NTFL 2022-23: Watch Darwin Buffettes vs Nightcliff Tigers women elimination final livestream

Darwin Buffettes announced they’re still genuine contenders after navigating their way through the elimination final against a resilient Nightcliff. WATCH THE REPLAY.

Reigning premier, Darwin Buffettes navigated their way through the elimination final against a resilient Nightcliff and announced they are not about to readily relinquish the title.

The Buffettes led at every change and ran out 3.5 (23) to 2.4 (16) victors.

Buffettes started strongly and spent most of the first term in their forward half and were rewarded with goals from Bianca Stokes at the six-minute mark and then a long bomb from Lucy Louis sailed through two minutes later.

The Tigers managed to push forward late in the term, but a set shot missed and only a minor score was posted.

Ebony Miller, Michaelia Roberts and Stokes were proving an early obstacle for the Tigers while defenders Hannah Turnbull and Sophie Hatzismalis were working overtime in defence for Nightcliff.

The second term was a battle and neither side was able to score with the ball spending most time between the 50m arcs and no clear forward movement was allowed.

In the third, an early shot from Nightcliff’s Cassie McWilliam fell short and the Buffettes surged forward and were rewarded when Stephanie Fomekong goaled from a kick which just cleared the outstretched hand of Tiger defenders.

Both sides were tiring in the heavy conditions and while Nightcliff rallied and goaled through Deontae Greenoff and McWilliam, their dominance was not fully reflected on the scoreboard and the gritty double-blues held on.

Buffette coach Melinda Taylor was relieved after the game and suggested her players took the foot off the pedal but learned a valuable lesson.

“We jumped out of the blocks and set the game up early, and while Nightcliff came home strongly, I think the girls took their foot off the pedal a little too early,” Taylor said.

“Mentally we were strong today and while Nightcliff tried to take us on physically the girls stuck to our game plan and the win was the result.

“It rained during the game, but the ground held up pretty well but a few of the girls got hand injuries so picking up the ball was difficult for them but a win is a win and we move on.”

Score:

Buffettes: 2.2 2.2 3.4 3.5 (23)

Nightcliff: 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.4 (16)

Goals:

Buffettes:

Bianca Stokes

Lucy Louis

Stephanie Fomekong

Nightcliff:

Deontae Greenoff

Cassie McWilliam

Best

Buffettes:

Ebony Miller

Machaelia Roberts

Imara Cameron

Elisa Niki

Freda Wosomo

Nightcliff:

Hannah Turnbull

Sophie Hatzismalis

Olivia Hatzismalis

Christy Landwehr

Cassie McWilliam

LIVESTREAM PREVIEW

Last season’s grand final sides the Darwin Buffettes and Nightcliff Tigers will meet in what promises to be an intense elimination final.

And the NT News will be there to livestream all the action exclusively for you from 12.15pm, Saturday.

It was the Buffettes who triumphed in last year’s grand final, and on form they would fancy their chances to grab the win once again.

They’re a side who has struggled at times to get all players on the field, but has absolutely fired since the Christmas break.

Molly Althouse and Crystal Browne will be two players to look out for, while a few of the Buffettes’ younger troops can also be counted on to bring some excitement.

Nightcliff won’t be a side to roll over and can cause issues on their day, despite form being against them in this match-up in recent times.

The Darwin Buffettes will take on the Nightcliff Tigers in the women’s elimination final. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

The Tigers have a spread of quality players including defender Sophie Hatzimalis and goal kicking duo Cassie McWilliam and Mickayla Ward.

If you are attempting to cast the livestream or replay to a television, the best result can be achieved by either using a laptop/computer or a mobile phone.

The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to livestream Men’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.