2023/24 TIO NTFL Wrap: Women's Premier League - Round 12

Written by Grey Morris for AFL Northern Territory

Reigning premier PINT continued its unbeaten start to the 2023/24 TIO NTFL season with a 25-point over Waratah and St Mary's continued their pursuit of the champions with a big win over Southern Districts in Round 12 of the Women's Premier League.

The Queenants led all match in their clash at Marrara's DXC Arena, eventually recording their 10th win in as many starts with their 6.6 (42) to 2.5 (17) win.

Waratah made them earn every possession on the wide expanses of the cricket ground, but PINT's intensity around the ball and ability to use it to advantage when in possession sealed the four points.

Stand-in coach Amy Lovie, taking charge of the side while Rick Nolan attended St Mary's former teammate's Barry O'Brien's wedding in Townsville, said the win had to be earned.

"It was a tough game, very contested and close at one point, so we're happy to get the points,'' she said.

Rhiley Huppatz through the middle was a major contributor for PINT, while defenders Kate Atkins and Eilish Grundon ensure there was minimal damage on the scoreboard.

Tahs coach Heidi Thompson was pleased with her side's endeavour against the ladder leaders, saying there was a long way to go in a season where the third-placed red and whites have won eight games.

The Ryan Smith coached St Mary's continue to go from strength to strength after their comfortable win over Southern Districts on TIO Stadium's No.2 ground.

AFLW star Danielle Ponter impressed with a five-goal beat on ground performance for her home club, while Jemma Iacono in a rotational role with Ponter was a key player in their 123-point win.

Paula Pavic in the ruck, returning spearhead Kaitlyn Armstrong with her four goals, Jo Miller and USA recruit Amelia Kahr were other good players.

Smith praised the foresight of the league's match manager in allowing the contest to continue despite threatening lightning surrounding TIO Stadium and other suburbs.

"Credit to the match manager for allowing the match to play out while the storm blew by without impacting us at all,'' Smith said.

"Amelia Kahr's ambition to pick up a SANFLW or VFLW contract continues to move forward, she is a humble, hard working person and she's playing some good footy with us.''

Nightcliff won its seventh game under first year coach Andrew Rock with its comprehensive 136-point win over an inexperienced Wanderers at Darwin Mazda Oval.

Hannah Turnbull, four-goal forward Cassie McWilliam and Georgia Johnson were among the best for the Tigers, who remain fourth on the ladder following their 20.17 (137) to 0.1 (1) win.

First year coach Andrew Rock is already focussing on next week's clash with an improved Palmerston after his side's first-up win since the Christmas break.

"It was a good game to get through after the break, we're looking forward to next week,'' he said.

The Tiwi Bombers won a game of mixed fortunes against Palmerston at TIO Stadium.

The Bombers' third win under new coach Will Baird had to be ground out after they trailed the Magpies until midway through the first quarter.

Inspired by AFLW recruits Joanna Lin (ex-Collingwood) and Sarah Darcy (Richmond), the Bombers found their leg speed space on the wide expanses of TIO Stadium to win 9.2 (56) to 7.4 (46).

Maria Rioli was sensational in a midfield-forward role, along with Lin around the ball and four-goal spearhead Laelia Dunn who added to her family's goalkicking reputation with an impressive performance.

Baird pointed to the inclusion of Lin and Darcy as the catalyst needed to bind his side together.

"We've been sort of plodding along, but the inclusion of the AFLW pair brought everyone into the game with the contributions they made around the ground,'' he said.

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