PINT is through to the 2025/26 NTFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final after turning the tables on St Mary’s in a low-scoring nine-point victory at TIO Stadium on Saturday. Having lost to the Saints just a fortnight earlier in the qualifying final, this time the Queen Ants were ready and managed to hold on in a tight, defensive performance, 2.6 (18) to 1.3 (9).

Funnily enough, PINT kicked both of its goals in the first quarter and raced to a 2.0 (12) to 0.0 (0) lead at quarter time as experienced campaigner Jasmyn Hewett hit the scoreboard alongside Kenidee McNamara. Few would have predicted over the next three quarters, the Queen Ants would only add six points to their total, including a wasteful four behinds in the second term.

They still lead by 14 points heading into the main break, and with just an additional behind added during the third term – to make it 2.5 (17) to 0.2 (2), it looked likely they would get over the line. After a miss with five minutes to go in the term off the boot of Perth Demons co-captain Isabella Shannon, the former St Kilda player split the big sticks with two and a half minutes remaining.

Unfortunately that goal – which was the first one since the 16-minute mark of the first term and only major for St Mary’s – was only a consolation one as the Saints went down to the Queen Ants by nine points. It was hardly a game for impressive goals, but the defensive struggle was evident throughout, and the Queen Ants eliminated the reigning premiers with sheer toughness and determination.

Hewett was a star for the Queen Ants with the vice-captain doing well despite the tough conditions. She alongside the likes of fellow former AFLW players in Reni Hicks, Jordan Membrey and Renee Tierney stood tall, while Jorja Eldridge was also named amongst the best in the win.

For the Saints, Shannon was a clear standout despite the defeat, while Janet Baird and Tahlia Fellows‘ experience was crucial in the wet and muddy conditions. Lexie Cagney and Lavinah Pollo were the other players named amongst the best.

The result was a redemption story for PINT, not just for turning the tables on St Mary’s from the qualifying final, but reaching the decider after missing out last year and going down in straight sets as the Saints went on to win the flag over Nightcliff. Now PINT will tackle the unbeaten Tigers in next week’s grand final.

ST MARY’S 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.3 (9)
PINT 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.6 (18)

GOALS:
St Mary’s: I. Shannon
PINT: J. Hewett, K. McNamara

BEST:
St Mary’s: I. Shannon, J. Baird, L. Cagney, L. Pollo, T. Fellows
PINT: J. Hewett, R. Hicks, J. Eldridge, J. Membrey, R. Tierney

NTFL WPL GRAND FINAL FIXTURE:

Nightcliff vs. PINT
Saturday, March 14 @ 4:15pm
TIO Stadium