The 2024 SunCable Big Rivers Football League season has wrapped up with a flourish of excitement and triumph. The Arnhem Crows and Katherine Camels emerged victorious, each securing their respective senior premierships in a season full of memorable moments and thrilling contests.
In the Senior Women’s Grand Final, the Arnhem Crows delivered a commanding performance to clinch back-to-back premierships. The match started with an explosive display from the Crows as Rianna Ryan and Jenna Singh-Lippo spearheaded their attack with the first three goals. Eastside, however, fought hard to regain momentum.
The second quarter saw a tense battle as neither team managed to score a goal, with both sides showing immense grit but struggling with untidy skills. The game intensified in the third term when Eastside’s vice-captain Lee-Shay Gillett kicked the first goal, only for Talisha Brown of the Crows to respond quickly.
Heading into the final quarter, the Crows held a 21-point lead. Eastside’s hopes were briefly revived when Skye King kicked a crucial goal within the first minute. However, it was Jonita Kingsley’s spectacular snap from the boundary and Gabrielle King’s contribution that sealed the victory for the Crows. The Arnhem Crows' fans, who travelled to Katherine, erupted in celebration as their team secured the premiership for the second time in two years.
Jenna Singh-Lippo, who had already made a mark by winning the league’s Women’s Best and Fairest award on Doug Kelly Medal night, was named Best on Ground for the grand final, further cementing her stellar season.
The Senior Men's Grand Final was a highly anticipated clash between the Katherine Camels and the Ngukurr Bulldogs. The game lived up to its hype with the Camels taking early control. Captain Lachlan Wareham and 2024 Doug Kelly Medallist Ricky Walsh scored the first two goals for the Camels. Ngukurr’s Dean Daniels answered with two goals of his own, and Jimmy Hall’s contribution gave the Bulldogs a lead at the first break.
The second quarter proved decisive as the Camels’ dominance became apparent. Goals from Oliver Oshea, Josh Carlin, and Lachlan Wareham extended the Camels’ lead, leaving the Bulldogs scrambling to counter their opponents' aggressive play.
The third term saw the Camels continue their offensive onslaught, scoring another five goals to Ngukurr’s three. Despite a valiant effort from Ngukurr in the final quarter, with contributions from Junior Jaragba, Chris Daniels, Dean Daniels, and Jimmy Hall, they fell short.
William Robinson of the Camels, who had been instrumental in both ruck and general play throughout the season, was awarded the Morris Medal for his outstanding performance in the grand final.
NT Football Competitions Manager, Leanne Bugg, praised the success of the 2024 SunCable BRFL season.
“We extend our congratulations to the 11 teams that competed in this year’s competitions,” she said.
“The exceptional effort in coordinating line-ups each week, the extensive travel undertaken by our community teams, and the celebration of our players—especially in the Women’s division—has been truly commendable.”
“With the support of the Katherine hub, we were fortunate to work with a community enthusiastic about enhancing our competition and achieving the best results for our game.”
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time and effort this season, from the staff who travelled every weekend to the clubs that adapted to any unforeseen changes, and to our sponsors and community partners. Together, we have built a strong partnership grounded in the spirit of the game.”
After the success of Round 6, we were proud to partner with Katherine West Health Board to endorse the Big Rivers Tackling Indigenous Smoking for the Grand Finals. The aim of the program and this partnership is to continue to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle within regional communities.
The full replays of the 2024 SunCable BRFL Grand Finals can be viewed via the AFLNTtv YouTube Channel.
