Round 10 of the 2024 TIO Central Australian Football League took centre stage at Albrecht Oval and TIO Traeger Park as just eight games remain before finals.
West took a step closer to first place on the ladder after a convincing win as Alkamilya attempted to record their second win in a row.
Georgia Calub kicked three goals as West had a day out in a 54-point victory, but signs remain positive for Alkamilya, as their defensive six were resilient in holding out the attacks.
Harriet Scandol was best on ground for West, who found herself with plenty of the footy alongside Kelsey Squire, whose outstanding performance was also recognised. Hannah Murdoch was also lethal by foot delivering scoring opportunities on a silver plate.
But Alkamilya can keep their heads held up high, as Regan Maher-Moldrich was exceptional, with Teigan McCarty working overtime on both ends with captain Kaitlyn Armstrong recording a goal.
Meanwhile, Federal made headlines with a monumental 135-point triumph over a spirited Souths side, significantly boosting their season's percentage. The victory, their first of the season, came at a crucial juncture as Federal eyes a strong finish heading into the finals.
Federal's exceptional performance on the scoreboard reverberated as a testament to their determination and skill, eliciting jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike. Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, Souths continued to display unwavering commitment and resolve, showcasing their competitive spirit throughout the match.
Unfortunately, Rover's clash with Pioneer was forfeited.
In a thrilling round of Men's competition matches, the Rovers outclassed West while Pioneer secured another vital victory over Federal, intensifying the race at the top of the ladder.
The clash between West and the Rovers promised excitement from the outset. The first half saw a tightly contested battle, with a flurry of 17 goals exchanged between the teams. Despite West's efforts, the Rovers held a slender six-point lead going into halftime.
The momentum shifted decisively in the second half as the Rovers surged forward, kicking eight goals to West's three. This strong finish dashed any hopes West had of securing their second win of the season.
Adam Cullen shone brightly for the Rovers with a standout performance, netting three goals. Liam Byrne dominated in contested possessions, while Tosh Kunoth added two crucial goals to the tally. West's Sam Mader and Dominic Maher also put in commendable efforts, with Maher contributing five goals in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful bid.
Meanwhile, Pioneer continued their impressive form against Federal in a see-sawing encounter at Albrecht Oval. The match was evenly poised throughout, with the Eagles initially holding a six-point lead at the first break, only for Pioneer to reverse the advantage by halftime. Federal wrestled back control to lead by three points at the final break, setting the stage for a gripping final quarter.
Ultimately, it was Pioneer's Waylon Manson who proved to be the game changer, delivering a stellar performance with seven goals and earning best-on-ground honors. Xavier Hampton's exceptional midfield play and Luke Foster's physical presence were also instrumental in Pioneer's triumph.
Federal's Abraham Ankers almost single-handedly kept his team in the contest with a remarkable four-goal effort, but it wasn't enough to deny Pioneer, who now appear formidable contenders for the 2024 premiership title.
