PINT'S bid for a fourth Women's Premier League flag in five years remains on track at the halfway point of the 2024-25 NTFL season.
The reigning premier has won all 10 games they've participated in leading into the Christmas-New Year break to be a game clear on top of the ladder.
There have been some narrow escapes, including a five-point win over the Buffettes, a tough three-point win over St Mary's in the grand final rematch and a four-point win over an improved Palmerston.
First year coach Reni Hicks said the winning streak was due to a positive attitude among the players and a combined push for more improvement.
"We know we can get better and improve in all areas by lifting our standards, that's been a big factor in driving us," she added.
"Yes we want to be successful and win, but there is always the view that we can get better in everything we do."
Familiar names like Hicks, dual league best and fairest Jasmyn Hewitt and full forward Steph Lawrence have steered the ship this season.
St Mary's go into the break in third position with an 8-2 record, those losses coming against the sides above them in PINT and Nightcliff.
Last season's grand finalists did what they had to do against a dangerous Tiwi side in Saturday's last game before the festive seasobreak.
Coach Ryan Smith thinks his young side has the playing depth and right attitude to make another grand final.
"Recruits like Nadia von Bertouch, Keyshia Matenga and others add a lot of experience to a side with a number of enthusiastic and skilful youngsters playing senior footy," Smith said.
"Last week (against Wanderers) we showcased pretty much an under-21 side with nine girls under the age of 18 as we look to blood our young ones in another show of strength in our women's program."
Second-placed Nightcliff's only loss in 10 matches was an eight-point loss to PINT back in Round 7 when a scoreless third quarter proved fatal.
The Tigers' search for a breakthrough premiership has Mickayla Ward, Cassie McWilliam, Hannah Garland, Sophie Hatzismalis, Gabrielle Deller and Sally Evans as its backbone.
Dean Rioli's first season in charge of the Tiwi women's side has been productive, with a greater hardness around the ball and better vision when the ball is in the players' hands evident on matchdays
The Bombers have a number of selective southern recruits beginning to make an impression and several pundits expect them to push hard for a finals berth when the competition resumes.
Palmerston played its way into the top five with a five-goal win over Southern Districts in the last game of the pre-Christmas season, while the Darwin Buffettes are only a game out of the top five following their Round 11 bye.
Dominique Carbone's return to the Double Blue camp has been productive and in-form Buffettes like Lucy Louis and Tayla Hart-Aluni will ensure a big shot at finals football in the last seven rounds.
Waratah's season of rebuilding after several experienced players left them has produced only one win after they were demolished by PINT in the last game before Christmas.
Southern Districts has been competitive despite winning only two games from 10 appearances before Christmas.
Emma Forsyth and forward Bonnie Brown and Michala Collins were impressive in early season wins over Waratah and Wanderers.
The Lady Eagles have continued to rebuild and have a lot of young players who will mature in coming seasons.