AN INCREDIBLE 10-goal haul from bottom-age AFLW Draft prospect Emma Stark piled on more pain for Wanderers in the NTFL Women’s Premier League as Stark’s St Mary’s ran out casual 252-point victors in Round 4.

It has been a tough year for the Eagles, who are yet to score in the 2023/24 season, and have copped an average losing margin of 195.5 from four games. The the 252-point loss was marginally less than the 256-point defeat the week before, it still saw the losing side concede 40 goals in the match.

Given the half-time margin stood at 172 points, the eventual final margin was less than it could have been, with the Wanderers only conceding the six goals in the final term, gradually getting better as each quarter went on.

One quarter of those 40 majors went to Stark who took over the league’s leading goalkicking after half a dozen in Round 3. Her footy IQ and ability to do a lot of damage at ground level has allowed her to thrive this season, and she had led from the front inside 50.

Along with Stark’s 10 goals, Jemma Iacono slotted five, while Amelia Kahr and Grace Senior kicked four apiece as 14 Saints players got their names on the board. It was another tough day out for Wanderers, but Kayliah Motlop was highlighted by the coaches for her performance.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Mickayla Ward kicked five goals en route to helping Nightcliff secure a dominant 131-point win over Tiwi Bombers. Ward is second in the league goalkicking behind Stark, and she had another big day in front of the sticks during the 21.14 (140) to 1.3 (9) triumph at TIO Stadium.

Jacqueline Anyon-Smith and Gabrielle Deller both kicked four apiece, while top-age forward Sophie Berry (three) and ex-VFLW Cat Maighan Fogas (three) were all strong as well. Fogas was named best-on in the win with Sophie Hatzismalis.

PINT also ran away with a dominant victory, defeating Southern Districts by 128 points. After a relatively tight first term of 28-6, the Queen Ants put the foot down and slammed home 15.17 (107) to 0.1 (1) in the last three quarters to win, 19.21 (135) to 1.1 (7).

Steph Lawrence (seven goals) and Kate Atkins (three) were impressive in front of the big sticks, while Reni Hicks kicked two and was among the best. Emma Forsyth and Jorja Thompson were named best for the Crocs in the loss.

In the only real close game of the round, Darwin Buffettes ended the unbeaten run of Palmerston Magpies by five goals, 9.2 (56) to 4.2 (26). Keeping the Magpies to just one goal in the first half, the Buffettes set up the victory and finished off strong at Cazaly’s Arena.

Retired Tiger Courtney Wakefield was a class above and the difference in the game slotting six majors, though up the other end, Palmerston double bottom-ager Marika Carlton continued her red-hot form with four goals in a best-on performance for her side.