For most people, the weekend signals a time for relaxation and fun.
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But for a group of four Katherine teachers the weekend means a six hour commute to Darwin to play in the AFL Women’s Premier League.
Pocket rocket Tracy Village player Melissa McCartney has won best on field at every game she has played this season.
“I love footy so much so the drive isn’t really a big issue for me,” McCartney said.
“It makes it all worth it when I get back to Katherine on Sunday nights and look back on the weekend and the game I have played.
“It is my first time playing in a premier league and it is really amazing. The big challenge for me is dealing with the weather,” she said.
“Either it is so hot you can fry and egg on your face or it is teeming with rain.”
McCartney will be playing in the Tracy Village clash against Palmerston this Saturday, for a spot in the semi finals.
“I am super pumped for the finals and hopefully we can pull it together for a win,” she said.
Katherine teachers Kiera Lansdown, Samantha Clarke and Alexandra Biggs all play for the Nightcliff Tigers.
Nightcliff club president Jeff Borella said it is hard for the girls to and go straight from the car onto the field.
“It is difficult for them, but they are all very talented,” Mr Borella said.
“They were already very skilled and competitive when they came, they just had to adjust to the pace of the league. The Katherine girls are some of the best players on the team.”
This season was the first time Melbourne born Kiera Lansdown has competed in a premier league.
She took home the coveted Best and Fairest award for the Tigers on the weekend.
“There is not much to do in Katherine during the wet season, so I don’t really mind all the travel,” Ms Lansdown said.
“We train down in Katherine, sometimes with the under 18 Big River Hawks team, but we do not get to train with our own team, which is our biggest downfall.
“It is really hard because the rest of the team obviously has a bond and we just come up for the games and have to leave straight after. It is difficult to make good connections with your team.”
