A FAST start against Darwin Buffettes ensured Tiwi Bombers remained within striking distance of the top NTFL Women’s Premier League sides after four rounds. The Bombers booted four goals to one in the opening term and held Darwin at arms-length after that to record a 30-point victory at TIO Stadium on Saturday.

The Bombers boast an incredibly deep lineup at the moment and moved to 3-1 for the season following the 9.6 (60) to 4.6 (30) triumph. A varied forwardline that included Arthurina Moreen (two goals), Jamie Lee Puautjimi (two) Maria Rioli (one) was too strong for a gallant Buffs side that keeps running into quality lineups.

Glenelg premiership skipper Ellie Kellock was one of a number of seriously strong midfielders rolling through the Bombers side with a mix of AFLW and VFLW experienced talents. Alana Barba, Mia-Rae Clifford and Sarah D’Arcy all spent significant time on AFLW lists, with Courtney Ugle one of the most decorated VFLW footballers.

Tiwi raced out to a 17-point quarter time lead with four goals to one in the first term. Darwin regained some of the ascendancy after that, and though the Bombers managed to kick away in the second half with four goals to two, it was still a tight contest.

Darwin has been terribly unlucky with the fixturing, copping the top four sides in the first four rounds with those teams starting the year with a combined 13-1 record, and the only loss – being Tiwi – coming against one of the other sides in PINT.

The Buffs had the likes of Dominique Carbone, Machaelia Roberts, Kylie Duggan and Molly Althouse, all of whom are seasoned performers at NTFLW level, with Carbone also coming off a ripping year in the VFLW. Tayla Hart-Aluni and skipper Bianca Stokes were among the goalkickers on the day, and are always players for the opposition to keep quiet.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Reigning premiers PINT continued its unbeaten streak with a dominant 27-point victory over Southern Districts. The Queen Ants booted five of their six goals in the first quarter to come away with a 6.12 (48) to 3.3 (21) triumph over the Crocs. Ruck Jasmyn Hewett booted two goals in the victory, while opposing ruck Krystal Russell was named best on for her team.

Palmerston Magpies dominated Wanderers to keep their season unbeaten, storming to an 18.12 (120) to 0.5 (5) victory. The Magpies put the foot down in the second term with seven unanswered goals and ended up with 30 scoring shots to five. Respective talls Erica Rowe and Jasmin Fejo were standouts for their sides.

St Mary’s finally got on the board in the 2024/25 season with a two-goal victory over Waratah at Gardens Oval. The Saints took home the four points from the road trip thanks to a three goals to nil second term that set up the win. The match had nine individual goalkickers with Billie Byers and Erin Hunt their respective teams bests in the 5.12 (42) to 4.6 (30) result.