fine season for Pint and looks likely to take home the club Best and Fairest. Ellie Ryan has been solid up front, while Erin Hetherington has been classy down back. St Marys has nothing to lose as they remain out of finals contention, but Alana Coombes may pop up for a few goals to end her season.