THAT is a wrap for the home and away season as we look to finals this week, but first, we take a look at Round 18’s action. The Southern Districts cruised passed Nightcliff in another win plagued with scoring inaccuracy. Palmerston dominated against the Wanderers, with the Magpies looking a cut above the rest as they get ready for Waratah on Saturday. The Warriors are also ready for the Pies after brushing off Darwin with ease. The last match of the round saw the Queen Ants crawl over the Saints. Pint is more ready than ever take on the Buffettes this Saturday.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 1.3 I 1.4 I 4.4 I 5.8 (38)
NIGHTCLIFF 0.1 I 0.1 I 1.1 I 1.2 (8)

Goals:
Southern Districts: S. Hoogeveen-Hill 3, C. Deegan, B. Clarke.
Nightcliff: S. Miskin-Ripia.

Best:

Southern Districts: Not supplied
Nightcliff: E. Smart, H. Turnbull, J. Puautjimi, T. Taylor-Kickett

A dominant display by the Crocs should have seen more reward for their efforts, with scoring inaccuracy plaguing the Southern Districts all year. Charlie Deegan was the tip of the spear in the forward line early in the season, easing off and producing single majors over the last three matches. Tayla Thorn has been lively but seems to play the role of hit-up forward rather than a full forward, while Samantha Hoogeveen-Hill booted three goals last Saturday in her fifth match. Perhaps she can provide some much-needed firepower against St Marys. As for the Tigers, it’s all over with another wooden spoon to finish a disappointing year.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES 7.4 I 14.7 I 20.11 I 22.15 (147)
WANDERERS 2.0 I 3.0 I 4.1 I 6.1 (37)

Goals:
Palmerston Magpies: M. Brown 4, H. Davey 3, T. May 2, A. Mclennan 2, J. Baird 2, N. Medbury 2, J. Brock 2, J. Misob, N. Lloyd, G. Garling.
Wanderers: Not supplied.

Best:
Palmerston Magpies: T. May, H. Davey, B. Byers, J. Misob, J. Brock, G. Garling
Wanderers: Not supplied

Tabitha May, Janet Baird, Billie Byers, Natasha Medbury and Michaeline Brown dominated on field against the Eagles, with the Eagles struggling under the forceful forward play of the Magpies. This game was an impossible obstacle for the Wanderers as they ended the season with a big loss. In comparison, the Magpies will be looking forward to facing the reigning premiers this weekend. For once Waratah may be the underdog.

WARATAH 3.1 I 3.1 I 4.5 I 6.6 (42)
DARWIN BUFFETTES 0.1 I 2.1 I 2.1 I 4.4 (28)

Goals:
Waratah:L. Roberts 2, S. Nalder 2, L. O’Shea, A. Chittick.
Darwin Buffettes: Not supplied.

Best:
Waratah: S. Bishop, P. Starcevic, L. Roberts, A. Stanley, A. Healy
Darwin Buffettes: Not supplied

Although not as entertaining as their last match, Waratah still has the goods of the Buffs. Veteran, Lisa Roberts was outstanding, kicking two goals and covering the ground with nothing but class. Sharona Bishop held up well in defense with Alicia Stanley, while Alysha Healy stood up in the midfield. The Buffs are a different tale as they seem to be missing players left right and centre as they head into finals. The reigning premiers will face a huge challenge against Palmerston but Darwin will also have their hands full with Pint.

PINT 4.3 I 6.4 I 9.6 I 10.8 (68)
ST MARYS 1.0 I 2.1 I 3.2 I 3.3 (21)

Goals:
Pint: E. Greaves 3, D. Suddaby 2, J. McFee 2, K. Streader, E. Ryan, K. Smits.
St Marys: Not supplied.

Best:
Pint: Not supplied
St Marys: Not supplied

A good start for Pint made the Saints chase their tails all day. Emma Greaves had her kicking boots on with three, while her partner in crime Danielle Suddaby kicked two. Cassie Henderson and Samantha Barnett had a standard day of brilliance as the midfield domination saw Pint control the clearances. Now Pint has every chance of knocking out the Buffs come Saturday. The Saints have a much more difficult task. St Marys may have made finals, but the Crocs have haunted them all year with devastating defeats.