We are on the eve of the finals with a handful of interesting matches shaping Round 18.
The Darwin Buffettes face St Marys at 1:30PM at TIO Stadium in what shapes as a big test for the double blues. The Buffettes saved their season last week with a win over Waratah and have shown throughout the season that on their day they can challenge any team. After an eight-game losing streak, Mel Taylor’s women have now won two consecutive games, with Liz Watkins and Machaelia Roberts coming off strong performances last weekend.
But St Marys are one of the premiership favourites for a reason and with top-line players Danielle Ponter and Janet Baird both in good form, tomorrow’s contest is going to be a massive test for the Buffettes.
Third spot is up for a grab when Nightcliff host Waratah at Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval at 5PM. The Warriors are coming off a disappointing loss to the Buffettes last week despite strong performances from Madeleine Jeans and Ruby O’Dwyer. They will want to rebound strongly tomorrow in a hugely important contest but will face still competition against the home team.
The Tigers did what they had to do last weekend and that was record a resounding victory over seventh-placed Southern Districts. Familiar names in Cassie McWilliam, Mickayla Ward and Sophie Hatzismalis were named in the team’s best players last week and enter this week’s game in strong form.
Palmerston are still a mathematical chance to make the finals, but they will need to cause a massive upset against PINT at 4PM at DXC Arena. The Magpies have a strong blend of youth and experience and had their moments last weekend despite ultimately falling well short of St Marys.
Their opponents the Queenants are flying having come off a 150-point win over Tiwi Bombers last week. Reni Hicks and arguably the competition’s best player in Jasmyn Hewett are in dominant form, while Steph Lawrence coming off a seven-goal performance.
Wanderers will host Tiwi Bombers at 12PM at Tracy Village Oval to start the round. This contest sees a battle between the bottom two sides, so it will be a sweet victory for whoever triumphs tomorrow.
A win for the Bombers will see them advance to seventh and go one spot ahead of Southern Districts on the ladder. They will want to finish strong after last weekend’s 150-point smashing by PINT and should have enough talent out there to get the job done. Wanderers have fought hard all season and will look to continue that to make a competitive contest this weekend.
