REIGNING NTFL Women’s premiers PINT produced a jaw-dropping performance that even had coach Rick Nolan surprised, as the Queen Ants dismantled finals hopefuls Darwin Buffettes by 101 points on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

“I’m very shocked at the result, I never thought we would win by that much,” Nolan said post-match. “We’ve had a pretty good pre-season where we trained very well and touched the footy with a lot of intensity, I think that showed against the Buffettes.”

In a stunning first half, PINT piled on 11 goals to lead 73-0 by the main break and leave the TIO Stadium crowd impressed and speechless in equal parts. Though Darwin somewhat managed to stem the bleeding in the second half, there was no stopping the Queen Ants completely, as PINT booted five goals to one to secure a triple-figure margin, 16.12 (108) to 1.1 (7).

Putting her hand up as an early contender for leading goalkicker, Steph Lawrence slammed home seven majors in what was a one-player show inside 50. Though she was easily the most dominant player on that front, PINT still had contributors who chipped in such as Amy Chittick (two goals) and Kylie Lynch (two).

Along with Lawrence who deservedly was voted best on ground, the experience of Adelaide Crows AFLW premiership ruck Jasmyn Hewett, and fellow AFLW-experienced talent Reni Hicks shone through in the victory. They, along with Chittick, VFLW-experienced Ruby Benham and Lynch were all among the bests for the green and gold.

For Darwin, Leashay Warburton booted her side’s only goal of the match, while Roxy Beuzeville and India Barker were among the best on the day. Reigning two-time league best and fairest winner Molly Althouse also played but was contained by her standards given the quality of Hewett on the winning side.

Palmerston punish young Warriors

Palmerston Magpies showed no mercy against the inexperienced Wanderers, storming to a whopping 142-0 win to race straight to the top of the NTFL Women’s Premier League table. South Fremantle tall Ella Ward starred in the first game, while the inclusion of Under 16s and Under 18s reigning best and fairest winner Marika Carlton was evident from the get go.

New Magpies co-captain and bottom-age AFLW Draft prospect Tatyana Perry enjoyed a big win first-up, while fellow teenager T’Sharni Graham shared that load. It was a tough day for the Wanderers defence and Ward and Carlton both booted three goals, as did Lydia Jenkins and Kaitlin Wills in an even scoring effort.

Tahs’ clamp Crocs

Waratah found its grove after quarter time to keep Southern Districts goalless for three quarters in a dominant 6.12 (48) to 0.2 (2) victory. The 46-point win cam off the back of a strong second term, with the Tahs’ defence holding firm and keeping the ball in their forward half. Jenna Singh was best-on in the win booting two goals, as did Laura Smith, while teenager Kierra Zerafa also stepped up when it counted.

Subiaco skipper Tarnica Golisano returned to the Crocs after a stint in the Top End last season, but could not help get her team over the line. Overage defender Rhania Hewitt was also named among the best in defeat.

Saints curve Tigers’ turnaround

In the only real close game of the opening round, St Mary’s was able to come away with the four points despite a second half comeback from Nightcliff. The Saints piled on three goals to nil in the second term to lead by an even four goals at the first half break, with inaccuracy (5.6 to 2.0) threatening to leave them unstuck. Luckily the green and gold held firm to keep the lead at 21 points by the final break, and while the Tigers cut the deficit back to within a single digit martin, it was not going to be enough in the 6.7 (43) to 5.4 (34) result.

Lexi Cagney was the sole multiple goalkicker for the Saints kicking two majors among five individual goalkickers, while Jemma Iacono and Jo Miller each kicked a major and were named among the best. For the losing side, VFLW-experienced Maighan Fogas kicked a goal in the yellow and black, as did youngster Sophie Berry, while Mickayla Ward was named her side’s best.