ROUND 7 of Northern Territory Football League Women’s (NTFLW) saw some exciting matches, with the biggest and most unexpected result coming in the form of a loss for the Darwin Buffettes, dropping their first game of the season and ultimately ending their undefeated run. Meanwhile the Southern Districts continued their fine form with a dominant performance.

WARATAH 0.3 | 1.11 | 6.12 | 8.16 (64)
PINT 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 (25)

Waratah: L. O’Shea 3, G. Cusack 2, M. Yarran, J. Singh, B. Martin
Pint: E. Ryan, J. Downey, C. McElroy, C. Evans

BEST

Waratah: L. Roberts, M. Gissing, C. Fabris, B. Martin, L. O’Shea
Pint: N/A

A strong first half saw Pint well and truly push Waratah in the opening match of Round 7, before Waratah came back in the second half with a point to prove, booting seven goals to two to run away 39-point victors. It was a solid effort from the Queen Ants, defensively producing a really solid match but ultimately relying too heavily on an inaccurate Waratah side that kicked one goal 11 behinds in the first half. Casey McElroy and Ellie Ryan both booted their first goals for the season for Pint alongside Cara Evans and Jacqueline Downey, putting out a great effort in the forward line but unable to play out a full four quarters. For Waratah, Lisa Roberts was solid as ever with a great lead off half back to move the ball through the midfield, while Lauren O’Shea and Gemma Cusack combined for five goals. The ‘Tahs encountered their usual issue of inaccuracy, and while there was a definite scoring end for the match there is little excuse for kicking 11 behinds in the first half. This kind of scoreline is not an issue in matches against lower sides, however will be a big worry coming up against teams in the top four.

BIG RIVER HAWKS 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 (3)
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 6.3 | 10.7 | 14.10 | 17.13 (115)

Big River Hawks: N/A
Southern Districts: E. Miller 10, M. Breed 2, M. Moussa 2, E. Forsyth, S. Carkeek, H. Engelhardt

BEST

Big River Hawks: J. Daniels, J. De La Coeur, M. Dunn, C. Delacoeur, B. Gumbula, J. Robertson
Southern Districts: C. Deegan, E. Miller, T. Holtze, E. Forsyth, A. Lewis

Southern Districts well and truly ran down Big River Hawks in their Round 7 clash, with Ebony Miller booting 10 goals to single handedly defeat the Hawks thanks to her ability to find the footy and create something out of nothing. Miller was unmatched by any opponent and essentially ran free for majority of the match, creating as many opportunities in front of goal as she booted herself aided by Mattea Breed and Maria Moussa who added two goals apiece to the ledger. Charles Deegan impressed as per usual, collecting best on ground honours and finding plenty of the footy through the midfield. For the Hawks, it was a frustrating match with little high points to speak of – though credit to the Hawks for breaking through the Crocs’ strong defence to even put three behinds on the board, proving the side has plenty of tenacity to force and find the ball forward but just needed to capitalise on the opportunities when they arose. Johanna Daniels, Jayde De La Coeur and Mavis Dunn were solid for the Hawks despite the disappointing scoreline.

DARWIN BUFFETTES 3.2 | 3.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 (30)
WANDERERS 1.0 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 4.8 (32)

Darwin Buffettes: D. Ah Wang 3, R. De Santis
Wanderers: K. White 2, T. Davern, S. De Satge

BEST

Darwin Buffettes: K. Duggan, D. Carbone, D. Ah Wang, D. Trindle-Price, B. Stokes
Wanderers: S. De Satge, M. Johnston, S. Mauboy, K. Motlop, P. Koulakis, J. Chevalier

Darwin Buffettes were delivered a shock loss on Saturday, going down to the Wanderers in a goalless final term to cut short a potential seven match winning streak and ruin the party for Tania Dhu in her one hundredth match for the side. The Buffettes got off to a strong start with a three goal opening term but just did not take advantage of their chances around the ground, allowing the Wanderers space and opportunity to take control of the match, defeating the Buffettes by two points thanks to a massive final quarter effort. Shekeine De Satge was a key player for the Wanderers, stepping up and really having an impact when it mattered most, booting a goal while she was at it. Karita White did her bit in her first match for the season with two goals to her name, while Morgan Johnston and Sophia Mauboy also impressed. For the Buffettes, Delsey Ah Wang kicked three goals in a solid effort up forward, aided by Kylie Duggan and Dominique Carbone who found plenty of the footy early to keep the ball moving.

ST MARY’S 0.0 | 3.4 | 7.7 | 9.9 (63)
TRACY VILLAGE 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.6 (12)

St Mary’s: D. Ponter 5, L. Dunn 3, S. Edwards
Tracy Village:

St Mary’s: S. Edwards, L. Dunn, D. Ponter
Tracy Village: N/A

It was a slow start for St Mary’s in the fourth match of the round, taking time to work into the match before producing a solid 51-point victory. It was a largely frustrating match for Tracy Village, booting six behinds and only one goal for the match in a performance that was ultimately plagued by inaccuracy and missed opportunities. While the Razorbacks started relatively well compared to the Saints, they were unable to find their form after the first quarter and their inaccuracy was a real issue that created further opportunity for St Mary’s to take a strong lead. Danielle Ponter proved once again that she can be a real catalyst for any side, booting five goals and was aided by Laelia Dunn with another three goals alone. Sharna Edwards was also named among the best for her solid effort and consistency across the ground, while for the Razorbacks Lisa-Maree Toner, Tara Everett and Zhoe Clarke put in the hard yards despite a tough match.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES 2.3 | 3.3 | 5.3 | 7.3 (45)
NIGHTCLIFF 0.3 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.10 (40)

Palmerston Magpies: Y. Roe, M. Frank, T. Williams, J. Baird
Nightcliff: J. Anyon-Smith 2, E. Field , C. Bracey, S. Miskin-Ripia

BEST

Palmerston Magpies: M. Brown, K. White, G. Garling, I. Ronberg, T. May, J. Baird
Nightcliff: E. Morrison, S. Miskin-Ripia, E. Johnson

A five goal margin finished off Round 7 of NTFL Women’s, with Nightcliff coming frustratingly close to a win against Palmerston Magpies, going down by only five points. The Tigers had plenty of opportunities, doubling their goals with behind and putting plenty of ball inside 50, just unable to find the goals to really take it to the Magpies. The Magpies to their credit were consistent all match, applying solid pressure across the field and executing majority of their chances in front of goal. Eliza Morrison impressed for Nightcliff while Jacqueline Anyon-Smith booted two goals, with young gun Shantel Miskin-Ripia and Eliza Johnson named among the best. For the Magpies, Michaeline Brown, Khani White and Georgina Garling were solid with a smattering of goalkickers proving the Magpies have plenty of firepower as we race towards the midway point of the season.