Darwin Buffaloes vs. Waratah NTFL match cancelled following horrific injury

Two NTFL matches were called off after an Essendon-listed VFLW player suffered a severe lower leg injury, which left her waiting on the ground for ambos for more than two hours.

Tayla Hart-Aluni (#8) and her sister Keanne (#9). Picture: Patch Clapp.

Darwin Buffaloes premier league player and Essendon-listed VFLW medium forward Tayla Hunt-Aluni suffered a horrific lower leg injury at the weekend.

The Territorian was dumped to the ground in a tackle in the middle of the field early in the third quarter around 6.30pm during her side’s Round 8 clash against Waratah.

The severity of the injury quickly became apparent as umpires called time, ushering away both teams to return to their benches.

It is believed one of the 23-year-old’s leg’s ‘snapped’ as a result of the tackle, rendering her unable to move.

She remained in place on the field with family members, AFLNT staff and others by her side.

The Waratah vs. Darwin Buffaloes NTFL Round 8 game was called off. Picture: Darcy Jennings.

Once the 30 minute threshold was passed the match was called in Darwin’s favour in a 4.8 (32) to 0.2 (2) scoreline.

Hunt-Aluni remained on the field for more than an hour until paramedics arrived, administering pain relief medication and stabilising the injury.

Unfortunately, paramedics were unable to secure a unit to the field leaving Hunt-Aluni laying on the muddy outfield for even longer.

A talented junior footballer that has impressed through her teenage years, Hunt-Aluni has most recently been plying her trade in Victoria for the Bombers.

Making her debut in season 2023, the Territorian played four matches - receiving one best player nod.

Fast forward to season 2024 and Hunt-Aluni established herself as more of a regular, playing eight matches including round one of the finals against North Melbourne.

Darwin Buffaloes posted a statement to its Facebook page Sunday morning confirming Tayla Hart-Aluni suffered an injury during the Round 8 WPL clash at Gardens Oval. Picture: Facebook.

The Buffalo then made a cameo in the EDFL for Moonee Valley in which she played four matches and received four best player nods.

The men’s premier league clash due to follow Saturday’s women’s game was subsequently abandoned without play due to the time it took for Hunt-Aluni to be transferred from the field to hospital.

Darwin posted to its Facebook page early Sunday morning acknowledging the injury to one of its star players saying: “The WPL match was cut short in the 3rd quarter due one of our star midfielders sustaining a serious leg injury. Due to delay in the ambulance arriving, the MPL match was then abandoned. Our sympathy and best wishes are with Tayla and family.”