The 2024 TIO Central Australian Football League (CAFL) Senior Grand Finals are set following a fierce weekend of footy in Alice Springs. With the season's final game on the horizon, the quest for the 2024 TIO CAFL premiership is heating up.
In the Women’s division, West surged ahead early against Pioneer, taking a commanding 26-8 lead at the first break. Despite West’s early dominance, a spirited comeback from the Eagles, spurred by three goals in the second quarter, reduced the margin to just 13 points at halftime.
The third quarter saw a fiercely contested battle with only four points scored collectively, as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand. Pioneer made a strong push in the final term, scoring two goals to narrow the gap to just three points. However, West remained composed and secured their spot in the 2024 TIO CAFL Senior Women’s Grand Final with a decisive goal, winning by nine points.
Despite the tough loss, Pioneer’s Cammie De La Coeur, Kyanne Campbell, Bella Foster, Ella Fitz, and the prolific Samantha Hoogeveen-Hill had standout seasons.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Grand Final, Wests will rely on Caitlin Couch and Meg McGuiness, who each booted two goals and were pivotal in last week’s game. 2024 Margaret Liddle Medallist Jessica Harnischfeger, who will be aiming to cap off her outstanding season, along with Harriet Scandol and Kelsey Squire—both of whom made standout contributions last week—will be key players in the upcoming match.
In a thrilling Senior Men’s preliminary final, Pioneer delivered a heart-stopping one-point victory over Souths. The match showcased intense, high-pressure footy, with Pioneer managing to hold a narrow lead of one goal at the first break. Souths surged ahead in the second quarter, kicking five goals to lead by 13 points at halftime.
The third quarter saw Souths extend their lead to 23 points, putting Pioneer on the back foot. However, the Eagles mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring four goals and holding Souths scoreless in the final term to secure an extraordinary win.
Souths, despite the heartbreaking loss, had strong performances from 2024 Minahan Medallist Daniel Stafford, Jesiah Minor, and Orlando Turner, all under the leadership of captain Michael Tilmouth-Turner.
For Pioneer, Kane Sevallos played his usual strong game, with Matt Campbell making crucial contributions alongside Jackson Cole and Liam McDonald.
To see all divisions Grand Final matches and team lineups, please click here.
2024 TIO CAFL Grand Final Fixtures:
Women’s:
Grand Final – 2:00pm Saturday 7 September – Rovers v West
Men’s:
Grand Final – 4:00pm Saturday 7 September – Federal v Pioneer Eagles
AFLNT is proud to partner with Indigenous Community Television (ICTV) for this weekend's grand final matches, tune into the AFLNTv YouTube Channel to watch both the Senior Women’s and Men’s Grand Final live.
