The opening week of the 2025 Barkly Australian Football League finals has delivered high octane action, with Elliott booking both men’s and women’s sides into their respective grand finals.
In the women’s qualifying final, the Hawks stunned minor premiers Spitfires with a commanding 60-point victory. Elliott jumped out early with a three-goal opening term and never looked back, extending the margin at every break.
Jasmine Bathern starred with five goals in a best-on-ground display, while Shakana Rankine added three as the Spitfires struggled to contain Elliott’s forward firepower. Despite strong efforts from Ricquie Binning, Esther Kami and Rachel Baker, the Spitfires now face a do-or-die preliminary final.
The men’s qualifying final proved a thriller, with Elliott clawing back from a sluggish start to outlast YDU by 12 points. YDU dominated early with a three-goal first term, but Elliott responded with a four-goal surge in the third quarter to snatch the lead. With 5 minutes remaining in the last quarter, the scores were tied but 2 late goals saw the Hawks seal their grand final berth.
Leroy Jones was outstanding with three goals, supported by Anthony Raymond, Kendrick Albert and Lane Jackson, who added two majors. For YDU, Richard Dixon, Cy Hayes and Lyndon Chungaloo stood tall and will be key as they regroup for the preliminary final.
Meanwhile, BWC advanced in style with a 48-point win over Canteen Creek. After a tight opening, BWC broke the game open in the second quarter with six goals to one, establishing a lead the Blues couldn’t peg back.
Dion Burton (two goals), captain Tyrell Mick and Jason Burton were among the standouts for Canteen Creek. BWC, however, live to fight another day and remain firmly in the premiership race.
2025 BAFL Finals Week Two (Purkiss Reserve):
Women’s:
Preliminary Final – 1:30pm Saturday, 13 September: Sporties Spitfires v Epenarra Saints
Men’s:
Preliminary Final – 3:00pm, Saturday, 13 September: YDU v Barkly Work Camp
Epenarra progressed to the Preliminary Final after Canteen Creek forfeited their match.