For the second consecutive year, the Spitfires and Elliott claimed the coveted 2024 SunCable Barkly Australian Football League (BAFL) premierships in their respective divisions, as hundreds of passionate fans flocked to Purkiss Reserve on Saturday.
Elliott in the Men’s, pulled off one of the most dramatic Grand Final victories in BAFL history, snatching the win after trailing for an astounding 75 minutes and 53 seconds of the 80-minute game.
YDU started strong, with Lyndon Chungaloo’s early brilliance helping secure the first two goals of the match. Although Elliott responded with two of their own, but YDU maintained the upper hand, closing the first quarter with a slender lead. The second quarter saw YDU dominate possession, kicking two goals but missing several opportunities, registering five behinds. Elliott managed a crucial goal six minutes before halftime, keeping them in the game with margin set to 17 points.
The halftime break rejuvenated Elliott, as they quickly reduced the deficit to just four points with two goals in two minutes. YDU answered with two of their own, but Elliott struck back late in the quarter to bring the margin down to single digits, despite YDU squandering several chances.
In the final quarter, YDU’s Ishmael Nandy appeared to have sealed the match with an early goal, but Elliott refused to back down. Phillip O’Keefe, who had shown incredible determination all day, kicked a crucial goal to reduce the margin to one point. YDU’s Clinton James temporarily extended the lead to eight points, but Hawks’ Kurt Raymond responded almost immediately. With just over four minutes left, Elliott took the lead for the first time, and as YDU’s energy waned, Elliott scored again in the dying moments, securing their second consecutive premiership.
O’Keefe’s relentless effort earned him the Best on Ground honours, while standout performances from Leroy Jones, Antonio Sandy, and Kurt and Tykan Raymond, who kicked three goals apiece—helped Elliott clinch victory.
YDU, though falling short, can hold their heads high after a stellar season. Clayton Hayes was exceptional, and NTFL Southern Districts star Stanley Waistcoat made a significant impact. Clinton James and Tyrell Green each kicked two goals, while Ishmael Nandy added three.
In the Women’s, Spitfires delivered a masterclass in dominance, led by the electrifying Thalia Kelly, whose skilful display established her team’s early supremacy by the close of the first quarter. With a commanding 19-point lead and Elliott yet to register a goal, the Spitfires’ confidence soared. Delaicee Hansen, fresh off her Central Australian Football League (CAFL) premiership win with the Rovers, was a standout, using her expert positioning and footwork to fend off any Hawks’ advances.
Despite their best efforts, Elliott struggled to find a way back into the contest. A glimmer of hope appeared with a lone goal in the third quarter, as vice-captain Lesteisha Timothy and Kayla Costello fought valiantly, supported by spirited performances from Aaliyah Raymond, Jasmine Bathern, and Nishanaye Thompson.
However, it was the Spitfires who sealed their victory with a fifth goal mid-way through the fourth, sparking celebrations across the field. Key contributions from Mikeely Fraser, Jazmine Fitz, and Jeanil Lopez, coupled with Rachel Baker’s two-goal performance, ensured a comprehensive win. Hansen’s dominance was rewarded with the Best on Ground medal, marking her second consecutive accolade in the BAFL.
