IT is that time of week again, as the Northern Territory Football League Women’s (NTFLW) Premier League prepares for its 10th round of matches in what has been an exciting season to date. The top two continue to separate themselves from the rest of the competition with undefeated records, while the battle for the remaining top four spots continues to enthral. With a number of intriguing clashes set for Round 10, perhaps the biggest clash comes on Sunday, with the third-placed St Mary’s looking to interrupt Darwin’s undefeated run and chase down the upper echelon of the competition in what will be a true test for both sides.

Nightcliff Tigers Premier Women vs Wanderers Premier Women
2:30pm, Saturday December 4th
Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval

The ladder-leaders kick things off for the round, as they look to maintain their perfect record with a win in their upcoming clash with the Wanderers at Dawrin Mazda Nightcliff Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Wanderers face an apparent uphill battle, but will be eager to cause an upset against one of the league’s most dominant side. In order to do this, they will have to bring their A-game in a bid to shock the league with a win.

The Tigers have continued their unbeaten run in recent weeks, with an 84-point victory over Tracy Village last weekend emphasising the strength this side holds. They look destined for a deep run into the finals, but each game still carries some level of significance. Along with the weight of expectation that comes with top spot, the Tigers are also yet to have their bye, and hot on their tail are the Buffaloes, who have had two. If the Tigers wish to keep their spot on the top of the table, these wins are crucial in ensuring this. The side will be hopeful that Mickayla Ward can maintain her run of strong form, which saw her boot four goals in last week’s win.

The Wanderers have endured a tough start to the 2021-22 season, winning just one of their first eight matches as they struggle to put together four quarters of consistent football. A 53-point loss at the hands of St Mary’s in round 9 summed up their season, with the team competitive in the first term, but then allowing seven goals in the following quarter. If they can put together a four quarter effort against the Tigers, they may shock the competition with an upset, but they will need to bring their very best.

Waratah Premier Women vs Southern Districts Premier Women
4:30pm, Saturday December 4
Gardens Oval (The Gardens)

In what looms as a high-stakes clash, Waratah and the Southern Districts will be vying for fifth spot on the ladder when the two sides face off at the Gardens Oval on Saturday afternoon. Both teams have enjoyed similar seasons, each with three wins next to their name, with percentage the only separator after nine rounds. With fourth spot well-within reach for the winner of this clash moving forward, expect both of these teams to leave it all out on the field in a bid to climb the standings.

Waratah will head into this match with plenty of confidence after their exceptionally strong performance last weekend. Round 9 saw the side tear apart the Palmerston Magpies in their clash, walking away with a whopping 102-point victory, which saw their percentage go through the roof. They face a tougher opponent this weekend, but given their effort last round, they will have full belief in their ability to claim a win over the Districts this weekend, especially if forward Lisa Miceli can produce a similar performance to last weekend, which saw her boot five snags.

The Districts unfortunately broke their three-game winning streak in round 9, falling to PINT by three goals in what proved to be a reality check. The side had been in some serious form in previous week, but were bested by the reigning premiers, who had their way throughout the match. However, this likely acted as a wake-up call for the Districts, and they may come out firing this weekend against Waratah. Given the scoring power of their opponents this weekend, defender Malory Nankervis will have her hands full, but she has shown in the past that she is more than up to the task.

PINT Premier Women vs Palmerston Magpies Premier Women
5:00pm, Saturday December 4
TIO Stadium

Saturday’s final match will see the reigning premiers look to build some consistent form as they take on the Palmerston Magpies at TIO Stadium this weekend. PINT appear back to their winning ways following last weekend’s victory, but have struggled with stringing together consecutive wins this season. They will like their chances against the Magpies this weekend, and will enter the match heavily favoured, but there are no certain results in sport, and Palmerston will be licking their lips at the chance to cause a major upset.

PINT delivered one of their strongest performances of the season last weekend, taking down the in-form Southern Districts by 18 points in round 9. They looked back to their best with a solid number of contributors across the ground, but have been unable to put together a winning streak thus far in the 2021-22 season. They have been given the perfect opportunity this week against a struggling side, but will still need to bring their best to avoid a shock loss at the hands of Palmerston.

The Magpies suffered a brutal defeat to Waratah in round 9, with the final margin exceeding triple digits in what was a tough loss to swallow. The side has been unable to find any rhythm this season, with six losses coming from their seven matches. They will be looking to shock the rest of the league and produce the most impressive of wins against the reigning champs, but will need to be at the top of their game in order to do this.

St Mary’s Premier Women vs Darwin Buffettes Premier Women
2:30pm, Sunday December 5
TIO Stadium

This round appears to save the best for last, with two top-three sides facing off when St Mary’s take on the Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Buffaloes have been the form side of the competition, arguably more so than the ladder-leading Tigers, while St Mary’s have also been chugging along nicely. This match presents the opportunity for St Mary’s to prove themselves as genuine contenders, but they face a difficult task, given the form shown by Darwin in their start to the season.

St Mary’s have been enjoying a successful season to date, winning six of their eight games so far in the 2021/22 NTFL Premier League. This has seen them sit in third spot on the ladder, chasing down the elusive undefeated top two on the ladder. They have a chance to enter themselves into this conversation, as they take on the Buffaloes. However, their opponents have been in impeccable form this season, so this looks a tough task. However, if they are to pull off the upset, it would be a massive statement in the context of the season.

The Buffaloes have been in near-flawless form throughout their first six matches, winning all of their contests and frequently boosting their percentage with massive margins. They enter this round fresh off a round 9 bye, which is their second of the season. It is feasible to say they have been the most dominant team of the competition, and will likely be eyeing off top spot. They will need to respect this week’s competition however, with St Mary’s matching their win total for the year (albeit in two extra games). Either way, expect the Buffaloes to come out firing as they chase the minor premiership.