ST MARY’S is one of just two NTFL Women’s sides with two wins on the board from as many matches, claiming a six-goal win over Waratah in impressive fashion. With Round 1 huge winners Palmerston having a bye, the Saints took full advantage of the game in hand to win, 8.8 (56) to 3.2 (20).

The victory was highlighted by bottom-age AFLW Draft prospect Emma Stark who kicked three goals in the 36-point win. Though Stark did the most damage on the scoreboard – along with Monet Hunter who kicked two goals – it was a team effort for the Saints, who stormed to a 33-point lead at half-time.

By that stage, the ‘Tahs’ forwardline had been unable to function as well as it could, only registering one behind as the Saints piled on 5.4 (34) to take complete control starting with important contest wins. The second half was a different story however as Waratah worked its way back into the contest.

The ‘Tahs kicked 2.1 to 0.1 in the third term to cut the deficit to just 21 points and give themselves a glimmer of hope heading into the final quarter. However St Mary’s had other ideas, kicking three of the last four goals to put the foot down and run away with the comfortable six-goal victory.

Emily Forshaw and Paula Pavic were named the best on ground for the Saints in the victory as Hunter and Jordan Mifsud were also influential in the win. For Waratah, VFLW Hawk Ruby O’Dwyer was the standout, while Sturt’s Georgia Swan also stepped up upon her NTFL Women’s debut.

PINT tame Tiger turnaround

PINT joined St Mary’s as the other 2-0 team from the 2023/24 season, defeating Nightcliff despite scoring just one behind in the second half. The Queen Ants did their best work in the first half, kicking 3.3 to 1.0 to lead by 15 points. The Tigers showed themselves to be a challenger this season with the final three goals of the match, but ultimately fell short with a match-winning point going the way of the visitors in the 3.4 (22) to 3.3 (21) win.

Adelaide AFLW premiership player Jasmyn Hewett and equally experienced Reni Hicks again steered the green and gold to victory, with Stella Ajani also among the best. Nightcliff did well to keep dangerous PINT goalkicker Steph Lawrence goalless, while Sarah McNamara and Niah Bacon were named their side’s best in the loss.

Buffettes produce stampede against Wanderers

Darwin Buffettes bounced back from a disappointing Round 1 loss to inflict a dominant victory of their own over Wanderers to keep their opponents scoreless for another week. Darwin piled on 37 scoring shots to nil during the 19.18 (132) to 0.0 (0) win.

Mykaiilah Farrow was best on ground booting four goals in the win, as co-captain Bianca Stokes slotted three goals. India Barker and Molly Althouse were also among the best for the Buffettes.

Bombers breakthrough in opening match

After waiting an additional week to start their season due to an allocated bye, Tiwi Bombers got proceedings underway with a three-point win over Southern Districts. Neck and neck throughout the contest, inaccuracy threatened to derail the Bombers early, and though they trailed by two points at the last change, kicked the final goal of the match to win, 4.8 (32) to 4.5 (29).

Shanie Lami Lami was the sole multiple goalkicker in the match with two goals, while Kimberley Cunningham kicked a goal and was named in the best. Rhiannon Busch was another impressive Bomber on the day. For the Crocs, Michala Collins was named best on, while youngster Rhania Hewitt kicked a goal and also stood out in defeat.