AFTER a well-deserved break over the Christmas and New Year period, this weekend marks the return of the Northern Territory Women’s Football League (NTFLW) Premier League. With sport being interrupted across the country, the competition has been eagerly awaited by both those involved and fans on the sidelines. This week marks the Round 13 of action for the 2021/22 season, and with just six weeks remaining, the battle for a top four-spot come season’s end is about to hit another level.

Wanderers vs. Palmerston Magpies

Saturday, January 8 @ 10am
TIO Stadium

The round kicks off with the opportunity for redemption for two of competition’s bottom sides, with the Wanderers and the Palmerston Magpies going head to head at TIO Stadium on Saturday morning. The two teams have both enjoyed less-than-ideal seasons thus far, but this match provides the opportunity to get back on the winners list. The Wanderers put up a brave fight against Waratah in their most recent outing, and while they suffered a five-goal loss, there were still some promising signs, especially in the form of Celina Lloyd. The Magpies had a much more brutal loss in their last match, falling to the Darwin Buffaloes by 128 points, so there will need to be a significant boost in their performance if they wish to claim their second win of the season.

Waratah vs. Tracy Village

Saturday, January 8 @ 12pm
TIO Stadium

Next up on the agenda for round 13 is the clash between Waratah and Tracy Village at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two teams are in the midst of contrasting seasons, with Waratah hopeful of earning a finals spot, while Tracy Village are still searching for their maiden win of their 2021/22 campaign. Waratah were able to get the job done against the Wanderers in their recent clash, but were tested at times by the lower-ranked side. They will be looking for more consistency in their performance this week, which looms as a danger game. Tracy Village have been unable to kickstart their season with a win in their first nine games, and once again face a tough task in achieving this. They will need to bring their absolute A-game if they would like to deliver an upset.

PINT vs. Darwin Buffaloes

Saturday, January 8 @ 4pm
DXC Arena

Moving over to DXC Arena for the next clash, PINT will welcome the Darwin Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon when the two teams go head-to-head in an intriguing clash. PINT have produced an inconsistent campaign in their flag defence, but appear to have found some strong form in recent weeks. They were back to their best in round 12, where they took down the struggling Tracy Village by a whopping 152 points in what could be a season-defining win for the reigning premiers. They currently sit just outside the top four, so an upset win over the undefeated Buffaloes would do wonders for their season. Darwin have objectively been the best team this season, and are yet to sustain a loss from their first eight games. They will have their eyes on top spot on the ladder, and will head into this match supremely confident in their chances.

Nightcliff Tigers vs. Southern Districts

Saturday, January 8 @7pm
Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval

The final match of the round will see the Nightcliff Tigers welcome the Southern Districts to Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval when the two sides lock horns under lights on Saturday night. The Tigers will be eager to maintain top spot on the ladder with a win in this clash, and with the Buffaloes hot on their tail, a win here will likely prove crucial in keeping themselves at the head of the table. The Districts have broken even in their results so far this season, sustaining five wins and five losses. They will need to string together a number of wins if they are to make a late charge towards the finals, and there is no better time to get the ball rolling than against the ladder leaders this weekend.