NIGHTCLIFF will take part in another Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s finals series after securing its spot with a mammoth Round 15 win. The Tigers defeated Southern Districts by 16 goals at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday, kicking 16.9 (105) to 1.3 (9).

The third placed Tigers officially moved 16 points clear of fifth and sixth spot with the 96-point shellacking of the bottom two Crocs. Southern Districts has had a tough year since starting the season at 2-0, with 11 consecutive losses since. Though the Crocs do face the winless Wanderers – the only side below them in the penultimate round of the season.

Athletic forward Cassie McWilliam had a day out in front of goal, slamming home half a dozen majors in the win, with her six goals supported by Tshinta Kendall‘s pair. The Tigers did share the goals around however, with 10 individual goakickers in the victory, including best on ground Gabby Deller and Eliza Hand. GWS Giants’ tall Fleur Davies was understandably a star in the victory as well.

Despite the defeat, Southern Districts youngster Eva Harris – who represented the Allies last year – caught the eye when she kicked her side’s only goal in the loss, while the likes of Nayely Borg and Maddi Shaw tried hard.

Nightcliff’s victory moved them back within eight points, though significant percentage of St Mary’s in second, but well clear of fourth placed Bombers and having a game in-hand. Given Tiwi only has two more games, it cannot overtake the Tigers who are 12 point ahead.

Tiwi survived an almighty scare against Palmerston Magpies to leapfrog the black and whites into fourth spot. The Bombers booted four goals to one in the second term to take a 21-point lead, before the Magpies kicked five goals to two in the third quarter to hit the front by the final change. Despite three more scoring shots in the last, Palmerston could not find the big sticks and Tiwi came away with the one-point win, 7.4 (46) to 6.9 (45).

Maria Rioli had a day out in front of goals kicking four majors for the Bombers, while she and Essendon experienced pair Courtney Ugle and Alana Barba were among the best. Marika Carlton booted two goals in the win, while Kate Grady earned best afield honours for her side.

Meanwhile St Mary’s all but locked in a top two spot with a dominant 55-point win over Darwin Buffaloes. The Saints boast the highest percentage in the league – 325.27 – and made light of the Buffs en route to an 8.13 (61) to 1.0 (6) rout. Darwin did not score until the last quarter, while Nadia Von Bertouch kicked three goals in the win. Northern Territory AFLW Draft hopeful Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn was named best on in the Saints’ victory.

In the final match of the round, Waratah stormed past Wanderers at Gardens Oval, running out 15.16 (106) to 0.1 (1) winners. It was a big day in front of goal for the likes of Jamilla Cranny (four goals) and Tarryn O’Hehir (three), while Lilly Rydon was best afield in the massive 105-point victory.