Three Indigenous footballers celebrated significant milestones in the Northern Territory Football League Women's Premier League competition over the weekend.
Darwin Buffettes champion Molly Althouse played her 100th Premier League game, while experienced teammate Sophia Mauboy reached the 150-game milestone.
Buffettes co-captain Keanne Hart-Aluni also had reason to celebrate, playing her 50th game at the highest level of Northern Territory women's football.
However, the occasion was soured by a heavy defeat to Nightcliff, with the Tigers recording an emphatic 10.13 (73) to 1.0 (6) victory to hand the Buffettes their first loss of the season.
Althouse has established herself as one of the competition's most decorated players since joining the Buffettes.
The versatile footballer claimed consecutive NTFL Women's Premier League best-and-fairest awards in 2021/22 and 2022/23, becoming just the third player in competition history to achieve the feat.
She is also a premiership player, three-time Darwin Buffettes club best-and-fairest winner and multiple NTFL representative.
Althouse has enjoyed an impressive football journey, having played in several competitions across Australia.
She previously established herself as a dominant player with the Cairns City Lions in Queensland and has also spent time playing football in Victoria and South Australia.
In 2023, she made an appearance for the Western Bulldogs' VFLW team, while she has also played SANFLW football with Glenelg.
Although capable of playing almost anywhere on the ground, Althouse has spent more time in attack this season.
The move paid immediate dividends, with the two-time league best-and-fairest winner booting eight goals across the opening three rounds to sit among the competition's leading goalkickers.
She was also named among the Buffettes' best players in each of those matches.
In a statement recognising her milestone, the Darwin Buffaloes Football Club praised Althouse's contribution to the club.
"Molly's achievements speak for themselves, but it's her passion, commitment, humility and leadership that truly make her such an important part of our club," the statement read.
The club also acknowledged her involvement in junior football, where she has helped develop the next generation of players through coaching.
Meanwhile, Mauboy's 150-game achievement was another significant moment for the Buffettes.
The reliable utility spent much of her career representing Wanderers before making the move to the Darwin Buffaloes.
A former Northern Territory representative, Mauboy has been a consistent contributor to women's football in the Top End.
"From her early days representing Wanderers to proudly pulling on the Double Blue guernsey, Sophia has continued to showcase her strength, skill and love for the game," the club said.
Hart-Aluni's 50-game milestone was also recognised, with the co-captain playing an important leadership role for the Buffettes this season.
Despite the disappointing result against Nightcliff, the weekend provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the three players to the club and the wider NTFL women's competition.
