The first week of the 2024 SunCable Big Rivers Football League finals series has been set, promising a weekend packed with thrilling matchups across both the women's and men's divisions.
In the women's competition, Eastside, boasting a commendable record of seven wins and two losses this season, will take on the Arnhem Crows in the second semi-final. This pivotal clash is scheduled to take place at Tindal Oval on Saturday, July 27th, kicking off at 1:00 pm.
Arnhem's leading goal kicker, Jenna Singh Lippo, with an impressive tally of 16 goals, will team up with Lahlisha (Bush) Gordon, who has contributed 13 goals this season, aiming to secure their spot in the grand final. However, they will face stiff opposition from Eastside's star players like Lee-Shay Gillett and Brooke Campbell, alongside TIO NTFL's standout, Billie Byers. Their last encounter in round eight saw Eastside clinch victory by 16 points in a hard-fought, low-scoring affair.
Meanwhile, the Katherine Camels are set to host Katherine South in the first semi-final on Sunday, July 28th, also at Tindal Oval, starting at 1:00 pm.
Katherine South has endured a challenging season without a win in 2024 but will be determined to cause an upset against the Camels. Sarah Assmus, the Camels' captain, has been in formidable form with 13 goals in six games and has been named best player three times. Grace Senior, with nine goals from five games, poses another threat.
Katherine South will look to Madison Hohn and Harriet Rowe for inspiration, with Hohn earning best player honours eight times in eight matches and Rowe five times in seven games. Their previous encounter resulted in a dominant 87-point victory for the Camels, but Katherine South will be eager to show their growth and resilience.
In the men's division, the Arnhem Crows will face off against the Northern Warlpiri Swans in the first semi-final on Saturday, July 27th, at Tindal Oval.
Arnhem's Cassien Sambono, with 16 goals in seven games this season, will be pivotal for his team's success, supported by Tyrese Turner, who has impressed named in 4 out of 10 matches as best on. The clash promises to be intense as both teams vie for a chance to advance in the finals.
The weekend's action concludes with the second semi-final between the Katherine Camels and Ngukurr at Tindal Oval on Sunday, July 28th, kicking off at 3:00 pm.
Ngukurr, eyeing back-to-back titles after last season's premiership, will rely on the contributions of players like Tom Farrell and Kealyn Kelly. However, Katherine's Josh Carlin and Tristan Warner, with 30 and 23 goals respectively, have been key figures in their formidable season. The last encounter between these two teams saw Ngukurr edge out the Camels by 16 points, setting the stage for another gripping showdown.
To stay informed about any updates to this weekend's schedule, please click here.
2024 SunCable BRFL Finals Week One:
Women’s:
Second Semi Final – 1:00pm Saturday 27 July - Eastside v Arnhem Crows
First Semi Final – 1:00pm Sunday 28 July – Katherine Camels v Katherine South
Men’s:
First Semi Final – 3:00pm Saturday 27 July – Arnhem Crows v Northern Warlpiri Swans
Second Semi Final – 3:00pm Sunday 28 July – Katherine Camels v Ngukurr
