A couple of ladder-defining clashes, including a top four battle and a third against fifth game headline a big Round 11 of Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s Premier League action.

Waratah v. Southern Districts
14/12/19 – Round 11
2:00pm
Gardens Oval

In the game of the round, reigning premiers Waratah host Southern Districts in a game that could be crucial for the Crocs’ ladder standing heading into the Christmas break. The ‘Tahs have been superb this season, have been awarded wins in all 10 games with a percentage of 363.35 per cent and look every bit likely to continue their dominant premiership stranglehold in 2019/20. Last week Waratah had to battle its way to an eight-point win over Palmerston Magpies at home and now faces a Crocs side finding some form with back-to-back wins. Rebecca Pryer has been one to watch for the top of the table side while Lisa Roberts has booted 12 goals from five games, including a massive seven-goal haul. Lauren O’Shea has been the side’s leading goalkicker with 14 from nine games, while Madeline Gault continues to be a developing talent around the ground. The key to stopping the Crocs is limiting the likes of Ebony Miller who has slammed home 29 goals from eight games and is not afraid of a big bag, slotting 10 goals in a game this season. Kelsey Patterson has also booted eight goals this year from seven games, while Charles Deegan and Tahlia Holtze have been among the Crocs’ best in season 2019/20.

Pint v. Palmerston Magpies
14/12/19 – Round 11
2:30pm
TIO Oval No 2

In another ladder-defining clash heading into the Christmas break, Pint takes on Palmerston Magpies in a bid to gain fourth spot on the ladder. Palmerston pushed the premiership favourites, Waratah all the way last week before eventually falling by eight points, while Pint got up over Tracy Village in a 49-0 win. The Queen Ants have been inconsistent throughout the season, with their last five games reading WLWDW in a formline which based on patterns does not bode well for this week. Palmerston have plenty on their line themselves this week, sitting a deserved third and only six points adrift from Darwin in second spot. A loss could see them slip below South Districts if the Crocs can upset Waratah in the other game. The Queen Ants will hope to continue their form over the past three weeks, where the likes of Jasmin Baksh and Emma Greaves have hit the scoreboard on multiple occasions. Cara Evans has also been a source of goals this year, while for the Magpies, Arthurina Moreen has been unstoppable in front of the big sticks, booting 17 majors from eight games. Iesha Ronberg has booted five goals and was named among the best seven times, one of the Magpies most consistent this season with Billie Byers and Janet Baird the others. Palmerston should win this game, but Pint have been in good form of late.

Tracy Village v. Darwin Buffettes
14/12/19 – Round 11
5:00pm
Tracy Village

In a less anticipated clash, two sides at opposite ends of the ladder do battle at Tracy Village. The home side sits ninth with one win from 10 games – against the winless Big River Hawks – whilst the visitors head into the clash having won seven and drawn one of a possible 10 matches. If there was a case for an upset it might be the time for Razorbacks, with Darwin having only won one of their past four games, including a shock loss to Wanderers. There is an argument the Buffettes could have won them all, going down by two points back-to-back and then drawing with Pint. A 125-point smashing of the Hawks last round got Darwin back on the winners list. For Tracy Village, their formline is not a pretty sight, losing their past seven games since scraping together a five-point win over Big River. Kylie Duggan has been a crucial player for the Buffettes this season, booting four goals and was named in the best on just as many occasions. Youngster, Tayla Hart-Aluni has booted five majors from nine games, while Calista Boyd and Dominic Carbone have also been important for the second placed side. Alexandra Biggs and Gabrielle Young are among the better players for Tracy Village this season, while Tara Everett has also been named in the best on multiple occasions. Expect Darwin to get the points in this clash fairly comfortably.

Nightcliff v. Wanderers
14/12/19 – Round 11
5:00pm
TIO Stadium

With both teams only separated by percentage and sitting sixth and seventh on the ladder expect an exciting match between Nightcliff and the Wanderers. The Waratahs will be looking to redeem themselves after falling by 23 points last week while Nightcliff also suffered a defeat in Round 10 adding further intensity to the game. Wanderers and Nightcliff have been relatively inconsistent unable to string consecutive performances together and really build any momentum to climb up the ladder thus far this season. However, Nightcliff can blow teams away with their quick ball movement but often struggle with accuracy in front of goal meaning they could leave the door ajar for their opponents if they do not convert. Both sides are relatively evenly poised with key players able to have influence across the field. Youngster Shantel Miskin-Ripia has been essential for Nightcliff in recent weeks using her signature run and carry to break lines while Jessica Steppacher was the sole goal kicker last week and will be looking to add to her goal tally. Hannah Turnbull was named in the bests last round thanks to her solid performance meanwhile the likes of Emma-Lou Wolsey, Eliza Morrison and Laura De Hommel are regular top performers renowned for their ability to change the course of the game and stand up under pressure when called upon. For the Wanderers, Morgan Johnston and Shekeine De Satge have been some of the most reliable talents on the field able to go in and win the hard ball. In terms of goal kicking De Stage has also been up there and will be seeking to replicate that this round.

St Mary’s vs. Big Rivers
14/12/19 – Round 11
7:00pm
TIO Oval No 2

The Big River Hawks are yet to register a win this season and may once again struggle to do so against St Mary’s who, while have been inconsistent to say the least, should get the job done fairly easily. The Hawks are well and truly cemented at the bottom of the ladder while St Mary’s have four more wins despite sitting eighth, placing them in good stead for their matchup. St Mary’s have proved they have the talent to run over teams winning against the higher placed Nightcliff last round and will be riding a wave of confidence heading into the final match before the Christmas break. On the other hand, it has been a tough introduction for the Hawks who are yet to find their rhythm in the attacking half, often unable to register a goal meaning they must bring their A-game if they are to trouble St Mary’s. The Hawks will be looking to Crystal Browne, Deanna Peckham and Cammie Delacoeur to lead the way and deliver ball inside 50. Gretel Bailey-Preston is no slouch inside 50, able to find the goals if given the chance. For St Mary’s, Aaliyah Bailey is the go-to girl, able to wheel around and attack the goals while other key contributors such as Sharna Edwards and Nikita Long will have to have a big game if they are to influence the outcome of the game.