PALMERSTON Magpies are on the board in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s Premier League after defeating Waratah in Round 2 of the 2024/25 season. Having to spend an extra week on the sidelines after copping the Round 1 bye, the Magpies made up for lost time, overcoming an inaccurate first half to win by 28 points at TIO Stadium.

The first half was a struggle for both sides, though Palmerston had more than its fair share of chances. Leading by two points at the first break with just three behinds to one in the match, the Magpies broke through for the opening goal of the game during the second quarter.

That major did not really break the game open however, with the Magpies kicking 1.6 for the term, and ended the half at 1.9 (15) to Waratah’s sole behind. Both sides managed to hit the scoreboard in the second term as the margin remained at a steady 15 points, before Palmerston kicked away in the last quarter, finding its kicking boots to boot 3.1 to 1.0 and record a 5.12 (42) to 2.2 (14) victory.

Taelah Smith proved to be the main source of scoring, slotting three of the game’s seven majors, with talented bottom-age young gun Marika Carlton also among the goalkickers. Talia McMasters impressed for the black and whites, while Mikayla Baldwin and Ella Ward used their experience for the Magpies in the win. Ex-Port player Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap was able to step up with her class to be among the best as well.

Ruby O’Dwyer and Nayana Patmore were the two goalkickers for the ‘Tahs, with Abigail Adams and Skye Haslem both impressing the coaches despite the defeat. After being competitive in the first half, the loss marked two straight for the red and whites after a heartbreaking nine-point defeat at the hands of Southern Districts in Round 1.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

After a 129-point walloping of Wanderers last week, Tiwi Bombers crashed back to earth with a reality check from reigning premiers, PINT. The Queen Ants piled on 12 scoring shots to three in the first half to put the foot down, and ended up having a near-identical second half as well en route to a 12.11 (83) to 2.4 (16) win.

Steph Lawrence was back to her best booting four goals in the victory, while AFLW-experienced Jasmyn Hewett and Reni Hicks slotted a couple of majors. Hicks was named best on ground with Kate Atkins, while Glenelg premiership skipper Ellie Kellock starred for the Bombers. Arthurina Moreen and Freda Puruntatameri were also among the better players.

Southern Districts piled on more pain to Wanderers as the Crocs went two from two to start the 2024/25 season, winning by 92 points at Norbuilt Oval. The home side was on top from start to finish, but put the foot down after quarter time particularly, kicking four, four and five goals in the final three quarters to run away 16.8 (104) to 2.0 (12) victors.

Bonnie Brown had a day out feasting on six goals, one more than teammate Michala Collins, while Allies representative Eva Harris also caught the eye with three majors. Collins and Emma Forsyth were among the best players, while for Wanderers, Jayla Thorne kicked both of her team’s goals in the loss.

In the last match of the round, Nightcliff secured a five-goal win over Darwin Buffaloes in front of home fans thanks to a strong first three quarters. The Tigers set up the win with a 4.2 to 0.0 first term, and then held sway in until the final break with the deficit out to 37 points. Darwin won the last quarter, but it was a case of too little, too late, as the Tigers recorded a 7.9 (51) to 3.3 21) win.

Athletic tall Cassie McWilliam kicked four majors in the win as experienced vice-captain Mickayla Ward managed the two. Eliza Hand was very good in the victory, while for the Buffaloes, Roxy Beuzeville and Dominique Carbone stood out.