NTFAW season preview: Scottsdale snag Cuthbertson

The NTFA women's competition has grown from eight sides in 2019 to a 12-team roster this season and has benefitted from the disbandment of the statewide competition.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Coach: Cabel Hall

Captain: Alex Hall

Previous results: Premiers (2020), runners-up (2019)

Ins: Maggie Cuthbertson, Chloe Kerrison, Brittney Woolley, Kresta Davis, Miranda Oliver, Makaylah Lester, Kelsie Mitchell, Kylie Hawker, Ashley Bowen, Elise Cowley.

Outs: Keeley Lester, Briana Hinkley, Letitia Hancock, Tiesha Hinds, Montana Bowerman, Jessamy Stagoll.

COACH SAYS: "We have no real expectations, we are just really keen to get out there and compete.

"We've had big list changes again this year and I'm probably more excited about our first-year players and the talent they are bringing to the team.

"Maggie Cuthbertson brings a class level that we've never experienced before, so that's really exciting for our team as well and we are just hoping to continue growing and improving as a team.

"The first-year players have fitted in seamlessly, the improvement from all of them has been quite significant throughout the pre-season.

"They haven't had a big taste of game time yet but their improvement through training, skill level and fitness has been really pleasing."

Coach: Mark Prior

Co-captains: Macenzi Lloyd and Toni Scully

Previous results: Runners-up (2020), Sixth (2019)

Ins: Genevieve Dalco, Maddie Fry, Tayla Ronken, India Graham, Tanisha Kavanagh, Christina Kelly, Jade Maynard-Jones, Kadesha Bishop, Amber Murphy, Clare Robertson, Shayne Frankcombe.

Outs: Jessica Ringrose, Dana Lester, Emma Price, Larisa Barry, Jorjia Fulton, Nikita Jamson, Chelsea Ryan, Tegan Bailey, Brit Carter.

COACH SAYS: "We just want the girls to consistently build over the year - there are a lot of new players coming in that have never played the game.

"Making finals is what the ultimate goal is as a team.

"The girls are very willing, there's a lot to learn, it's a game you don't learn overnight AFL because there's a lot to learn in terms of skill set.

"They've put in a lot of work and they play the game hard, so they've been very good to be on board with."

Coach: Bobby Beams

Co-captains: Mikaela Clarke and Grace Walker

Previous results: Third (2020), Fourth (2019)

Ins: Emily McKinnell, Kartley Broad, Ebony Barrenger, Ella Rigby, Rubi Apted, Courtney Grice, Phoebe Ketchell, Maddie Howe, Penny Jeavons, Morgan Carlson, Shannon Bartels, Emma Summers, Shanaya Heazlewood, Tayla King.

Outs: Courtney Sharman, Brea Stokell, Paige Norris, Zara Broomby.

COACH SAYS: "Similar to each of the years we've been in here, we just want the girls to enjoy it, to improve and really embrace the club and embrace the sport.

"It's been a long pre-season because we started way back in November and it's May 1 before we are actually playing a rostered match but it's been good.

"We've had strong numbers on the track and it has just been a slow, steady build and we've had some good, hard hitouts in our practice matches we've had."

Coach: Scott Bellinger

Captain: Charlotte How

Previous results: Fourth (2020), Fifth (2019)

Ins: Sophie Townsend, Meg Wilkinson, Bree Bowen, Tiffany Whitney, Paige Maynard, Charlie Giddins, Abbey Bellchambers, Elena Grixti, Kaitlyn Shaw, Laura Davis, Sophie Johns, Des Austberry, Molly Spencer, Rebecca Hearps, Cleo Cresswell, Isabella Booth, Jessica Totham, Emily Macinnes.

Outs: Approximately 12 players.

COACH SAYS: "We want nothing more than week-on-week increment improvement on skills.

"When you're an experienced coach and 50 per cent of your list have never played the game before, for us it's not about the wins or the losses, it's about making sure that we can improve our skills and endeavour week on week.

"We've done things over the pre-season in regards to having four guest speakers, inviting six skills coaches, we've had people like Brennan Savage come out and do sessions with the girls, we've had personal trainers and professional business women come and do presentations on what it takes to be successful.

"We worked with Perth to have Dane Swan take a training session when he came over, it's all about giving them as much exposure as we possibly can, not just for on-field performance but off-field performance as well."