Week one of the 2024 SunCable Barkly Australian Football League (BAFL) finals series fixture has been announced.
In the Women’s competition, The Spitfires sent a clear message to their competitors with a commanding win over YDU last Friday night. Their performance was nothing short of impressive, with five players scoring multiple goals. Dayna Dowling shone brightly, dominating the midfield with numerous clearances and two goals, while Ricquie Binning also made a significant impact. Rachel Baker led the scoring with a hat-trick of goals.
Despite YDU's narrow entry into the finals on points average, they'll need standout performances from Darrenia Carr, Shauna Upton, and Mollie Middleton, who were all exceptional over the weekend.
Elliott secured a crucial victory against the Epenarra Saints, thanks to strong contributions from vice-captain Jasmine Bathern, Shakana Rankine, and Nishanaye Thompson. The Hawks controlled the game from the start, limiting the Saints' entries inside 50 and dominating possession.
The Saints, making their finals debut this season, were led by notable performances from Naidene Butcher, Terena Casson, and Rachel Mills. However, they’ll face a tough challenge as both Glenys Peterson and Deborah Dickenson from the Saints, will be eager to make their mark.
In the Men’s division, the Spitfires delivered a confidence-boosting win over the Saints as they gear up for the premiership. Zachariah Limerick was outstanding, scoring five goals, while Faron James added three more. Captain Tyler Horwood and vice-captain Damian Bahr Kelly also contributed significantly, scoring two goals.
Although the Saints won’t advance to the finals, their season was noteworthy, with strong performances from Xavien Lewis, Riewoldt Ross, and Cedric Price.
Ali Curung secured their place in the finals with a dramatic come from behind victory against Barkly Work Camp (BWC). Despite trailing at each quarter break, the Kangaroos rallied in the final term, scoring three goals to BWC's one. Nicky Poulson, Asten Ross, and Jerome Haines were instrumental in this turnaround.
While BWC will miss out on the finals, they can be proud of their season, with Kieran Kingston and Alvin Williams making significant contributions.
YDU concluded the home and away season with a decisive win over the Eagles. Rico Billy-Joe, Clayton Hayes, and Lyndon Chungaloo led YDU to a comfortable victory, though the Eagles showed resilience with standout efforts from Michael Driver and Ezekiel Butcher despite being undermanned.
2024 SunCable BAFL Finals Week One:
Women’s:
Qualifying Final – 11:40am Saturday 31 August – Spitfires v Elliott Hawks
Elimination Final – 12:50pm Saturday 31 August – Epenarra Saints v YDU
Men’s:
Qualifying Final – 2:00pm Saturday 31 August – Elliott Hawks v Ali Curung
Elimination Final – 4:00pm Saturday 31 August – Spitfires v YDU
All matches will be played at Purkiss Reserve.
