A pivotal clash looms when PINT meet Southern Districts on Saturday afternoon at TIO Stadium, with the Queenants keen to further cement their standing as genuine premiership contenders.
PINT will be chasing redemption after being comprehensively beaten by the Crocs earlier in the season. In their Round 4 meeting, Southern Districts prevailed by 33 points, with Kaitlyn O’Keefe and Demi Sonneman proving the difference, combining for seven of their side’s nine goals.
NTFL great Jasmyn Hewett continues to perform at a high level for PINT, while Zhoe Clarke and Tayla Hill carried strong form into the Christmas break. If the Queenants can apply sustained pressure and improve their ball movement, this shapes as one of the most intriguing contests of the round.
Palmerston and Wanderers square off on Sunday at TIO Stadium in a contest that shapes as being a close one.
Wanderers have made significant strides this season, shedding their “easybeats” tag to become a genuinely competitive outfit. Consistency remains the key challenge, but when they bring their best football, they are capable of matching it with most teams in the competition.
The Magpies, meanwhile, will be desperate to respond after falling short by a solitary point the last time these two sides met.
With both teams eager to take another step forward, this one has all the hallmarks of a tight, hard-fought encounter.
Nightcliff return from the break sitting atop the ladder and firmly established as premiership favourites after an outstanding pre-Christmas period.
The Tigers have been well led by Gabrielle Deller and Cassie McWilliam, while new recruit Kierra Zerafa has slotted seamlessly into the line-up. Nightcliff were dominant when these sides met earlier in the season, recording a 56-point win with Hannah Garland and Eliza Hand playing key roles.
Darwin face a stern challenge against the benchmark side of the competition, but will be eager to test themselves against the best.
Stream the Southern Districts and PINT clash live via the NT News and KommunityTV.