With just five rounds to the 2024 TIO Central Australian Football League (CAFL) finals series, every game grows in significance under the lights of TIO Traeger Park.
In the women’s, an inaccurate Rovers recorded win number eight for the season as West got over the line in a low-scoring clash.
The Rovers and Alkamilya started slowly, with neither team able to score in the first quarter. However, from the second quarter onward, the Rovers began creating scoring opportunities, albeit without great accuracy. Despite a promising performance that could have resulted in a significant victory, the Rovers' final scoreline of four goals and 17 behinds limited them to a 30-point win.
Brooke Wilson of the Rovers has been in exceptional form recently, once again earning the title of best on ground. Ebony Abbott-McCormack also made a notable impact with two goals, supported by Denika Braun's astute midfield play.
Alkamilya remained spirited as co-captains Hayley Maher and Kaitlyn Armstrong kept fighting.
It was anyone’s ball game in the West and Federal match as neither could gain momentum.
West got off to a blistering start with three quick goals, giving them a 12-point lead at the first break. However, their scoring momentum stalled thereafter, adding only 10 more points for the remainder of the game. Federal, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on West's scoring drought, managing only eight additional points beyond their quarter-time total.
Caitlin Couch of West proved pivotal with three match-winning goals. Dalyce Jenner, Tiffany Tregea, and Jessica Harnischfeger also showcased standout performances, bolstering their chances for recognition at the upcoming Minahan Medal ceremony with impressive showings over the weekend.
Unfortunately, the Pioneer and Souths game was forfeited.
In the men’s, Federal reasserted their dominance in the competition, with a big win, as Souths upset Pioneer in the Foster Webb Shield.
Abraham Ankers showcased Minahan Medal-worthy form on Saturday, delivering a standout performance with five goals as Federal cruised to a commanding 115-point victory.
Federal dominated right from the outset, notching five goals in both the first and second terms. Daniel Gorry, Jason Wilmot, and Ben Durkin stood out with outstanding contributions, while Copelan Ford proved dangerous up front with three goals.
Despite the loss, West had several standout performers on the day, notably Tanner Coulthard and Michael Langton, who delivered exceptional performances.
Souths have shaken up the premiership race with a crucial nine-point victory over Pioneer.
Throughout the match, Souths demonstrated exceptional ball movement, largely attributed to Orlando Turner, who continues to shine as one of the competition's top performers. Holding the lead from start to finish, Souths enjoyed a game-high advantage of 16 points at halftime.
Pioneer mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to just eight points. However, Jesiah Minor's relentless effort thwarted the Eagles' efforts to close the deficit.
Kane Sevallos and Waylon Manson provided strong leadership for Pioneer, but despite their efforts, Souths remained resilient and secured the win.
