ROUND 16 of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s Premier League sees the real race for finals start as the top sides start to capitalise on every opportunity to bring some consistency and momentum into the finals series in the end of February. Southern Districts get the break this week after a solid win last week, making for an interesting final few matches of the season.

Waratah v. Pint
Round 16 – 1/2/20
12:00pm
Gardens Oval

With little chance now of making finals, Pint will now look to really limit how much damage Waratah can do to reduce their percentage. Waratah on the other hand will want to replicate their Round 7 form against the Queen Ants and go one better, having booted 16 behinds in that match. The ‘Tahs really lifted their accuracy last round so will hope to bring that same intensity to continue their fantastic season form. Look for Lisa Roberts and Rebecca Pryer to play their roles for Waratah while multiple players are looking to clinch the side’s leading goalkicker title with the likes of Lauren O’Shea and Jenna Singh currently leading the charge on 20 and 18 respectively. For Pint, look to Casey Morris and Jessie Baumer who have remained consistent and solid options in front of goal this season.

Wanderers v. Darwin Buffettes
Round 16 – 1/2/20
5:00pm
TIO Stadium

With both the Buffettes and Wanderers coming off losses in Round 15, the Wanderers came out on top last time they met. Based on season form the Buffettes will still be favourites given their second place on the ladder, but watch out for the Eagles who will want to bounce back after an average week on the track against Waratah and have put some impressive wins on the board this season. For the Wanderers, Morgan Johnston and Shekeine De Satge have proved consistent this season with De Satge providing a strong target inside 50 with 13 goals on the board. Tishara Davern is also up there with six goals from 13 games and six best on ground nominations. For the Buffs, a consistent team effort have been displayed this season with a plethora of players putting their best foot forward every week. Youngsters, Dominique Carbone and Tayla Hart-Aluni have rarely put a foot wrong while Kylie Duggan has dominated regularly.

Palmerston Magpies v. Nightcliff
Round 16 – 1/2/20
7:00pm
Cazalys Arena

This is potentially the match of the round with another close match expected between the Magpies and Tigers, as the Magpies come off a bye last round. The Magpies only won by five points last time they met, purely because Nightcliff could not kick straight on the day with 10 behinds and only three goals on the board. Palmerston certainly have the consistency to get the job done but the Tigers have been a real competitor this season, making for an interesting battle especially given Nightcliff are only one win behind at this late stage in the season. Arthurina Moreen will hope to get back on the scoreboard this week with 30 majors to her name for the season, well and truly making a name for herself in the forward line while Billie Byers will hope to continue her strong form off the back of the bye last week, with 10 best on ground nominations from 13 matches. Nightcliff’s Eliza Morrison comes in with a similar record with 10 best on ground nominations from 12 games, proving she is a key cog in the Tigers side alongside Emma-Lou Wolsey who has proved consistency is key playing all 15 matches this season, while the side will hope to see Victorian Mikayla Ward back in the fray this round after missing last week’s match.

St Mary’s v. Tracy Village
Round 16 – 1/2/20
7:00pm
TIO Oval 2

Tracy Village really need a win this week and while it is unlikely given their record this season, this round is really their opportunity to do so when they take on St Mary’s. While the  Saints are only one above the Razorbacks on the ladder, they are three wins ahead and have already beaten the Razorbacks this season, making them the real favourite coming into this one. For the Saints, look for the regular names in the mix such as Chinette Suapero, Madison Ludwig and Nikita Long who have proved their consistency for the side, while youngster Aaliyah Bailey will hope to put in another strong performance. For the Razorbacks, Lisa-Maree Toner and Zhoe Clarke have proven handy inclusions, taking the side 14 times from 15 matches and providing solid options across the field.