Week two of the 2024 TIO Central Australian Football League (CAFL) finals series has been locked in.
In the Women’s, Pioneer upset Alkamilya in the elimination final to keep their premiership chances alive.
The Eagles surged into the preliminary final after a dominant first quarter left Alkamilya trailing by 27 points at the break. Alkamilya fought back in the second term, scoring 21 points while Pioneer managed only two goals. However, Pioneer regained control in the second half, outscoring Alkamilya six goals to three.
Key performances from Ella Fitz, Bella Foster, and Cammie De La Coeur allowed key forward Samantha Hoogeveen-Hill to capitalise and make a significant impact on the scoreboard. Alkamilya, despite the loss, had a commendable season, with strong contributions from co-captains Hayley Maher and Kaitlyn Armstrong.
In another dramatic clash, Rovers secured a narrow victory in one of the season’s most exhilarating games, winning by just one point. Scoring was tough from the start, with both teams only managing four points in the first term. The Rovers added two more points in the second, setting the stage for a tense finish. In the final quarter, Caitlin Couch and Hannah Blaine each kicked a goal to narrow the margin to a single point. Despite a scoreless fourth quarter, the Rovers held on to clinch their Grand Final berth.
Ella Slape played a crucial role in keeping West in the lead, supported by Rania Shelford, Ebony Abbott-McCormack, and Lara Harding, whose consistent form proved vital in key moments. Although West's loss was heartbreaking, they have one more chance to make the Grand Final, with Rachel Davine and Bree Baker poised to be pivotal players.
In the Men’s division, Federal has positioned itself for back-to-back premierships with a commanding win over Souths in the qualifying final.
Dane Sampson (six goals) and Robby Bartee (five goals) showcased Federal's formidable credentials, exploiting Souths' struggles in front of goal and pushing their opponents out of contention. Abraham Ankers continued his stellar form with a dominant performance, while William Carlile and Sam LaPorta each contributed two goals.
Despite the setback, Souths have another opportunity to chase the title in the preliminary final, with Jesiah Minor, Orlando Turner, and Daniel Stafford set to be key players in their quest for victory.
In the elimination final, Pioneer ousted the Rovers with a 12-point win. After leading at halftime, the Rovers were unable to withstand a resurgent Eagles side. Kane Sevallos, Jackson Cole, and captain Cheyne Miles led Pioneer’s second-half turnaround, as they converted six goals from 14 scoring shots. Pioneer had struggled with accuracy early, managing only four goals and eight behinds by halftime.
The Rovers, led by Travis King, Stanley Waistcoat, and Lucas Ross, made a valiant effort in the fourth quarter with a quick four-goal surge. However, a scoreless third term proved costly, and they ran out of time.
The upcoming Preliminary Final between Souths and Pioneer promises to be a thrilling contest.
To be informed about team lineups, please click here.
2024 TIO CAFL Finals Week Two:
Women’s:
Preliminary Final – 2:30pm Saturday 31 August – West v Pioneer Eagles
Men’s:
Preliminary Final – 4:00pm Saturday 31 August – Souths v Pioneer Eagles
Both matches will be played at TIO Traeger Park.
