The NT News reveals the best five players of the top 25 Women’s Premier League list
AFLW stars, a Waratah stalwart and a Pint veteran are amongst the players who have made the top five. SEE WHO MADE IT HERE
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WOMEN’S football in the Northern Territory has come a long way since its formative years, moving from a mad scramble for the football to precise disposal by hand and foot and a fierce determination to succeed.
Today’s Women’s Premier League can boast several talented players, all of them capable of performing the many skills that come with competing at league level in contested situations that highlight the great Australian game.
The NT News put their top 25 NTFL women’s players from the first half of the 2020-21 NTFL season together this week. How do you rate them?
5. MACHAELIA ROBERTS (BUFFETTES)
A forward pocket with elite footwork and able to turn on a dime. Creates her own opportunities with fast leg speed and a deadly left foot. Hits the scoreboard regularly and is an intimidating inside 50 pressure player.
Played with Collingwood in the AFLW where her pace and ball skills stood out, assets she has brought back to the Buffettes in a seven-game stint that has produced eight goals.
The NT News reveals the first five players of the top 25 Women’s Premier League list -player’s 25-21
The NT News reveals the first five players of the top 25 Women’s Premier League list -player’s 20-16
The NT News reveals the first five players of the top 25 Women’s Premier League list -player’s 15-11
The NT News reveals the first five players of the top 25 Women’s Premier League list -player’s 10-6
4. CASSIE HENDERSON (PINT)
The 100-game veteran midfielder has been a popular figure at the Queenants for many years. In career best form and like teammate Katie Streader is hungry for that elusive premiership. Can play in the midfield, up forward or down back, depending on the match situation and any gaps that need to be filled.
In her side’s best players in five of their eight wins this season has become a matter of course for Henderson, one of her side’s genuinely great players.
3. JASMYN HEWETT (PINT)
Still listed by the Gold Coast Suns. A super athletic ruck who loves to go forward and has a big appetite for goals. Gives her players first use of the ball with her height and experience, while booting eight goals from her six games this season.
Will be a key player in PINT’s serious tilt at a first WPL flag with her marking and ability to bring teammates into the game.
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2. LISA ROBERTS (WARATAH)
The veteran Waratah utility has taken over coaching duties at Fannie Bay this season. The reigning Colleen Gwynne medallist as the WPL’s best and fairest player, Roberts can take a mark close to the ground or in the air and is a great reader of the play when the oppositon has the ball or it spills loose from a pack of players.
Plays primarily in the back line where her experience is crucial in turning defence into attack or short circuiting an opposition’s transition from defence.
But her forays forward are usually successful. Four goals in eight games prove her versatility when she moves forward of the centre circle.
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1. DANIELLE PONTER (ST MARY’S)
Adelaide Crows superstar has been in superb form. The complete package with her all-round skills and ability to play anywhere on the ground. The Saints won’t have her in the back half of the year because of AFLW commitments.
Played the first seven games of the season before heading to Adelaide to begin pre-season training with the Crows.
Kicked eight goals in her trips to the forward line, but got most of her big stats through half forward and the midfield where her experience and anticipation were big factors.
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