The Ants, unbeaten premiers for the past four seasons, sit on top of the amalgamated Newcastle and Hunter RL and Newcastle RL Ladies League Tag competition on 23 points from 11 wins and one draw.

Their only loss in regular season matches over the past five seasons was to the Pickers, who won 14-0 in round seven to set the groundwork for an exciting ongoing rivalry.

Ants captain coach Shae Ross is relishing the opportunity to pit themselves against the Pickers again and atone for their loss earlier in the season.

"We had a few of our girls out, but it was a tough game they played well," Ross said.

"It will be good to see how we come up against them with what should be a full side this time.

"I can only imagine it is going to be tough, but those type of games are always good."

Ross will be asking her team to complete their sets and the one-percenters to overcome the Pickers.

"We really thrive off our kicking game. So we really need just to work as a team and stick to our game plan finishing our set with good kicks," he said.

The Ants' phenomenal run of success was overseen by coach Mick Akers for the four years with Ross taking the reigns as captain-coach this season.

"We were lucky enough to have Mick Akers coach us the for the last four years and I'm obviously trying to fill big shoes this year but all the girls have been fantastic.

"We are not only really close on the field, we get on well off the field as well. We not only have a great team culture, but all the girls are great to coach and play with.

"When Mick originally asked me last year to take over the coaching I wondered how I could fill the role.

"It is hard, I can't saying playing and coaching is something that come easily. I have had tough times this year but I'm just lucky I've got such a great team who have made it so much easier.

"They are all understanding and we work together."

Ross said although it was disappointing not all the Newcastle RL teams had fielded sides in the amalgamated competition it had been a huge boost to the game.

"To have more teams and have a higher level of women's football has been great for everyone," she said.

"I think it's seen a rise in skills and having different teams keeps the challenge there.

"It's just a bit unfortunate that some the Newcastle RL clubs didn't have tag teams this year, but it's been good to come up against some new teams for sure."

Maitland, Cessnock and Central Newcastle all field teams in the competition which also features Kotara, Stroud, Raymond Terrace and the Ants' fiercest rival over the past four years University.

The Ants defeated University in the past four grand finals, but the two teams have generally only been separated by a point or two.

The rivalry continues in 2021 with University in third place with 20 points.