BUFFETTES OUTSMART THE TIGERS
A SMART and composed display by the Darwin Buffettes has earned them an early entry into the NTFL women’s grand final after they beat Nightcliff Tigers 9.3 (57) to 4.3 (27) at TIO Stadium.
The Buffettes had control from the outset, putting constant pressure on the Nightcliff backline.
Molly Althouse was dominant in the midfield, as she has been all season, while Ebony Miller played a key linking role up forward to give her side every opportunity.
The Tigers, who had topped the table during the regular season, were able to withhold that pressure for some time with Sophie Hatzismalis hitting tackles left and right.
However, the Double Blues could not be contained forever and soon enough skipper Kylie Duggan slotted through the opening major from a tricky angle.
Nightcliff got into the scoring in the second quarter when young gun Cassie McWilliam made several impressive breaks down the field.
Her efforts and some important possessions from Eliza Morrison saw the side back in contention heading into the second half.
But the Buffettes never lost their composure, capitalising on their multiple scoring options
And when it came to hitting their targets across the ground, they were the better side.
Usual full-back Bianca Stokes went forward to take the opportunity to kick a goal, while Delsey Ah Wang contributed a double.
Miller got in the scoring in the fourth quarter – a reward for a big day’s effort in which her composed delivery deliv set up many goals.
“I It’s amazing to come away with the win. w It was a brilliant effort by all the girls,” g Miller said.
“W We dug deep, and it’s amazing to be into in the grand final.
“I’ve come back from Districts to my home club, Buffs, this year and to be straight into the grand final with w them is brilliant.
“It came down to our composure. The girls just worked hard all around the ground.
“It was a full team effort, and now n the focus is perfecting our game ga and ensuring we’re all in the right rig frame of mind.”
N Nightcliff earned itself some confidence fiden late in the match to carry into the preliminary p final, putting some possessions posse together as Kristy Irvine was able a to add a couple of goals.