The round begins with a showdown between Wanderers and Palmerston at TIO Stadium. This match presents as a golden opportunity for Palmerston to notch back-to-back wins after a commanding performance against Waratah last weekend. Jorja Davey was superb with three goals, while Marika Carlton and Abbie Foster kicked two apiece. Shannon Murphy and Ella Ward were also standouts, setting the tone further up the field.
Wanderers endured a tough outing against St Marys and are still searching for their first goal of the season. They will be desperate to show improvement, but the Magpies will enter this clash as strong favourites.
Southern Districts will be hoping to cause an upset when they host PINT at Norbuilt Oval on Saturday.
The Crocs broke through for their first win of the season in Round 3, storming home from behind to defeat the Buffettes in a thrilling contest. Isabella Boyd, Maddi Shaw and Bella Clarke led the charge through the middle, while Stephanie Simmons and Eva Harris made the most of their chances in attack, finishing with two goals apiece.
Districts now face a PINT outfit that continues to impress as one of the competition’s most balanced and disciplined teams. The Greenants’ forward line has been potent across the opening rounds, while their defensive pressure and ability to transition from half-back have been key features of their success.
With both sides in form and stacked with talent, this shapes as one of the round’s headline clashes.
St Marys will face traditional rivals Tiwi Bombers on Saturday afternoon at TIO Stadium.
The Bombers will take heart from their spirited showing against PINT last weekend, battling hard in the testing midday conditions at TIO Stadium. However, they face another major challenge against a red-hot St Marys side full of confidence after a blistering start to the season.
Emerging star Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn and livewire forward Tahlia Fellows were unstoppable in last week’s big win over Wanderers, combining for ten goals, while Jesse McMillan and Grace Senior each added three of their own.
With the Saints’ attacking depth firing on all cylinders and their pressure through the middle setting the tone, they’ll be tough to stop as they continue to stake their claim as premiership favourites.
The final game of the round sees Nightcliff hosting Darwin under lights at Nightcliff Bendigo Community Bank Oval.
The Tigers return from a bye with an unbeaten 2-0 record following impressive wins over Tiwi and Southern Districts. After last season’s heartbreaking grand final loss, Nightcliff look a team on a mission and will be eager to maintain their early-season momentum.
Darwin, meanwhile, will be searching for redemption after a disappointing loss to Southern Districts last weekend. Despite the result, there were positives to take – former AFLW player Dom Carbone and TIO NTFL champion Molly Althouse were excellent through the midfield, while captain Bianca Stokes and Amelia Peck each kicked two goals to provide a spark up forward.
Both sides boast plenty of experience and star power, and with top-four implications already emerging, this one should be a fiercely contested encounter.
Stream the Wanderers v Palmerston Women's Premier League Clash live via the NT News and KommunityTV.