Top of the ladder PINT regained its composure and winning ways when it beat top five rivals Waratah in their Round 13 Women's Premier League clash at Gardens Oval.
The Queenants had too many good players for the undermanned Tahs in an ominous display of hard-running football that sets them up for a big shot at this season's flag.
Jasmyn Hewett in a superb rucking performance over four quarters, combined with Reni Hicks and Sarah Ingram around the ball and Steph Lawrence up forward were the catalysts in their side's 40-point win.
A five-goal to one second half sealed the contest against a Tahs side without injured trio Lisa Roberts, Annabel Kievit and Jenna Singh.
Coach Rick Nolan said his players had to shed their Christmas and New Year cheer before finding their legs in match conditions.
"There were a few Christmas puddings that were dropped by way of chest marks in the first quarter and after an even second term we started to use the ball properly,'' he said.
The Darwin Buffettes burst the St Mary's bubble when they ended the Saints' eight-game winning streak with a resounding 50-point win at TIO Stadium.
The reigning premiers were back to their ruthless best on a day when the competition resumed after the annual three-week Christmas break.
Buffettes skipper Kylie Duggan was back to her best with four quarters of skillful football in wet conditions and Tayla Hart-Aluni, Crytal Browne and Elisa Niki did their representative chances later this month a big favour with strong performances.
Buffettes and NTFL coach Melinda Taylor said the 11.6 (72) to 3.4 (22) win had been a complete performance against an in-form side chasing its ninth straight win.
"We knew we would have to play well and the players responded in the right manner by using the ball well and winning most of the one-on-one contests,'' she said.
Nightcliff's grand final pursuit took an upward curve when they thrashed an inexperienced Wanderers side by 61 points at Marrara.
The Tigers stayed fourth with seven wins, one game behind second and third placed Waratah and St Mary's after their 9.9 (63) to 0.0 (2) win on a slippery TIO Stadium surface.
Eliza Morrison through the middle, NTFL representative squad member Christy Landwehr and Hannah Garland impressed for Nightcliff who gave their percentage a big lift by keeping the Eagles scoreless.
Palmerston won its fifth game of the season when it beat rural rivals Southern Districts by 13 points at Cazaly's Arena.
The Magpies had to withstand a last-quarter comeback by the Crocodiles, who booted four goals to one after being held to a single major in the first three quarters.
Three-goal forward Tatyana Perry gave her representative chances against WAFL champions Claremont a big boost with a fine four-quarter performance in Palmerston's 7.5 (47) to 5.4 (34) win.
