After three weeks of the NTFA women's competition, a provisional pecking order has been set, with all four sides facing off once.
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As Old Launcestonians, Scottsdale, Bridgenorth and Meander Valley prepare to do it all again, their coaches give an insight into the season's beginnings.
Old Launcestonians: First, 3-0 - 287.35 per cent.
Described during pre-season as raw and inexperienced, Mathew Murfett's side have come out and set the tone for the season.
Starting things off with a four-goal win against 2019 grand finalists Scottsdale, it was obvious the Blues weren't messing about and have backed it up week after week.
"We are obviously travelling pretty well. but we are not getting too ahead of ourselves and we know the other teams have got a lot more to offer," Murfett said.
The ladder-leaders boast two of the league's leading goalscorers with Jessica Ringrose (six) and recruit Marlia Richardson Green (five) leading the way.
"The forward line has been really clicking for us at the moment. They are obviously standing out in terms of goals scored but I think it's a real team effort up there, we have a good mix of talls and smalls that get the job done for us.
"Jane Astbury has been a big one for us in the midfield, she's really classy and just uses the ball really, really well.
"Down back, Macenzi Lloyd's been a real standout as well - real capable defender, one on one and her run and carry out of the back line has been awesome."
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Scottsdale: Second, 2-1 - 116.67 per cent.
After dropping their first game of the season, Scottsdale have found a way to click into gear - so much so it has surprised coach Cabel Hall.
"The cohesion of what's pretty much a brand new team is coming together probably quicker than I anticipated, which is really pleasing," he said.
"We are loving the fact that we are able to get out there and play footy."
Facing Old Launcestonians this week, Hall is looking for his side to restrict the Blues' upper echelon of players, allowing the Magpies to hit the scoreboard with regularity.
One player that has done so for the Magpies is ex-Blue Kate Minchin, who has been thrown forward several times this year after playing ruck in her debut season.
"Kate is a real competitor - she hates being beaten in any contest. She's probably equal to one of the fittest on our team and she's just a warrior on the ground - very athletic, can run all day and has proven to be versatile.
Bridgenorth: Third, 1-2 - 136.11 per cent.
Sitting within reach of the competition's top two is Bridgenorth, whose tight losses have shown just how close this season could be come the dying stages.
An eight-point loss to OLs and a two-pointer against Scottsdale mark the blemishes on the Parrots' record, with coach Bobby Beams saying his side is continually learning.
"It's a very close comp, with the two losses coming by under 10 points and anything can happen in any game," he said.
"Meander won't be too bad either, they will only get better - it's going to be a very good comp."
Charley Freeman-Finn and Brooke Morris lead the way on the scoreboard with five apiece - Morris scoring all of her's against Meander Valley and Freeman-Finn taking it one game at a time.
"Charley had never played footy before, so it's good that she's been able to kick a goal in every game, is really keen to learn and is loving it.
"Brooke played some great footy last year and has worked hard on her footy and her own personal strength in the time off and is having a really good season."
Alongside the forward pairing, Beams lauded the work of his defensive group as well as Caitlin Mulligan, Letitia Johnston, Maddy Whitney and ruck Holly Randall.
Meander Valley: Fourth, 0-3 - 32.12 per cent.
Finishing the first cycle at the bottom of the NTFA Shield women's table is Meander Valley but coach Beau Polley isn't that concerned about his side's future.
"Despite the 0-3 start, I think it's been pretty positive," he said.
"I think we've had 12 girls come in on permits, so obviously it takes a bit of time to gel together but it's been one quarter each game that's let us down and after that, we've found the pace of the other teams."
Leah Bryan has led the Suns' goalkicking tally so far this season, booting four majors throughout as three other names have stood out to coach Polley.
"Lily James is probably the first one that comes to mind, she's had an incredible start to the season so far.
"Charlotte [How], our captain, came in for her first game of the season last week and Claudia Gardiner has played well every game we've played."
ROUND FOUR
- 10.25am - Meander Valley v Bridgenorth at Westbury
- 11.50am - Old Launcestonians v Scottsdale at University
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