The NT News reveals the Women’s team of the year forwards of the NTFL 2020-21 season

THE NT News has chosen its best women’s side from players in the Women’s Premier League. Today we select our forwards. Find out WHO MAKES OUR BEST SIDE here

Darwin Buffette Ashanti Bush with a boot to the footy. Picture: Che Chorley

THE 20-21 Women’s Premier League season will be remembered for its lift in standard and big number of interstate recruits.

PINT dominated the home and away season, winning all 16 games under coach Rick Nolan while the Darwin Buffettes, St Mary’s, reigning premier Southern Districts and Nightcliff made up the top five.

It was also a season when several interstate recruits made the trek to Darwin to get the feel of a football after the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with competitions in the southern states.

Selecting a team of the year from a competition that outstripped any previous season for its skill and intensity was always going to be tough, particularly when several players from the top 25 from the mid-season report were left out.

HALF FORWARD - ASHANTI BUSH (DARWIN BUFFETTES)

Ashanti Bush has had a massive season for the Buffettes. Photo: Che Chorley

Has shot to the top of the league in terms of natural ability and aerobic capacity. Narrowly missed the top 25 player list early in the season but has accelerated her development in a 14-game stint that made her one of the most dangerous players in the competition. Hawthorn has sounded out the Barunga star to play in the VFLW this season.

The NT News reveals the Women’s team of the year back line of the NTFL 2020-21 season

The NT News reveals the Women’s team of the year midfield of the NTFL 2020-21 season

The NT News reveals the Women’s team of the year interchange of the NTFL 2020-21 season

CENTRE HALF FORWARD - MICKAYLA WARD (NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS)

Nightcliff’s Mickayla Ward has been an asset for Tigers. Picture: Tymunna Clements / AFLNT Media

A former captain of VFLW side Western Bulldogs, Ward played 13 games and kicked 16 goals in her second season in the NTFL with the Tigers. A smart forward with big weapons in contested marking and hardness in a contest who can kick a goal from a long way out.

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HALF FORWARD - DOMINIQUE CARBONE (DARWIN BUFFETTES)

Star Buffettes midfielder Dom Carbone about to snap the football. Picture Celina Whan /AFLNT Media

Best suited to a midfield role but can play across half forward where her ability to get to a contest and find the ball is crucial to the Buffaloes’ game plan. A no-nonsense player who is hard at the contest and efficient with delivery by hand or foot. Played Round 1 of the VFLW with the Box Hill Hawks last week where club offiicials were rapt with her high workrate.

FORWARD POCKET - JASMINE ANDERSON (ST MARY’S)

Jasmine Anderson dives for the football in wet conditions. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The sister of North Melbourne’s Jed Anderson and Carlton defender Joe who played a handful of games with AFLW club Adelaide. A goalkicking on baller, Anderson was in Saints’ best players on 10 occasions after crossing from the Buffettes at the start of the season.

FULL FORWARD - LISA MICELI (WARATAH)

Lisa Miceli finished as the league’s leading goalkicker. Picture: Che Chorley

The league’s leading goalkicker with 37 majors in 16 minor round games, averaging almost three goals a game in her 13 appearances for the red and whites. Bags of nine goals against Wanderers and five out of six in a losing effort against the Buffettes were highlights of her season.

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FORWARD POCKET - MOLLY ALTHOUSE (DARWIN BUFFETTES)

Buffette Molly Althouse fires out a handpass. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

A clever ruck-forward who can push forward or back depending on the state of the game. Played 13 games in the minor rounds and was a key player in the Buffettes’ big win over St Mary’s in the elimination final. Her strong marking at centre half-forward or in the goalsquare adds another edge to her game.