WITH another weekend just around the corner, so approaches the next round of the Northern Territory Football League Women’s (NTFLW) Premier League. Following last week’s action, Round 11 of the competition will hold arguably the most excitement of the year with one matchup in particular holding a significant level of importance in shaping the top part of the ladder when the league’s two premier sides face off in what could be the match of the season.

Southern Districts vs Palmerston Magpies
Saturday, December 11 @ 11:00am
Norbuilt Oval

The first match of this round will see the Southern Districts look to bounce back when they take on the Palmerston Magpies at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday morning. After a promising patch of mid-season form where they were able to string together a number of wins, the Districts have struggled to maintain this momentum over recent weeks, culminating in a tough Round 10 loss. They will be looking to bounce back against a Magpies side that has not looked up to the standard for much of the season, and will be hungry to cause an upset against a vulnerable opponent this weekend. A pillar of consistency, Districts defender Malory Nankervis will likely be a key figure in the side’s chances to win this match, with her ability to not only shut down the opposition’s attacking plays, but also prove damaging on the counterattack, so she will be likely around the action once again.

Nightcliff Tigers vs Darwin Buffaloes
Saturday, December 11 @ 2:45pm
Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval

In what may be the match of the year, the league’s two undefeated sides are set to face off on Saturday afternoon at Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval. These two teams have been the benchmark all season, both not dropping a match to remain unbeaten after 10 rounds of action. The similarities between the two sides extend beyond the win total, with both teams unlocking the ability to dismantle their opponents on a weekly basis. It is a test of character for both clubs, who will be heading into this match with the same goal; announce themselves as a premiership favourite. Due to byes, if the Buffaloes win they will still remain in second place. However, a win in this clash will prove handy moving forward when the Tigers equal the ledger on games missed. Either way, expect this clash to be one of the best we have seen in the 2021/22 season, with both teams set to leave nothing on the field.

PINT vs Waratah
Saturday, December 11 @ 4:00pm
DXC Arena

Another intriguing matchup to come from this round will see PINT lock horns with Waratah at DXC Arena on Saturday afternoon. The two sides in this match currently occupy fourth and fifth spots on the ladder, with both teams likely setting their eyes firmly on cementing a top-four spot on the ladder, and a win here is crucial in reaching this goal. PINT were extremely inconsistent to start the season, but the reigning premiers seem to have found their groove once again, stringing together a winning streak for the first time this season. They are just one spot behind the third-placed St Mary’s and will be looking to close this gap with a win this weekend. However, their opponents will have other plans on their mind, with Waratah looking to square up the standings by emerging victorious when these sides go head-to-head on Saturday.

St Mary’s vs Tracy Village
Saturday, December 11 @ 5:00pm
TIO Stadium

The final match of what should be a cracking round sees St Mary’s looking to push up the ladder with a win when they take on Tracy Village on Saturday evening at TIO Stadium. St Mary’s currently sit in third spot on the ladder, and with the top-two sides facing off this weekend, there is an opportunity for them to climb if results fall a certain way. They also face the advantage of taking on an opponent that has struggled this season to say the least. Tracy Village are still yet to claim a win this season, and would like nothing more than to deliver an unlikely upset this weekend, so they will have their own motivation to produce a victory in this clash.