AFLW prospect Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn has delivered a standout performance to propel St Mary's to a thrilling one-point victory in the Northern Territory Football League women's grand final.

The 17-year-old forward booted all three of her side's goals in their tense 3.5 (23) to 2.10 (22) win over Nightcliff at TIO Stadium on Saturday, capping off an outstanding debut season at senior level.

It was a nail-biting contest that came down to the final kick of the game, with Tigers forward Lucy Northcutt receiving the opportunity to kick on goal after the siren to win the match.

The kick faded to the left which sealed Saints' first premiership triumph in over a decade.

St Mary's coach Ryan Smith lauded Gardiner-Dunn's composure and impact on the game.

"I think her game was consistent," Smith told National Indigenous Times.

"She was probably the best four-quarter performer.

"Although she only finished with 10 touches, all of them were impactful."

Gardiner-Dunn's second-quarter heroics proved decisive, earning her the Williams Medal as best on ground.

Her stellar season has also seen her claim the NTFL's Rising Star award, finish third in her club's senior best-and-fairest, and take out the club's leading goalkicker title with 24 goals.

Smith credited Gardiner-Dunn's work ethic, which began with a committed pre-season campaign.

"Her foundations set through her pre-season were elite – she was always at the front with the running," he said.

"She got challenged a few times when we asked her to play two games on the weekend – her body had some breakdown issues – so we managed her load.

"She's been consistent all year, she's really hardworking and determined."

The performance has undoubtedly put Gardiner-Dunn on the radar of AFLW recruiters.

She was named in the 49-player squad for the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Girls program and has represented the Northern Territory at national level on multiple occasions.

Gardiner-Dunn also boasts strong football pedigree with her grandfather, Dennis Dunn, a legendary figure in the Top End and the NTFL's all-time leading goal kicker.

Smith believes the young gun has the potential to take her game to the next level.

"She's got some skills to work on (but) if she works hard on improving her diversity with skills, I think the sky is the limit to be honest, she's got everything else.

"She knows how to play, she's tough and she's fit – she would be a crafty forward or winger.

"We probably won't see her at St Mary's next year."