NTFL 2023-24: Watch Waratah v Nightcliff Tigers women’s knockout semifinal live stream

Nightcliff have staged a stunning fightback in searing conditions against Waratah to keep their finals dream alive. Watch the blistering last-gasp play which sealed the result in a full replay.

A blistering last-gasp goal propelled the Nightcliff women into a preliminary final, after they trailed for the majority of the day against Waratah.

The Tigers had the early deficit but they got back in a passionate display knowing defeat would knock them out of the competition for another year.

Watch the full replay in the window above

And it was a blistering goal from the ever-busy and speedy Sophie Berry which secured the side a 4.7 (31) to 4.1 (25) result and got the club’s faithful up on their feet.

Earlier in the piece it was all Waratah, taking advantage of an early injury from Hannah Garland, who would eventually return, to put the pressure down on what would be the scoring end.

From there skipper Kierra Zerafa stepped up to kick the opening goal of the match, proving her side would be in the contest even in the absence of one of their best, Stephanie O’Brien.

Sophie Berry boots the decisive goal in the Nightcliff vs Waratah 2023-24 NTFL women's knockout semifinal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cassandra Glover added another soon after, and it was only the speed of Sophie Hatzismalis in defence which kept a Jenna Sign-Lippo chance begging.

Tigers, however, quickly worked their way back into the contest using the reliable Mickayla Ward as their target up front, while Cassie McWilliam showed her abilities in the ruck.

Berry also showed herself as a valuable option up front as the Tigers surged back, and it was only the defensive, speedy efforts of Ruby O’Dwyer down back that denied Nightcliff of more goals.

Waratah did get back in front after Hayley Finning showed some ball smarts running through the Nightcliff defences, but it was one of their only moments in ascendancy.

Instead, Nightcliff had the majority of the chances, only missing because of some small inaccuracies and the steadfast defence of Waratah.

That was until Berry, who had offered plenty of promising leads, found herself in possession and nailed the decisive major from an angle to the celebration of her teammates.

Score:

Nightcliff: 0.0 3.3 3.4 4.7 (31)

Waratah: 2.1 3.1 4.1 4.1 (25)

Goals:

Nightcliff:

Sophie Berry 2

Mickayla Ward 2

Waratah:

Hayley Finning

Alysha Healy

Kierra Zerafa

Cassandra Glover

Best:

Nightcliff:

Mickayla Ward

Sophie Hatzismalis

Christy Landwehr

Cassie McWilliam

Sophie Berry

Waratah:

Ruby O’Dwyer

Kierra Zerafa

Hayley Finning

Lily Tastula

Brittany Daly

PREVIEW

There won’t be any second chances for these two women’s title aspirants — and judging by their previous encounters this season, predicting who progresses through to week three of the finals series is fraught with danger.

The NT News and KommunityTV will be at TIO Stadium to stream every moment of the big match from 12.15pm on Saturday.

Nightcliff have a formidable side, especially in the defence where skipper Hannah Turnbull runs the show, and they have proven they can hold their own against anyone.

Further forward, Cassie McWilliam and Mickayla Ward are both proven goalscorers. Ward has kicked 32 majors and been the best player on seven occasions this season.

And the input of Maighan Fogas in the midfield will be crucial to keep their title ambitions alive.

Nightcliff face Waratah on Saturday. Picture: Patch Clapp/AFLNT Media

Waratah are also fighting for survival and after coming out on top in their first finals challenge last weekend against Buffaloes, know what it’s like to have their backs against the wall.

Lisa Roberts and Jenna Singh Lippo brought plenty of x-factor and experience back to the side last week and the duo will again be important against the Tigers.

Stephanie O’Brien was another massive inclusion last weekend, dominating in the midfield, and she’s the one Nightcliff know they need to lock down.

A full replay will be posted here at the end of the game.

The NT News and AFL Northern Territory have come together in a partnership to live stream both the men’s and women’s Premier League games for this TIO NTFL season.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS THIS SEASON

Round 9 – Waratah won 8.5 (53) to 4.3 (27)

Waratah were in the middle of a seven-match winning run in this one, and showing great form as they looked likely to lock down third spot on the women’s table.

Molly Cooper, who has only played once since, was among the standouts for Tahs kicking a goal and making a nuisance of herself against strong opposition.

Jenna Singh Lippo and Grace Eden were also big performers, both scoring two goals, while Madeline Jeans and Ruby O’Dwyer more than held their own in defence.

For Nightcliff, it was a lot of the usual performers who led the way, namely Hannah Turnbull down back and Maighan Fogas who was a constant danger on the ball.

Round 18 – Nightcliff won 7.7 (49) to 4.0 (24)

The match where the Tigers foot their double finals chance, winning on their home deck and keeping their opposition to just four scoring shots.

Mickayla Ward booted four goals in a powerhouse performance to prove she would be a major player come finals time, while Maighan Fogas, Sophie Hatzismalis and Jasmine Ware again secured plenty of the ball.

Waratah put up some resistance with Victoria Winstanley scoring twice, while Cassandra Glover and Maya Netherway also hit the scoreboard.

It was overall another strong defensive showing from the Tigers with Hannah Turnbull once again starring in the backline, as she has done for the majority of the season.