ROUND 13 of the Northern Territory Football League Women’s (NTFLW) is set to be another big one, headlined with ladder defining clashes. With shock losses and a mid-table log jam the fight for finals is anyone’s game, with the biggest match of the round between Southern Districts and Darwin Buffettes.

Wanderers v. Big River Hawks
Saturday, January 11, 12:30pm
TIO Stadium

The Wanderers will have a spring in their step after clenching a narrow three-point victory last round and will aim to repeat those winning ways once again in Round 13. It has been a testing season for the newly inducted Big River Hawks who are yet to register a win but coming off an extended break they could be refreshed and looking for their first victory. The Wanderers have been relatively accurate in front of goal and will want to make the Hawks pay to get a percentage boost and set themselves up for the finals. Lucille Motlop is one to watch for the Wanderers given her goal nous and ability to get loose in the forward 50. She is coming off a two-goal performance last week while the likes of Tishara Davern is no stranger to the scoreboard making her another option in front of goals. Shekeine De Satge is an exciting player able to win the ball for the Wanderers while for the Hawks they will be looking to Crystal Browne to lead the way.

Pint v. Nightcliff
Saturday, January 11, 4:00pm
MCG

Expect a close battle between sixth placed Nightcliff and seventh placed Pint with their closeness on the ladder making for an exciting contest. A shot at finals is not out of the question yet with both sides sitting two and three games respectively out of fourth spot, meaning a win here could give them the boost they are after. Nightcliff are coming off a surprise win against first-placed Waratah, making a point to the rest of the competition that their best is good enough against the top echelon of teams. Nightcliff capitalised on their opportunities in front of goal and must do the same this round to continue their fight for finals. Mickayla Ward was a saving grace up forward last round and given her ability to find the goals could quite easily repeat her feats against Pint. Another few key contributors for Nightcliff are Eliza Morrison and Emma-Lou Wolsey who are both renowned for their ability to cause havoc across the field. Pint were well beaten last round and will have to bring their A-game to get over a red hot Nightcliff. Emma Greaves and Erin Hetherington have been nothing but consistent for Pint, time and time again working tirelessly to win the ball and create half chances.

Waratah v. St Mary’s
Saturday, January 11, 4:30pm
TIO Oval

After a shock loss last round the top of the table Waratah will be seeking redemption. The ‘Tahs were kept to a mere 15 points, something they would not be used to considering how prolific they normally are and will want to make amends given finals are around the corner. On the other hand, St Mary’s will see it as an opportunity to strike especially if they can replicate the same pressure and game plan. The last time these two sides met Waratah reigned supreme with a 45-point thumping that was marred by inaccuracy, with the ‘Tahs registering 12 behinds. Although a lot has changed since Round 4, with both sides developing and becoming more cohesive expect Waratah to bounce back from their loss and establish their dominance once again. In her first game for the season Timaya Cunningham proved to be filled with plenty of talent bagging two goals while teammate Isabella Rapson-Staropoli also made her presence felt being named in the best for the third consecutive week. Alysha Healy has also enjoyed a purple patch for Waratah. St Mary’s will look to their usual suspects in Aaliyah Bailey and Chinette Suapero to lead the way.

Tracy Village v. Palmerston Magpies
Sunday, January 12, 4:00pm
Tracy Village

The Palmerston Magpies flexed their muscles last week with a 20-point victory. The win allowed them to hold onto third spot and stay in the hunt for second spot only missing out by percentage. Tracy Village did not take the field in Round 12 thanks to a forfeit. It will be a big effort for the ninth placed side to compete with the Magpies who are humming at the moment. The Magpies have a plethora of options up forward with the likes of Freda Puruntatameri owning inside 50 last round with three goals while Arthurina Moreen also added to the scoreboard with two majors. If both players can replicate their Round 12 form Tracy Village could be in for a tough outing. In recent weeks Natasha Medbury and Billie Byers have plied their trade across the ground winning the ball and hitting the scoreboard making them a dangerous duo. Keep an eye out for Alexandra Biggs and Bonnie McDougall for Tracy Village who have plenty have tricks up their sleeves.

Darwin Buffettes v. Southern Districts
Sunday, January 12, 5:00pm
TIO Stadium

It will be a tantalising battle between second and fourth placed Darwin Buffettes and Southern Districts in the final match of the round with neither side willing to give an inch. Southern District are coming off a 56 point win and will be riding a wave of confidence, ready to dismiss their opponents in style. They shared the goal scoring load around and if given the chance against the Buffettes will do the same. If forward, Ebony Miller can get off to a dominant start it will go a long way in setting up a potential win. Miller booted four goals last week with Grace Mulvahil also getting in on the action for Southern District. Youngster Mattea Breed made her presence felt while April Lewis and Keeley Waterbury also contributed to the scoreboard proving they have plenty of options. The Buffettes will be seeking revenge after going down to the Magpies last round making for an intense match with ladder position ultimately riding on this result. Young-gun Tayla Hart-Aluni has been a sensation, scoring goals and running freely. Teammates Leashay Warbuton-Richards, Meredith Turner and Dominique Carbone have also been solid contributors for the Buffettes. If the trio can have an impact early it will go a long way in setting up a win.