NIGHTCLIFF overcame a slightly rusty first term and some inaccuracy to advance through to the NTFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final after a commanding 41-point victory over St Mary’s. The Tigers trailed at quarter time, but kicked the last six goals of the match to storm to a 7.13 (55) to 2.2 (14) triumph and stamp their ticket in the 2025/26 decider.

The minor premiers kicked the opening goal of the game through Kierra Zerafa, breaking through following an armwrestle first term. Despite the first strike and the relative struggle to score, it was the Saints against the flow who slotted back-to-back majors to take a 2.1 (13) to 1.1 (7) lead at the first break.

From there though, it was all Nightcliff as Queenslander Laura Roy booted consecutive goals early in the second term to retake the lead, before Sandringham Zebras’ Chloe Saultry, and competition leading goalkicker Cassie McWilliam joined the party to make it a 5.1 to 2.1 game.

Both sides struggled with accuracy throughout the third term, as McWilliam’s second goal was the only six-pointer, as Nightcliff booted 1.11 following the tall’s first goal in the second term. The key was denying the opposition any goals, and the Tigers certainly did that, only conceding a late behind with an otherwise flawless last three quarters.

Roy was the start of the show with three goals and named best afield, while McWilliam’s two saw her as the only other multiple goalkicker. Lekaiya Rabbitt and Lucy Northcott also earned their way into the bests with strong performances as the stacked unbeaten side set itself up to go one better than last year.

Ex-AFLW forward Sarah Perkins was one of St Mary’s two early goalkickers, with Nakeesha Miniter the other. Despite the experience such as Isabella Shannon and Tahlia Fellows, it will be back to the drawing board for the yellow and green as they head to a preliminary final.

St Mary’s has a rematch of its qualifying final up next, taking on PINT for the second time in a fortnight after the Queen Ants held a determined Darwin at bay in the other semi-final. PINT burst out of the blocks to kick five goals to one in the opening term, and though the Buffs kicked five goals to three after quarter time – and three goals to one in the second half – it was too much ground to make up.

Renee Tierney (three goals) put on a show and was named best-on for her side, while Steph Lawrence kicked a couple in an even team performance. AFLW-experienced Reni Hicks, Jordan Membrey and Jasmyn Hewett were all outstanding, while for the Buffs, Molly Althouse finished her year with a pair of majors and was outstanding throughout the match. India Barker and Amelia Peck were also named amongst the best in defeat.

PRELIMINARY FINALS FIXTURE

St Mary’s vs. PINT
Saturday, March 7 @ 4:15pm
TIO Stadium

GRAND FINAL FIXTURE

Nightcliff vs. Winner of Preliminary Final
Saturday, Match 14 @ 4:15pm
TIO Stadium