THE return to the winners' list of reigning premier Darwin Buffettes and the rise and rise of PINT and St Mary's dominated the headlines in Round 10 of the NTFL's Women's Premier League.
The Buffettes snapped a three-game losing streak when they beat an under strength Waratah at TIO Stadium, Adelaide Crows premiership forward Sarah Perkins, Tayla Hart-Aluni and Molly Althouse in her customary ruck role starring in the eight-point win.
Coach Mel Taylor saw a lot of positives come out of a game played in a finals-like atmosphere, including the low scoring where only seven goals were kicked in the game.
"They (Waratah) were down a few important players and so were we, but in the end of the day I think our girls wanted it a bit more,'' Taylor said.
"Beating Tahs was a good team booster going into the bye, we'll have a week off and come back stronger against the Tiwis.''
PINT continued its charge toward a top three spot at finals time by overwhelming a gutsy but outclassed Palmerston at DXC Arena.
The Greenants stretched their unbeaten record to nine games with an authorative win on the cricket ground, Jahla Hunt continuing her dominant season with another best on ground performance out of the middle.
Sarah Ingram was another Queenant to catch the eye with a high possession game and Amy Chittick's attack on the football was again on show in her side's 12.11 (83) to 1.2 (8) win.
Coach Rick Nolan was not getting carried away with his side's ninth win in as many starts, saying there was a lot of football to be played before the March playoffs.
"We're playing some good footy but there is a long way to go, anything can happen in this game,'' Nolan said.
St Mary's avenged their first round loss to the Tiwi Bombers with an impressive 46-point win over the island side in the lunchtime game at TIO Stadium.
Saints have now won six games in a row since losing their first three, a credit to the playing group and the work of first year coach Paul Magher in steering his side back to the finals track.
The game was still up for grabs at three quarter time when St Mary's led by 14 points, but a commanding five-goal to nil last term sealed the win for the green jumpers.
Macie Brown, Jo Miller and footballer-umpire Emma Stark were the best for the in-form Saints.
Injury ravaged Southern Districts beat an inexperienced Wanderers side by 88 points at Tracy Village, wingers Isabella Boyd and 16-year-old Elsie Harden dominating for the Crocodiles.
Key utility Lucia Liessi was another game changer for the tricolours, booting three goals after being moved to the forward line and bringing her teammates into the game.
