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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minor premiers kicked the opening goal of the game through Kierra Zerafa<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From there though, it was all Nightcliff as Queenslander Laura Roy<\/a> booted consecutive goals early in the second term to retake the lead, before Sandringham Zebras’ Chloe Saultry<\/a>, and competition leading goalkicker Cassie McWilliam<\/a> joined the party to make it a 5.1 to 2.1 game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> and Lucy Northcott<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ex-AFLW forward Sarah Perkins<\/a> was one of St Mary’s two early goalkickers, with Nakeesha Miniter<\/strong> the other. Despite the experience such as Isabella Shannon<\/a> and Tahlia Fellows<\/a>, it will be back to the drawing board for the yellow and green as they head to a preliminary final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renee Tierney<\/a> (three goals) put on a show and was named best-on for her side, while Steph Lawrence<\/a> kicked a couple in an even team performance. AFLW-experienced Reni Hicks<\/a>, Jordan Membrey<\/a> and Jasmyn Hewett<\/a> were all outstanding, while for the Buffs, Molly Althouse<\/a> finished her year with a pair of majors and was outstanding throughout the match. India Barker<\/a> and Amelia Peck<\/a> were also named amongst the best in defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRELIMINARY FINALS FIXTURE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n St Mary’s vs. PINT GRAND FINAL FIXTURE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nightcliff vs. Winner of Preliminary Final <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, March 7 @ 4:15pm
TIO Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, Match 14 @ 4:15pm
TIO Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n